Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto!
Summary: What if, their relationship falters over a misunderstanding? Is there still a chance for love? Follow Neji and Sakura through a series of romantic encounters, drawing them closer and resolving their misunderstandings. NejixSaku. Slow burn.
Naruto was preparing to marry his one true love, Hinata. Neji, the best man, is tasked with teaching Sakura, the maid of honor, how to waltz. If fate wouldn't bring them together, perhaps a little nudge from Hinata would.
Author Notes: Obviously canon divergence. Rated M for smut and lemons.
Timeline: Three years after the Fourth Shinobi World War. Sakura is 20 years old, while Neji is 21. Neji lived.
Chapter 1 Prologue
Sakura had spent two long years in the blazing heat of Sunagakure. When Suna's medical division invited her for a three-year research program, she saw it as a chance to make groundbreaking advancements in medical ninjutsu. The desert was no joke, but the work was important, and the ties between her village and theirs had never been better. It was an opportunity she couldn't resist, partly because it got her out of Konoha while Sasuke was pressuring her about marriage. She wasn't ready to become a 'baby-making machine' for the Uchiha clan just yet. She had respectfully declined his proposal; she cared for him but didn't want that life.
Three months back, she got Naruto's wedding invite. She missed his inauguration last year and wasn't about to skip his big day this time—especially since Hinata picked her as maid of honor, a meaningful nod to their deep bond since the war and after saving Neji. Pausing her project in Suna, Sakura hopped on a train back home. As she stepped off, familiar scents of Konoha filled her lungs after two years away. The towering faces of the seven Hokage greeted her, and she savored the moment of homecoming. The village was vibrant and rebuilt—the bustling streets proof of peace well earned.
As Sakura wandered the familiar streets, she spotted Ino instructing young Genin in chakra control at the academy. It sparked memories of their own genin days and pride in how far they'd come. Before returning, she had called Ino, who eagerly updated her on all things Konoha—like Sasuke's surprise engagement to a fiery-haired kunoichi, Karin. Sakura was genuinely happy for him. Oddly enough, she felt at peace with it—happy even—knowing she'd moved on too, focusing on personal growth during her time away from home, growing in ways she'd never imagined.
Catching up felt so great! Catching up after all that time felt so good! As they chatted, Sakura couldn't help but notice how naturally everything fell into place, like no time had passed at all. Despite the time apart, their friendship was rock solid.
"Mint Bar at 8?" Ino suggested. "The girls are dying to see you too!"
Sakura nodded with a grin, excited about reuniting with other kunoichi.
Sakura entered the Hokage office with a smile on her face. She saw her old friend Naruto, who wore his Hokage hat slightly askew and had his spiky blonde hair neatly shaved. Two years in Suna had passed quickly, but it felt like no time had passed at all.
Naruto's face lit up when he saw her. He leaped from his chair and wrapped her in a bear hug, lifting her off her feet. Sakura was glad to see his lively spirit still intact and his enthusiasm infectious as ever. He towered over her, the weight of leadership suiting him well.
Hinata, standing nearby, giggled softly at Naruto's antics. She welcomed Sakura back and expressed her happiness that she made it for the wedding. Sakura congratulated Hinata, noting her glowing appearance and excitement for the upcoming wedding.
Sakura then reached into her bag and produced an envelope, revealing a honeymoon getaway package for Naruto and Hinata. The pink-haired woman had visited the island before and was enticed by its incredible spring water and therapeutic benefits. Naruto was oblivious to Hinata's embarrassment as he excitedly talked about spending alone time together.
With the wedding just a month away, the three friends fell into easy conversation. After catching up, Naruto reluctantly returned to his duties, eyeing the tower of paperwork on his desk.
Suddenly, the door swung open and Uchiha Sasuke strode in, his dark cloak billowing behind him. Sakura looked at her ex, his once unruly dark locks now tamed into a loose ponytail. Despite his composed appearance, a flicker of surprise crossed his face when he saw the cherry blossom.
It had been a year since their breakup. After the war, Sasuke sought forgiveness for his past wrongdoings, but there was one bond he couldn't mend. He had always imagined Sakura as his matriarch, upholding his clan's legacy. However, the gap between them appeared insurmountable. Karin had been his steadfast companion, and he resolved to rebuild his clan with her.
Sakura's unexpected return from Suna disrupted his carefully constructed world. They exchanged brief, polite words, with Sasuke asking if they could talk. Sakura declined, stating she had plans with her friends. His stone face betrayed a hint of disappointment.
Sensing the awkwardness, the Hokage interjected and told Sasuke to leave his report, which he would review later. The Uchiha placed his mission scroll on the desk and left, casting a final glance at Sakura before closing the door softly behind him.
When Naruto heard about their breakup, he felt a twinge of sadness but wasn't surprised. He always supported Sakura and Sasuke, hoping they would find peace. Sakura had been through a lot, waiting for Sasuke and dealing with his betrayal. Sasuke, on the other hand, had his own demons to fight. Naruto decided to sit this one out, hoping both of them would find the peace they deserved.
Sakura let out a long sigh of relief. It had been over a year since she successfully dodged any run-ins with Sasuke, and it felt like a weight lifted off her shoulders. Naruto and Hinata exchanged looks, picking up on her expression.
"Hey, you okay?" Naruto asked, genuinely concerned.
"Yeah, I'm good, just wiped out from that long trip back from Suna," she replied with a smile, trying to brush off their worry.
Hinata picked up on the mood and smoothly changed the topic. "So, Sakura, where are you planning to stay?" She knew that after the war, Sakura had lost her home and everything she owned. Her parents had taken off on some fancy world tour once peace was established.
"I thought about crashing at Ino's place, but..."
"But you don't want to be the third wheel?" Hinata guessed with a knowing grin.
"Exactly," Sakura laughed.
"Why not stay with us at my place?" Hinata offered like it was no big deal.
Sakura hesitated. "Are you sure it wouldn't be a hassle?"
Naruto jumped in enthusiastically. "Come on! There's tons of room at the Hyuuga compound. Plus, it'll be awesome having you around, Sakura-chan!"
"Absolutely! It's no problem at all," Hinata added.
"Alright then," Sakura chuckled, "how can I say no?"
"Great!" Hinata clapped her hands excitedly. "Oh, and by the way – we've found someone for you to walk with at the wedding."
"Oh yeah?" Sakura raised an eyebrow, interested.
"It's Neji-niisan!" Hinata announced cheerfully. "He's the best man, and since you're maid of honor..."
"Neji?" Sakura echoed with a smile. She wasn't surprised about Neji being Naruto's best man. He was such a big part of their lives now, especially after everything they'd been through and everything he did to help get Hinata and Naruto together. His recovery had been a beacon of hope for everyone, including Sakura. "That totally makes sense. I mean, he's been there for you guys forever."
Hinata giggled, "Yeah, and I knew you'd be okay with it. Niisan's looking forward to it. He even asked me if you'd be okay walking with him."
Sakura smiled, remembering their past interactions. "Oh really? Now I'm curious about what he thought I'd say!"
Hinata leaned in conspiratorially. "We have this wedding party dance—it's a tradition—but don't worry about it too much." She added with a wink, "He'll teach you to waltz."
"Thank goodness!" Sakura let out a big sigh of relief but then froze as it hit her. "Waltzing? With him?" She jumped up from her seat in surprise as it dawned on her just what she'd signed up for—dancing lessons with the stoic man sounded both intriguing and slightly nerve-wracking.
Hinata giggled at her friend's reaction. "Hey, it's part of your maid of honor duties," she reassured. "Niisan's got a solid reputation for being socially polished in our clan! You'll do great with him."
Sakura nodded, finally understanding why the Hyuugas were always so polite and refined. Maybe dancing with the prodigy would be more interesting than she thought.
"But wait," Sakura said suddenly, recalling something else, "Shouldn't he be practicing with his fiancée though? You know, that Otsutsuki heiress he got engaged to like two summers ago?"
"Oh, about that... That engagement's off; they broke up like six months ago." She winked mischievously. "But hey, their loss is your win! Now you've got an awesome dance teacher. That's partly why I invited you over— to make those dance sessions smoother."
"Hinata! Are you trying to set us up?" Sakura asked, surprised by how little the idea bothered her.
"Is it that obvious?" Hinata laughed softly.
"You've been talking about your cousin all day."
Naruto leaned back in his chair, listening to the conversation unfold with a grin plastered across his face. He had opted to sit behind his Hokage desk, catching up on paperwork but also thoroughly entertained by the lively exchanges between them.
"Hey, don't look at me," he chimed in from the sidelines, chuckling. "Hinata-chan's been planning this wedding down to the last detail. I'm just here to make sure everything goes smoothly!"
Sakura shot him a playful glare. "You've got your hands full being Hokage and now playing matchmaker too?"
Naruto shrugged, raising his hands innocently. "I just do what my wife tells me! Oh, trust me—you haven't seen anything yet!"
The cherry blossom could feel her excitement growing as she imagined waltzing with the Hyuuga at the wedding. The idea was surprisingly pleasant.
Hinata giggled, nodding in agreement as she turned back to Sakura. "See? Even Naruto-kun approves!" In her mind, Sakura and Neji were perfect for each other—even if they didn't see it themselves yet. Sakura's vibrant energy seemed to balance her cousin's serious nature perfectly. She'd seen how he loosened up around the pink-haired girl and how her eyes lit up when they chatted about chakra control and medical jutsu.
Their friendship used to be so effortless, but somehow it had drifted apart. Maybe there was some misunderstanding that never got cleared up? Whatever it was, it bugged Hinata to see two people she cared about missing out on something potentially amazing. If destiny wasn't lending a hand, maybe she could give it a gentle push.
"I just thought... well, you guys were so great together before. He's been buried in missions lately; maybe you could bring him back to life a bit? I always wondered if there might be more between you two. I never got why things changed."
Sakura sighed, a touch of nostalgia in her voice. Memories of the serious yet charming Hyuuga popped into her mind, she felt a small flutter of excitement at the thought of him. "I'm not sure why we drifted apart either. But are you sure this is the right time? Especially since he just broke off his engagement..."
"Sometimes healing comes from opening up to new possibilities," Hinata suggested. "Maybe it's just time for you guys to reconnect and see where it goes."
"Maybe you're right," Sakura admitted, recalling their shared laughter on missions and inside jokes only they understood. "Thanks for caring about us—even if your matchmaking skills need some work."
Hinata grinned widely before suddenly exclaiming, "Oh! We still need to pick out your dress!"
"W-wait—!" Sakura stammered as she grabbed her bag and let herself get dragged away from the Hokage office by an eager kunoichi.
"Good luck!" Naruto called after them playfully.
Naruto watched them go with fond amusement before returning to his duties. Being Hokage was no joke—constant meetings and a mountain of paperwork. His girl's matchmaking scheme for their best friends caught his interest. He recalled Sakura turning down Sasuke, which was shocking but somehow fitting. She'd matured, and maybe her feelings had too.
And then there was Neji. Over the years, Naruto had really come to admire him. As he thought about it more, he figured the Hyuuga's calm and wise nature might be just what Sakura needed. Naruto chuckled, amused at how much he liked the idea of them together. Who would've thought he'd be rooting for such an unlikely pair?
Sakura and Hinata stepped into the town's most prestigious bridal boutique, where powerful clans and nobles shopped for their big days. The place was all glitz and glam, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm, inviting glow over everything. Soft music played in the background, wrapping them in a vibe of fancy elegance. Naruto's upcoming wedding called for something spectacular, worthy of his status and the respected clan he was joining.
As they walked up to the staff to check out Sakura's custom gown, a senior stylist along with her two assistants led them to a special dressing room reserved just for the Hyuuga family. In the main hall, three stunning gowns were displayed, with the wedding dress in soft gold at the center, shimmering with rhinestones. Its delicate design left Sakura speechless.
The bridal consultant handed Sakura a pretty lavender bridesmaid dress. But then Hinata surprised her with another custom-made dress in burgundy, complete with Sakura's name on the hanger. Excitedly, they encouraged her to try both dresses on.
The bridal consultant presented Sakura with a lovely lavender bridesmaids' dress. To her surprise, Hinata revealed another custom-made dress in deep burgundy, with Sakura's name on the hanger. Excited, they urged the pink-haired kunoichi to try on both stunning dresses.
First up was the lavender dress, and when Sakura stepped out, she looked stunning. The halterneck style showed off her shoulders beautifully while a pair of gold heels—courtesy of an assistant—finished off her look perfectly.
Hinata clapped her hands in excitement, thinking how well it suited the kunoichi's natural beauty. Sakura beamed back, happy that it felt as good as it looked. An assistant chimed in too, praising how amazing she looked.
Back in the dressing room, Sakura slipped into the burgundy dress and nervously stepped out again, biting her lip at the daring slit showing off her thigh. "So, uh... what do you think of this one?" she asked Hinata, trying to read her friend's face.
Hinata paused, then smiled. "It's bold but beautiful—just like you. Don't worry about showing a little skin!"
Sakura loved how the dress hugged her curves and the neckline dipped low, hinting at her cleavage. The rich crimson color was her favorite, making her feel glamorous yet a bit exposed.
The bridal stylist piped up, "I agree with Hinata-sama. This dress has a subtle allure. You look striking, really!"
Encouraged by their support, Sakura twirled in front of the mirror, gaining confidence with each spin. She smiled at her reflection, feeling ready to dazzle. Grateful for their kind words and especially for Hinata's stress-relieving support during gown shopping. As Sakura changed back into her own clothes, she noticed two impeccably tailored men's suits hanging next to her rack.
Hinata glanced over and said, "Those suits are for Neji-niisan. We picked them to match Naruto-kun's suits last month. He looked great in them!"
The cherry blossom pictured the Hyuuga prodigy in those suits: the white suit exuding elegance and sophistication or the black tuxedo radiating undeniable charm. Her heart skipped a beat just thinking about it.
Hinata remembered that day perfectly. Neji, always the helpful cousin and best man, got pulled into trying on groomsman suits while Naruto checked out groom's options. It was pure luck that the man was in town then.
The boutique was packed with stylish options, each sharper than the last. Even though he wasn't the groom, Neji stole the show unexpectedly. Freshly single post-breakup, he'd turned into Konoha's hottest bachelor overnight. Seeing him in a tux? A rare treat. As he tried on suits, the store staff buzzed around him like they were drawn by magic. Their hands seemed to have a mind of their own during measurements, lingering a tad too long on his toned physique and occasionally venturing dangerously close to off-limits areas. It was too close and personal for his comfort zone typically allowed! His white eyes met hers, silently pleading for rescue while they fawned over his 'perfect proportions'.
Sakura noticed how everyone in the boutique practically swooned when they heard his name—either it was his aura or those abs that had them all worked up. She felt an unexpected pang of jealousy rise within her.
End Note: Testing the waters of writing after a long break. No bashing, or he might stop writing again!
There will be about 15 chapters in total.
Favorite, follow & review! Will speed me up.