Chapter 19:

Pressure

In the days that followed, no one had really heard much from Kiba. It didn't take long for Sakura to start worrying. She tried to keep calm, but the unease in her heart kept growing.

One afternoon, as she went to the riverside dam and sure enough, found Hinata.

"Hey," Sakura greeted her warmly. "Are you waiting for Kiba?"

"No actually. I'm waiting for Neji-niisan," she replied softly. "Kiba's away on a political clan meeting outside the village. You didn't know that?"

Sakura shook her head. "I thought he might be back," Sakura said, disappointed. "I was wondering... Have you... umm... heard from him lately?" Sakura asked casually, though her concern was evident in her tone.

Hinata looked thoughtful for a moment before replying, "Not really. I thought he was actually occupied with you these days," she shrugged. "But I assume his duties have gotten quite tough. After the war, things have gotten very demanding for him. He's been under a lot of pressure from his clan lately."

Sakura nodded, trying to reassure herself.

"I wonder if I should tell you this," she began, hesitating. "He was quite upset after your... argument. But... he always looks forward to spending time with you. So... don't worry about it. He'll reach out to you himself when he gets back."

Sakura's unease lingered as she watched children play in the distance and was reminded of something which had intrigued her thoughts earlier in the cabin, when Kiba had mentioned taking romantic advice from Hinata. Kiba and Hinata had been friends for so long, and they were perhaps closer to each other than she herself was with Naruto nowadays.

"Hinata," Sakura began, her voice soft but nervous. "You know so much about him. Forgive me if this sounds out of the way, but have you ever… I don't know, ever felt anything for Kiba? Like, maybe a childhood crush or something? You two are really close, so it's just something dumb which came across my mind recently."

Hinata blinked in surprise, her pale eyes widening just a fraction before she smiled gently. She had anticipated this question at some point, but it still caught her off guard. For a moment, she considered telling Sakura the truth - that yes, once upon a time, she had harbored a small crush on Kiba. It was during their early academy days, when Kiba's wild energy and loyalty reminded her so much of Naruto, who had always been her first love.

But instead, Hinata gave a different response, one that wouldn't complicate things.

"I spent a lot of time trying to catch up to Kiba and Shino," Hinata said, her voice calm and thoughtful. "They were always so strong, and I felt like I had to work twice as hard to keep up. There wasn't much time to think about anything else. There was always so much... pressure."

Sakura nodded vehemently, understanding the sentiment completely. She had gone through the same with her own teammates, Naruto and Sasuke, always feeling like she was chasing after them, never quite their equal. She told her as much.

"I get that," Sakura said, sighing. "It's just... I don't know. I don't think I ever paid so much attention to his personal life in the past to know all these things about him. I've... I've been wondering about Kiba and me a lot lately. He's amazing, and I care about him so much, but..."

Hinata smiled again, a little sadly this time, but she didn't press. She wasn't one to meddle in the affairs of others, especially when it came to love. She hoped Sakura wouldn't ask her about other girls he's been with in the past. She didn't want him getting into any sort of trouble. So she waited for her to continue.

Just then, Neji finally approached the two, having caught the tail end of their conversation. His keen eyes darted between them, sensing the worry in Sakura's voice and the slight tension in Hinata's face.

"What're you pressured about, Hinata-sama?" Neji asked, his tone gentle but firm as he addressed her. He had noticed her pensive expression from afar ever since the conversation had started. "Perhaps I can ease your burden."

Hinata glanced at him briefly before shying away. "It's nothing, Neji-niisan. We were just talking about… um... old memories. About our teammates."

Neji raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced but respectful of his cousin's privacy. Still, he had a habit of observing closely, and Sakura's unease hadn't escape his notice either.

Sakura, on the other hand, looked back at him confusedly. Perhaps there was something in Ino's hypothesis. She noticed how increasingly overprotective of Hinata he was becoming these days - even more so if that was possible.

"Hmm," he muttered, crossing his arms. "Old memories can have more of an impact on the present than we realize."

"I'm just worried about Kiba," Sakura explained, still looking at him with a raised eyebrow. "I was wondering where he is. We haven't exactly seen each other since the past couple of days. Hinata was telling me that he's been under a lot of pressure from his clan lately."

"Clan responsibilities can be quite demanding," Neji nodded. "They seldom leave time for much else. You'll get used to it, of course."

"I wouldn't know. Makes me so glad I'm not a part of any clan," Sakura declared.

Hinata and Neji both turned to look at each other, puzzled, wondering the same thing.

How did Sakura expect to stay with someone like Kiba, a future alpha of his clan, and shy away from clan responsibilities?

Had she not considered the repercussions at all? Or did she not envision a future with him?

It wasn't in the habit of the Hyūga to press, and they waited patiently for her to say more. But Sakura didn't offer any further clarification either.

"Um, Sakura-san..." Hinata began but felt Neji's gaze on her. She turned, and saw him silently shake his head.

Later that evening, Neji was sitting with Tenten at the training grounds, waiting for Lee to arrive for their usual practice session. Neji, still curious about the conversation with Sakura, casually mentioned it to her, hoping for her insight.

Tenten's reaction, however, was not what he expected. Her expression immediately soured, her brows furrowing in displeasure. She let out a short, irritated sigh and crossed her arms tightly across her chest.

"You know, Neji," Tenten began, sharp and unfiltered as always, "I'm worried about Kiba. I've got a bad feeling that he's setting himself up for a major heartbreak."

Neji frowned, puzzled by her sudden shift in mood. "What do you mean? Kiba and Sakura seem to be getting along well enough. More than that, might I add. He recently approached me for advice as well and I can assure you that he's quite serious about her."

Tenten rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "That's just it. Kiba is falling too hard and too fast. He's head over heels for Sakura, we can all see that, but she's always been the type to hold back. I don't trust it."

Neji tilted his head, genuinely surprised. "You think Sakura doesn't care for him? She came asking after him today."

Tenten shrugged, looking away. "It's not that she doesn't care. It's just… well, let's be honest. Sakura has a history of chasing after men she can't have - like Sasuke, for instance. And when someone is there for her, like Kiba, and even Naruto and Lee, she hesitates. Same with Ino, honestly. She and Sakura have this habit of stringing men along, focusing on the ones who are out of reach."

Neji, amused, shook his head. "People change, Tenten. Love changes people, and I think Sakura genuinely cares for Kiba. Relationships take time to develop. Are you sure your distrust is not just... stinginess over Lee's past infatuation with her?"

Tenten sighed, still unconvinced. "Perhaps. But I hope you're right, Neji, and that's all there is to it. You're more of an expert on this, obviously, and I don't pretend to know anything about love. But I've seen enough of these situations to know that Kiba's heart is at risk. He's all in, and I don't know if Sakura will ever fully let herself be. If she doesn't figure it out soon, Kiba's going to end up hurt. And I'm not even talking about the clan bullshit you people have going on which makes every partnership political. I for one know Sakura won't handle that pressure. Only someone belonging to a clan can understand that sort of responsibility and take it into consideration."

"She'd be stupid not to have considered the implications of dating someone from a clan," Neji argued, defending her. "She's quite smart. She's also not the type who has meaningless flings. I think she loves him, even if not in the same way as him yet, but she'll get there I believe."

"Sakura?" Tenten snorted. "I hate to say it but I feel she only loves herself. She's selfish and only goes after things she wants, and never appreciates the things which fall on her lap. I know she's a good friend of yours, and you should look out for her by making her face this truth and end things with Kiba before she sinks further into this quicksand and drags him down with her."

Neji stayed quiet for a moment, pondering her words. Tenten had a point, but he didn't want to believe that Sakura was incapable of loving Kiba fully. He had seen how much she had grown, how dedicated she was to those she cared about. Still, the truth was, Sakura was battling her own demons, and no one could rush her to the finish line.

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see," Neji finally said, his voice measured. "But I trust that love, real love, has a way of working itself out."

Tenten leaned back, watching the sunset as it painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. "Yeah, well, I hope for Kiba's sake that you're right."

The following evening, Sakura met with Ino at The Yellow Flash, one of their locals.

"Do you think he's just... busy?" Sakura asked, unable to hide the worry in her voice. "He should've been back by now but I still haven't heard from him."

Ino, sipping her drink, gave her a sympathetic look. "It's Kiba we're talking about. He gets completely out of it when he goes for a run and, sometimes, he disappears for days. I wouldn't worry too much."

Sakura nodded, but the anxiety still nagged.

"Well, well, well. Your boy's gone quiet, huh?" A melodic female voice called out.

They both turned around to see Precious sitting at the bar, casually slurping a milkshake. "I'm not surprised," she continued when she had their attention.

Sakura frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Maybe he just got bored of you," Precious said with a nonchalant shrug, sidling by their table.

Sakura's eyes widened in shock. "What? No, that's not-he wouldn't…" she trailed off.

"Guys like that, wild types, they move on quickly," Precious added with a smirk. "Don't take it personally. They just like to have fun and then poof, they're gone."

Sakura clenched her jaw. "That's not it," she said firmly, though her mind was now racing with doubt. What if Precious was right? What if Kiba had gotten what he wanted, and now he was pulling away?

She shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought. "He wouldn't just… no. Shut the hell up."

Precious smirked, leaning in as if to share a secret. "I wouldn't be surprised if he got what he wanted from you and is already bored. After all, men like him don't tend to stick around for long once the thrill is gone. You're not the first girl to think a guy's totally into her, only for him to disappear once he's gotten what he wanted."

Sakura's fingers clenched on the tabletop, the splinters breaking into her skin. "Kiba's not like that."

Precious shrugged, her smirk widening. "If you say so. But it's been days, right? Of course he's moved on. He's a wild one. Did he tell you he'll always be there for you? That you can count on him? Did he say what you both had was special? That he hasn't ever felt that way about anyone before? Oh sweetie. Don't tell me you were gullible enough to fall for that load of crap. He's a junkyard dog. He doesn't belong to anybody."

Sakura felt a pit form in her stomach as Precious's words echoed in her mind. What if Kiba had gotten what he wanted and now was pulling away? Had she pushed him so much that she drove him away for good? The thought made her chest tighten, and she could barely hold back her frustration.

"I don't have time for your crap," Sakura snapped.

Precious's eyes were cold, despite the smirk on her face. "I heard you've always had a thing for future clan heads. I knew I recognised you that day. I've heard your name. Haruno Sakura, an expert in chasing after clan leaders. It's like that's what you're really after, right? Position, power… That's what matters more to you than love. Guess you've got a thing for men with power."

Sakura's stomach twisted. "Fucking repeating yourself won't make your trash talk true," she said defensively. Is that how people really saw her?

"Oh, come on," Precious continued, her tone dripping in malice. "You chased after Uchiha Sasuke for years, but he was way out of your league. And now, you set your sights on the Inuzuka Alpha, trying to force him to settle down as well. It's almost a pattern, isn't it?"

Ino bristled, glaring at her. "Fuck off, Precious," she finally snapped, intruding. "Don't listen to this bitch, Sakura. She's just jealous that Kiba chose you over her."

Precious's words had cut deep, and though Sakura tried to brush them off, they replayed in her mind long after she had walked away, her mocking laughter ringing in her ears.

She found herself wondering if there was any truth in them.

Was it true? Was Kiba really pulling away now that things had gotten serious? Had he just been after the thrill? Did he decide he didn't want to wait for her?

Was she just a conquest after all?

A few more days went by and he still hadn't contacted her. Walking by Ichiraku's, she met Naruto.

"Hi Sakura-chan!" he greeted her when she sat next to him. "Did you need something? Or someone?" He laughed as he guarded himself, expecting a hit.

She studied him, trying to judge what Kiba may have discussed with him.

Had he told them about their fight? Or had he bragged to the boys about how he had had his way with her, that he had won their silly competition of the past?

No. Sakura shook her head firmly, trying to clear her thoughts. Kiba wasn't like that. He wouldn't just disappear because he was bored. He definitely wouldn't end things with her without even telling her. He had more than convinced her that he really cared about her.

But still, the nagging doubts lingered, and the growing silence from him only made them worse.

"As a matter of fact, yes," she said, deciding to throw caution to the winds. "Do you think he's even still interested?"

Naruto's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You serious? I'm surprised that thought even crossed your mind. The guy's nuts about you. Is it about the picnic? I'm sorry Sakura-chan, I was just teasing. You know that's what I do."

"But I haven't heard from him in so long," she confessed, shifting her eyes away. "We... sort of had an argument, and... I said some stuff."

"Oh," Naruto said. After a while, he hesitated. "I wonder if I should tell you this..."

"What?" Sakura pressed. "Has he said anything to you?"

"Well... Yes. I met him yesterday at the Hokage's office," Naruto revealed. "I think he just got back. He stayed there quite a bit. Didn't Ino tell you? She talked to him for a while. I think he told her to give you some message too."

"He can tell me whatever he wants himself," she interrupted.

"He wouldn't tell me though, despite me insisting," Naruto continued. "But he did tell me that... ummm..."

"What?" she pressed, glaring at him.

"He..." Naruto gulped. "It's his private mess. It's better if you heard from him."

She crossed her arms and huffed crossly.

"Why don't you drop by his house?" Naruto suggested. "There's no way in hell he'd ever be able to resist the sight of you, whatever it is you must've said."

She nodded. If he was avoiding her, she'd get to the bottom of it.

She walked with purpose, determined to see for herself what was going on. As she neared his place through the compound, voices caught her attention.

Inside, she could hear a woman's loud, stern voice echoing through the hallway. "You've got responsibilities, so act like the alpha you're supposed to be!"

Sakura paused outside, startled. She heard Kiba grumbling in response, sounding like a wounded pup. "I am responsible Ma! It's not like I'm slacking off…"

"Really?" The voice, obviously his mother, shot back, dripping in sarcasm and disbelief. "You've been running off doing who knows what! Your clan needs you. Shape up, or I'll make sure you do."

Sakura bit her lip, feeling awkward as she stood outside, overhearing the heated conversation.

Kiba's voice followed, loud and defensive. "Leave me alone Ma! I just wanted to go for a run!"

"Run after girls you mean?" His mother scoffed. "You can't just run off sniffing under girls' skirts whenever you feel like it. This clan needs a strong alpha, not someone who disappears for days on end."

Sakura felt her stomach twist. She hated eavesdropping but was too stunned to knock just yet.

However, her presence didn't stay hidden for long. Just then, one of the hounds from the compound came up to her and barked, setting off the others in the distance one after the other, announcing her arrival.

She flinched, but steadied herself, trying to shush the dog. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the door.

The voices inside had already paused, and after a brief shuffle, the door was opened by the Inuzuka matriarch herself.

Tsume Inuzuka's presence was demanding, and Sakura felt like cowering, but managed to meet her sharp eyes, which softened slightly when she saw Sakura standing there. "Hello there. Sakura, right?" she greeted with a warm smile.

Sakura nodded, feeling a bit out of place. "Uh, yeah… I was just here to-"

Before she could finish, Tsume cut in. "Here to see Kiba, I assume? Come on in. You're just in time for tea," she said with a knowing grin before stepping aside to let her in.

Kiba, who had been slouching in the corner, shot up when he heard and saw Sakura. His face turned a deep shade of red in embarrassment. "Uh, Sakura! Now's… not a good time. I'll... see you later," he muttered.

Sakura smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "Sounds like you're getting your ass handed to you."

Kiba groaned, rubbing the back of his neck.

Tsume let out a bark of laughter. "Feisty. I like this one. Perhaps you can help knock some sense into this dog," She turned towards Kiba. "You should start taking things more seriously and stop acting like a mongrel in heat," Tsume cut in, crossing her arms. "Or do I need to remind you in front of Sakura?"

Kiba grumbled under his breath, rubbing his face, clearly mortified. "I get it, Ma… Please, stop already."

Tsume, with her usual gruff charm, ushered Sakura into the living room.

"I didn't mean to intrude..." Sakura began.

"Don't be ridiculous. You're not intruding," Tsume waved off Sakura's polite apology with a flick of her hand, the corner of her mouth curling in what might pass for a smile. "Besides, you're here for Kiba, right? If you ask me, you seem like you're more than capable of the task of handling him. He's been running off like a stray dog, sniffing around gods know what, and I've had to keep his leash tighter."

Sakura smiled awkwardly, feeling completely out of place in a home she had been alone in and felt so comfortable only a few weeks ago.

As Tsume disappeared into the kitchen to prepare tea, the room fell into a tense, awkward silence as she took a seat next to Kiba.

He fidgeted on the couch, scratching the back of his head as if searching for the right words. Finally, he spoke, his voice lower and more serious than usual.

"Sakura... I'm sorry I haven't been in touch." He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. "I've just been... angry. I didn't wanna say anything and make things worse between us."

"No, I'm sorry, Kiba," she replied. "I shouldn't have pushed you."

Kiba shook his head and took her hands. "Ma's been on my case non-stop lately, piling more and more duties on me. It's been suffocating. I barely have time to breathe, let alone-" He cut himself off, shaking his head in frustration. "I... I tried staying away for a while longer after a task, on purpose, to go for a run and escape everything. Just for a few days. So I could have some time to myself in the forest, and she... caught me. What's scary is that she always knows exactly what I'm thinking. And I'm not hearing the end of it since then. I thought our mind-link was just with our ninken, but apparently as Alpha, you need to be connected with the entire clan and she's been after my ass to train harder. We're not the Yamanakas, for fuck's sake. But she says I'm slacking, and I need to up my training..."

Sakura observed the weight of exhaustion on his face. She shook her head gently, her hand trailing up to hold his cheek. "You don't have to apologize. I was just worried because I haven't heard anything from you in so long. I didn't mean to drop by unannounced. I just heard from Naruto that you were back, so I just thought I'll come over, and um... check where things are between us."

Kiba exhaled and closed his eyes, drinking in the feel of her hand, as if drawing strength from her. He leaned forward, pressing his forehead gently against hers. His warm breath mingled with hers in the quiet space between them, and for a moment, they simply stood still, sharing the silence.

"You're the only light in my life these days," Kiba confessed softly. The defensive tone he had taken with his mother shifted into vulnerability. He closed his eyes, sighing in defeat, his voice laced in exhaustion. "I'm so damn tired of trying to live up to everyone's expectations - my mom's, the clan's… It feels like no matter what I do, it's never enough." He held her hands and his grip tightened slightly. "But with you... I don't have to pretend. I don't have to be the perfect son or a stupid alpha. I can just… be me."

Sakura's heart swelled at his words and tears erupted in her eyes. "You don't have to carry it all alone," she whispered, brushing a thumb over his knuckles. "I'm here, okay? I told you. You don't always have to be strong."

Kiba opened his eyes, staring into hers with a mixture of gratitude and relief. "Thank you," he said quietly.

The moment lingered between them, intimate and raw, before the sound of Tsume bustling back from the kitchen interrupted them. Kiba pulled away slightly, giving Sakura's hands one last squeeze.

Tsume appeared with a tray, raising an eyebrow. "Well, don't stop on my account," she teased lightly, setting the tea down and taking a seat. "If you two need to talk, I can always leave."

Kiba flushed, looking away, but Sakura simply smiled and shook her head. "We're fine, Lady Inuzuka. Thank you for the tea."

Tsume sipped her tea. A knowing smirk kept flickering on her face, as though she was quietly amused. Sakura quietly reached for a cup, poured two teaspoons of sugar into it, and stirred. She handed it to Kiba before taking one herself. The look of extreme tenderness on his face as he gazed at her and accepted the cup was not missed by Tsume. She could see clear as day the deep bond that was clearly forming between her son and Sakura.

Meanwhile, Sakura couldn't shake the feeling that Tsume had overheard more of their conversation than she let on. There was something about Tsume's demeanor that hinted at approval - but perhaps not of the exact words exchanged.

Tsume finally broke the silence. "So, Sakura," she began, her sharp eyes glinting with curiosity. "How are your parents doing these days? I don't think we've met."

Caught off guard, Sakura took a moment to gather her thoughts. "Oh, they're doing well, thank you for asking," she replied with a polite smile.

"That's good to hear," Tsume nodded. "They're your only bonds? No siblings? Relatives?"

Sakura shook her head. "I'm afraid not. They're not from a prestigious clan or anything. I have relatives outside the village, but I've never had the chance to meet some of them."

Tsume nodded thoughtfully, setting her teacup down with a soft clink. She glanced over at Kiba, her gaze hardening just slightly. "Bonds are important," she said, almost as if she was transitioning back into the lecture she had given her son earlier. "Responsibilities are heavy, especially when you're in line to lead a clan. You can't do it alone. A leader needs a strong mate by their side, someone who not only supports them but strengthens them. You won't know, Sakura, but clan dynamics depend on that partnership."

Sakura wondered how any of it related to her but nodded just the same. Kiba opened his mouth to argue but Tsume raised her hand to silence him.

"Every Alpha needs a strong mate by their side," his mother continued. "It only makes them stronger, more prone to leadership when they have a partner's support. But that doesn't mean that bonds can't break. It's important to consider everything before forming attachments."

"Ma, please, not in front of Sakura," Kiba moaned, burying his face in his hands.

"She needs to hear this too," she snapped. "Looking at you two, you appear to have a strong bond already, almost as if you were fated." Tsume took another sip of tea, judging Sakura's reaction. Kiba blushed profusely, choking on his breath. Sakura's eyes widened, her face burning hot.

"I'm sorry if this was forward. It's just quite strange and rare to see, which is why I feel you should know what you're getting yourselves into," the Lady Inuzuka carried on. Sakura felt her pulse quicken, her heartbeat in her ears.

"You'll scare her away Ma," Kiba groaned painfully, begging his mother to stop talking.

"Your father chose to break his bond with me boy, because he also got scared," Tsume snapped. "This is why it's very important to choose a strong partner, not a cowardly wimp. A partner who supports you and brings out your best side."

She turned to Sakura once more and she flinched but her gaze was much kinder to her. "That goes for you too, Sakura. Don't take anything I say to heart, dear. When my partner left, it was incredibly hard for me to move on, the pain was almost unbearable. But I had my pups to take care of, and that was what kept me going. My children are my bonds. And someday, if fate has it, you will have yours too."

Tsume's words were more than just general observations. Sakura's mind raced as she nodded along, trying to keep calm and composed. Her ears were burning.

This was too much. She knew exactly what Tsume was implying, but she and Kiba had only been dating for a few weeks. Was she already being seen as someone who might share in his clan's future? Was she ready for that?

"Oh gods," Kiba shifted uncomfortably, suffocating from embarrassment. "Ma, I told you, Hana-niichan's the one you should..."

Tsume continued speaking, her tone firm but not unkind. "It's not just about love or affection. A strong mate knows when to step up, when to lead, and when to let their partner carry the weight. That's what makes a clan survive through the hard times."

Sakura felt her chest tighten even more. She had never really thought about what it meant to be with someone who was destined to lead a clan. It was daunting if not downright unnerving.

Her relationship with Kiba had started as something fun and lighthearted, a way for her to finally feel free after the years she had spent chasing Sasuke and struggling with unrequited feelings. She had been enjoying this new chapter of her life, but now Tsume's words were bringing a different reality into focus - one Sakura wasn't sure she would ever be prepared for.

"Don't get me wrong dear. I don't mean to pressure you in any way," Tsume said, getting up and collecting the dishes. "I just wanted to let you know since the beginning what may be expected of an Inuzuka mate, if you ever consider becoming one. This ass here isn't ready to take over the clan any time soon, so I'm speaking quite into the future. Use this time wisely to study the bond you have. You're adults, and you can make your own mistakes. But as a mother, my job is to warn you both about it at least once."

As Tsume left the room to tend to something else, the silence between Sakura and Kiba grew heavy.

Kiba finally broke it, his voice quiet. "I'm so sorry about all that," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "She's been meaning to catch you for quite awhile and obviously have this conversation. My mother... She can be a barefaced bitch."

Sakura's eyes widened in disbelief at the words he chose to refer to his mother. "It's nothing to swear about you know."

Kiba looked at her confusedly. "When did I swear?"

She realized that that was just how the Inuzukas talked; they attributed canine qualities to each other. Just like how his mother had called him a horny mongrel. She giggled, and some of the tension was lifted. She had noticed it before in Kiba's speech, but it'd still take some getting used to.

He continued looking at her confusedly, but offered a weak smile when he saw her giggling. "What I meant was... she has this way of making things seem a lot more serious than they need to be. I don't want you to feel pressured by all this clan stuff. You don't have to concern yourself over anything, trust me. I didn't want you involved in any of this. It's my burden to carry, not yours."

Sakura shook her head slowly, her mind racing faster than a raikiri. "No, Kiba, it's not just your burden. I... get what she's saying," she admitted, her voice soft but thoughtful. "Being with someone like you - someone with those kinds of responsibilities even if in the future - it comes with expectations. You're going to be a leader one day, and... a partner plays a role in that too. It's not just about being there for you emotionally." She glanced down, biting her lip, unsure of how to articulate what she was feeling. She griped her knees tightly.

Kiba reached for her hands again, his grip warm and steady. "I don't want you to feel like you have to prove anything or live up to anyone's standards," he said earnestly, leaning in closer. "We've only been dating a few weeks. I don't expect you to take on all this clan stuff right now. Hell, I'm not even sure I'm ready for it. Hana-niichan carries me as much as she can. Just... just ignore it. Forget what she said."

Sakura smiled weakly, appreciating his attempt to reassure her, but deep down she couldn't ignore what Tsume had said. A partner did have expectations. She understood now why most clans like the Hyūga were so close-knit and preferred endogamy. It wasn't just to preserve their kekke-genkai.

Kiba had been there for her when she needed to vent about Sasuke, when she was hurting and frustrated. He had listened, supported her without asking for anything in return. She knew, on some level, that being with him meant she would have to take on a similar role. Tsume was right, it wasn't just about love or romance - there was a future here, one that involved more than just the two of them.

"I know," she whispered, squeezing his hands back gently. "But if we're going to make this work... I need to be prepared for what comes with it. I need to understand what it means to be by your side."

He didn't let go of her hand. "I get it. I don't want to push you into anything you're not ready for. You've been through a lot, I know that. I already told you-."

Taking a deep breath, Sakura looked at him, her eyes earnest and filled with regret. "Yes. I'm not ready for the kind of commitment I think you or your family are looking for. I'm still recovering from everything I went through with Sasuke, and…" She hesitated, feeling vulnerable. "I don't want to lead you on or make promises I can't keep. I'm not even sure if... if we have a future. But I do care about you. I really do."

Kiba's brow furrowed as he processed her words. "Sakura, it's too early for that. You don't have to-"

She cut him off gently. "I just want to be honest with you. I can't be the perfect partner right now. But I'll do the best I can to be there for you, if you'll let me."

For a moment, Kiba didn't say anything, his expression torn between disappointment and understanding.

"My mom loves driving away girls I bring home," he joked with a weak grin. "I don't want her to have that satisfaction just yet with you. There's no rush, no pressure - just you and me. I'll wait for you as long as it takes. Just… don't shut me out, okay?"

Sakura smiled, a wave of relief washing over her. "I won't. I promise."