Breakfast came quickly, though it was the last thing Sasuke felt like focusing on. The chirping of birds outside his window cut through the stillness of the morning, dragging him from the haze of sleep. The new house—his family's new home—felt… off. Too clean. Too modern. Nothing like the old Uchiha estate. Sasuke ran a hand through his wet hair, standing in front of the mirror for a moment longer than usual, as if waiting for the reflection to somehow remind him where he was.
The simplicity of the Uchiha compound had always suited him—dark woods, quiet corners, and the weight of history surrounding him. This new place, with its sleek furniture and open spaces, felt alien. But he would adapt. He always did.
When he finally made his way downstairs, the smell of breakfast greeted him. The table was already set—bright and inviting, filled with a mix of fruits, steamed rice, and other healthy dishes his mother always prepared. Sasuke's eyes flicked over the spread. It was as if nothing had changed.
She still insists on feeding me like I'm a child, he thought, though the faintest sense of warmth bubbled beneath his annoyance. It was always the same. Her kindness, her insistence on making sure he ate well, despite the years of distance between them.
Sasuke sat at the table, taking the first bite of rice, his eyes flicking over the spread before him. His mother, Mikoto, smiled as she passed him a bowl full of cherry tomatoes, her hands gentle as ever.
"Good morning, Sasuke," she said softly, her voice warm with affection.
"Good morning," Sasuke muttered, barely looking up. Because of last night he wasn't in the mood to talk, but his mother always tried to make mornings pleasant.
"How did you sleep?" Mikoto asked, her voice soft and warm. She was always the one to break the silence in the mornings, her calm presence grounding everything around her.
"Fine," Sasuke replied, keeping his gaze down. He didn't want to worry his mother, so he kept it simple. His mind was elsewhere—on the upcoming conversation with his father, on the question that had been hanging over him since his return: What was he supposed to do now?
"Good," Mikoto smiled, handing him another bowl of soup. "You know, I tried a new recipe today. I hope it's to your liking."
Sasuke glanced up, meeting her eyes for a moment. "It's fine, Mother. Thanks."
Mikoto's smile softened, but there was a flicker of concern in her eyes. She could tell something was on Sasuke's mind, but she said nothing, simply allowing the peaceful quiet to settle again.
Fugaku sat across from Sasuke, his posture always immaculate, but today there was a different air about him—more relaxed than usual.
Fugaku and Mikoto exchanged words, though their attention often drifted toward their son, as though they were waiting for him to speak.
Sasuke took a deep breath, trying to find the words to say what had been on his mind since he returned home. The question he'd avoided asking himself for so long now burned in his chest. What comes next?
Now that he was back, Sasuke didn't want to be an intern anymore. He wanted to be a part of the force, to contribute more fully to the village and to his family's legacy.
Sasuke placed his chopsticks down gently, then turned to his father. Fugaku, who had been quietly sipping his tea, looked up as Sasuke met his gaze.
"Father," Sasuke began, his voice steady but carrying a quiet determination. "I want to start working full-time at the Police Station. I want to officially join the force."
Fugaku's expression softened, and for a moment, Sasuke saw something that wasn't there before: pride. Real, genuine pride.
"You want to join the force? As a full member?" Fugaku asked, his voice filled with a quiet sense of surprise, though it quickly gave way to joy. "I'm honored, Sasuke. I knew you had it in you, but this... this is beyond what I expected."
Sasuke nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I've been thinking about it a lot. I've done the type of internship with you before I left for training, and I know this is the path I want to take. I want to do more than just learn from the sidelines. I want to help protect the village, protect the people. I want to take on real responsibility."
Fugaku leaned back in his chair, looking at his son with a sense of admiration. "I'm so proud of you, Sasuke. This is exactly what I had hoped for—what your mother and I had always hoped. You're not just following in my footsteps; you're making your own way."
Sasuke wasn't used to hearing such open praise from his father, but there was something in Fugaku's eyes now—something warmer, softer—that made Sasuke feel a sense of pride in return.
"I'll arrange your work papers as soon as I arrive at the station," Fugaku continued, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "We'll get everything in order. If you're serious about this, Sasuke, then I want you to start today. You'll officially be part of the team."
Sasuke's eyes flickered with surprise. "You mean it? I can start today?"
Fugaku chuckled softly, a rare and genuine sound. "Of course. I want you to wear the uniform with pride, son. Come to the station this morning. We'll get you fitted for your uniform and make sure everything's in place. You're ready."
Sasuke felt a surge of something unfamiliar—excitement, maybe. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he was taking control of his life, making a decision that wasn't tied to his past, but to his future.
"I'll be there," Sasuke said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Mikoto, who had been watching the exchange with a soft smile of her own, spoke up. "I'm so happy for you, Sasuke. I always knew this was the path you'd choose. I'm proud of you."
"You've made us both so proud," Fugaku said, his voice filled with warmth. "We'll see you at the station. And remember—this isn't just about the work. It's about serving the people, protecting those who can't protect themselves. You'll be a leader one day, Sasuke."
Sasuke felt a flicker of uncertainty, but it was quickly replaced by a quiet determination. This was his path. He was ready to walk it.
He stood up, his mind already shifting to the next steps. "I'll get ready."
Fugaku nodded, watching his son with pride. "Take your time, Sasuke. You've made the right choice."
As Sasuke left the room to prepare, a part of him still wondered if he was truly ready for the responsibility that came with his decision. But another part—one that had been dormant for so long—was finally stirring, eager to step forward and embrace the future.
This was the start of something new. Something he could be proud of.
Sasuke stood in front of the entrance to the Police Station, the weight of the day finally settling on his shoulders. He had been thinking about this moment for a while now, but as he and his father approached the building, it felt more real than ever. His heart was steady, but his mind was already drifting ahead to the work, to the responsibilities he would soon shoulder.
Fugaku led the way, his steps firm and purposeful. He had always carried himself with such authority, but today, there was a distinct lightness in his posture, a pride in the way he walked. Sasuke couldn't help but feel the weight of his gaze following him, his father's quiet approval resting heavy on his back.
"Are you excited?" Fugaku asked as they entered the station. His voice was casual, but Sasuke could sense the hint of something more beneath the surface.
"I'm ready," Sasuke replied, his gaze shifting over the familiar sights of the station. The place felt strange yet comforting—the hum of officers moving around, the steady click of paperwork being processed, the occasional chatter between colleagues. Everything about it was reassuring, and yet Sasuke couldn't shake the sense of anticipation.
Fugaku led him down a hall, past the officers at their desks, until they reached a door with the words "Police Chief" painted on the front. Sasuke had been here plenty of times before, but today, it felt different. Today, he wasn't just an observer—he was about to step into the role.
They paused at the door. Fugaku turned to him with a rare, knowing smile.
"First things first, Sasuke," Fugaku said, his voice lowering as he placed a hand on the door handle. "You'll need to get a check-up to make sure you're physically fit to join the force. The head of the hospital will handle it."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "A check-up? I'm perfectly healthy. I don't need some... medical test."
Fugaku chuckled, the humor in his eyes unmistakable. "It's standard procedure for all new recruits. Trust me, they'll want to make sure you're ready for the kind of work we do here. You wouldn't want to start working without clearing this, would you?"
Sasuke frowned, crossing his arms. "I don't see why I need to see anyone. I've been training for years."
His father's smile widened, clearly enjoying Sasuke's discomfort. "It's all for paperwork, and you need one to be honest. You were in a tough training, who knows what health problems you might have?"
Sasuke let out a resigned sigh, accepting the papers with a small nod. He didn't argue any further. It wasn't like Fugaku was going to change his mind.
"And make sure you're on your best behavior," Fugaku added with a knowing look. "The head of the hospital has a reputation for being very thorough... and very particular."
Sasuke blinked again, the comment registering as just another bit of advice he didn't need. "What, you think I'm going to mess up the check-up?" He grumbled, not fully understanding why his father was stressing this so much. "It's just a physical exam, not a mission."
Fugaku's smirk only grew. "I'm sure you'll be fine," he said smoothly, though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. "But don't forget to make a good impression. After all, you'll be working with them in the future."
Sasuke's confusion deepened. "I'm sure I can handle it. It's just a check-up, right?"
Fugaku gave him a pointed look, like there was something more Sasuke should be getting, but Sasuke simply stared back at him, oblivious.
"Fine," Fugaku said with a soft chuckle, clearly enjoying the moment. "You know where the hospital is. Don't take too long. I expect you back soon." He couldn't resist one last jab. "And Sasuke... when you meet the head of the hospital, don't forget to smile. They'll appreciate it."
Sasuke stood there, staring after his father, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Smile?" he repeated under his breath. "What's so special about this check-up...?"
With a slight shake of his head, he turned toward the exit. Whatever his father was getting at, Sasuke wasn't going to waste any more time over it. He just had to get through this formality, and then he'd be on his way to start his real work.
The hospital was a short walk away from the station, and Sasuke found himself moving almost automatically. He had visited the hospital before, but today it felt different. Not only that the hospital was new and many times bigger than the old one, but today, he wasn't a visitor; he was there for an official evaluation.
As he stepped into the lobby, the familiar scent of antiseptic hit him, and he made his way to the front desk.
"I'm here for a check up with the head of the hospital," Sasuke said in a flat tone, holding out the reports. "Fugaku Uchiha sent me."
The nurse behind the counter gave him a warm smile, nodding. "Of course, Uchiha-san. If you just head down the hall, turn left to Room 208. The doctor is there already."
Sasuke nodded quietly, his footsteps echoed in the pristine hallway of Konoha's hospital as he walked toward the designated check-up room. His hands were shoved deep into his pockets, his thoughts still lingering on his conversation with Fugaku. There was something strange about his father's teasing today. Maybe it was just his usual way of pushing Sasuke toward something he wasn't quite ready for, but the whole "making a good impression" thing had stuck in his head.
When he finally reached the door to the examination room, he paused for a moment to gather himself. He wasn't here for anything important—just a physical exam, right? Just paperwork. Nothing he couldn't handle.
Sasuke pushed the door open.
And froze.
Sakura was standing there, her back turned to him as she adjusted the clipboard in her hands. She wore her usual white coat, but something about her demeanor made the air between them feel thick. Her posture was stiff, and there was a certain coldness to her movements, like she was a little too aware of his presence but refusing to acknowledge it.
Sasuke blinked, his breath catching for a second as he stared at her. "Sakura?"
She turned, her face quickly masking any trace of emotion, though Sasuke could still see the sharpness in her eyes. She gave a curt nod, her voice professional and even, though Sasuke couldn't help but notice the tightness in her jaw.
"Uchiha Sasuke," she said without looking up, her tone as neutral as ever. "Please take a seat."
Sasuke hesitated for a moment, watching her as she scribbled something on the clipboard. She was avoiding his gaze, and he could practically feel the emotional wall between them. The silence was suffocating, but he wasn't going to let her keep it that way.
"How's the hospital been treating you?" he asked, trying to sound casual, though his eyes were studying her every movement. "You're in charge now, huh?"
She didn't look up, but her lips tightened ever so slightly. "It's fine," she said, still not meeting his gaze. "I'm doing what's expected of me. What's that old saying? 'It's a job, not a vacation.'"
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Right," he replied, sensing the irony in her voice but unsure how to press it. "So, no more running around healing ninjas who break their bones for fun?"
Sakura's eyes flicked up to his for a fraction of a second, the tiniest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth before she quickly schooled her expression. "I'm still doing that. Just... with a lot more paperwork now."
Sasuke chuckled lightly, but the humor didn't quite reach her. He sighed, trying to make his voice lighter. "I guess all that paperwork must be really exciting."
Sakura's eyes locked onto his now, and for the first time, there was something more than just a professional distance between them. Her gaze was sharp, calculating. "Yeah," she said flatly, her voice dropping a bit. "Paperwork's a lot easier than waiting for letters that never come."
The words hit Sasuke like a punch to the gut. He flinched, but she didn't let him off the hook.
"You know," she continued, tapping the clipboard with her pen, "it's funny how you could write to everyone but me. Your family, Naruto, even Kakashi-sensei." Her eyes darkened for a moment, though she didn't let it show fully. "But I guess I wasn't important enough to hear from you, huh?"
Sasuke felt the weight of her words settle heavily in the pit of his stomach. He wanted to apologize. To explain. But he couldn't find the words that would make this go away. The two years he spent training in Oto felt like a distant memory now, overshadowed by the crushing realization that he had hurt her more than he could ever have imagined.
"I... didn't mean to hurt you," he said softly, the weight of his guilt creeping into his voice. "I thought... well, I thought it would be better if I didn't."
Her lips curled into a wry smile, though it was more bitter than amused. "Better? For who? You, Sasuke? Or for me? Because, you know, it's kind of hard to miss someone when they never give you the chance to even miss them. You really thought I wouldn't notice you disappearing off the face of the earth?"
Sasuke opened his mouth to respond, but she was already moving on to the next question, her voice colder now.
"Any changes in your health?" she asked, as if the past few moments hadn't just stripped away every layer of distance between them.
Sasuke hesitated, but he couldn't stop the words from slipping out. "I've been... thinking about you. A lot. More than I should have."
Sakura paused, her hand stilling over her clipboard, though she didn't look at him. "You're not the only one who's had time to think," she muttered. "But we both know you've been busy with more important things than me. Like, I don't know—your training with that cutie, what was it?...Oh yeah, Karin."
The name Karin cut through him like a blade. Sasuke shifted uncomfortably, his fingers tightening into fists at his sides. He knew Sakura wasn't jealous—at least, that's what he tried to tell himself. But there was a sharpness to her words now that made him doubt his certainty.
"Karin's not—" he began, but Sakura held up a hand.
"I'm sure she's not," she said, her voice dripping with irony. "I guess she's got a lot to teach you."
Sasuke was starting to sense something wasn't right. He could feel the subtle bite in her tone. "It's not that big of a deal," he said, shrugging. "I just learned a few basics from her. She knows some things about healing... but not much…she's not as good as you."
Sakura straightened, her hand gripping the clipboard tightly. Her tone was calm but ice-cold. "Hmm, that's funny," she said, a tight smile tugging at her lips. "Because I remember someone promising me that we'd start learning medical ninjutsu together... You remember that, right, Sasuke? Right before you left? But I guess, well, plans change."
The words stung more than he expected. Sasuke felt his stomach tighten at the way she said it—like a subtle accusation buried beneath the surface of her professionalism. And he knew exactly what she meant. Before he left, Sakura had been eager to teach him some medical ninjutsu—she'd always been the one who wanted to share it with him, to have a deeper connection. But he'd pushed her aside. He had unwittingly filled this space with someone else, by mistake, but how much would Sakura believe this?
He cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably. "I didn't mean—"
"Oh, it's fine," Sakura interrupted, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Really."
Sasuke winced, the implication hanging in the air like a shadow. He didn't know how to respond to that—not when the truth was so complicated, so tangled in the past two years of silence. He wanted to explain, but the words didn't come easily. Not when every word felt like it might make things worse.
Sakura tilted her head, her gaze now focused on him with a quiet intensity. "I guess it must've been so important to learn those medical jutsu. Especially when you've spent so much time being busy with other things."
Sasuke's pulse quickened, his chest tight. He hadn't expected this. The sting of Karin's name, the sharp way Sakura had brought up their plans—it hit him harder than he was willing to admit.
"I never meant to... replace you," he said, his voice softer now, vulnerable.
"Replace me?" Sakura's voice was deceptively calm. "I don't think it's a matter of replacing, Sasuke. I just thought that maybe—just maybe—I'd be the one to teach you. Maybe we'd learn together, like we said we would. But instead, you chose to spend your time with someone else. And I'm sure that girl is very happy to... fill in the blanks for me."
Sasuke felt a mixture of guilt and frustration rising within him. The last thing he wanted was to hurt Sakura. He knew how much those small moments had meant to her, how much she had wanted to share with him. But the way things had unfolded—the distance, the time apart—he had lost track of what had mattered most.
"Sakura, I..." Sasuke started, but his words trailed off. What could he say that would make this right?
Sakura didn't give him a chance to finish. "Don't worry about it, Sasuke. Really. It's fine," she said, the sarcasm hanging in the air like a thick fog.
The silence between them stretched, thick and suffocating. Sasuke could feel the emotional weight bearing down on him. The wounds were still fresh between them, even if she was hiding it behind her cold professionalism.
"Well," he finally said, trying to break the silence, "at least the basics of medical ninjutsu are covered. I'll leave the advanced stuff to you."
Sakura didn't laugh. She didn't even smile. She simply moved on to the next question, her voice flat and detached. "Any issues with your hearing, sight, or... your heart rate?"
Sasuke stared at her. "No," he said quietly, the answer coming out hollow. "No issues."
Sakura met his eyes for a brief moment, the weight of her words lingering between them. "Good," she said coldly. "Then let's get back to the formalities, Sasuke. I'm sure you're eager to start your new job."
She turned away from him again, picking up her pen and making notes on the clipboard, her back to him once more. Sasuke stood there, aching, wanting to break through the wall she'd built between them. But he knew it wasn't the right time.
He stepped closer, his gaze locking onto hers. "Sakura…" His voice was low, urgent. "I'm sorry…for everything."
Sakura's eyes flicked to his lips, and for a moment, Sasuke thought he saw something soften in her expression—just for a split second. His heart beat faster as he leaned in slightly, almost instinctively, feeling the magnetic pull between them. She wasn't moving away, but she wasn't exactly giving him an invitation either.
"Don't," she said quickly, though her voice had a tremor to it.
Sasuke froze, inches away from her. "What?"
"You're not going to fix this with a kiss, Sasuke." Her eyes were hard now, a wall firmly in place between them. "You can't just walk back into my life like nothing has happened."
Her words were like ice water, extinguishing the heat that had built up between them. But Sasuke wasn't going to back down now—not when he could almost taste the vulnerability behind her eyes.
"I don't want to fix it with a kiss," he said softly, his voice low and steady. "I just want the chance to... to make it right."
Sakura stared at him for a long, silent moment, and for a second, Sasuke swore she was about to say something else. But instead, she turned her back to him, picking up the clipboard again. "Just finish the check-up, Sasuke," she said, her tone dismissive.
Her coldness stung, but Sasuke stayed silent, watching her retreat into the role of the head of the hospital once more. He knew she wasn't ready to forgive him. But that didn't mean he wasn't going to keep trying.
The door clicked open just as he was about to speak again, and Sakura's attention shifted immediately to the new arrival.
"Dr. Haruno," came the voice from the door. "We've got an urgent situation downstairs."
Sakura's professional mask snapped back into place instantly. "I'm on my way," she said, her voice now sharp and commanding.
Sakura turned her head in his direction and handed him some documents. "These are the reports for you, the check-up went well. You are ready for work, good luck."
Sasuke watched as she moved toward the door, her white coat billowing behind her, the sound of her heels clicking against the floor. She didn't even glance back at him. And for a second, Sasuke almost wished she would. Just to make him feel like there was something left.
But she didn't. Instead, the door swung shut with a soft click.
Sasuke sat in the sterile silence of the examination room, the finality of the moment settling in. He was back in Konoha. He had his new job. But Sakura? He wasn't so sure anymore. He'd always assumed things would fall back into place once he returned. But now, more than ever, he realized that the rift between them wasn't something time could heal.
Sasuke was exhausted. It had been a long first day at the Konoha Police Force, and though the work had been more routine than thrilling, his mind kept returning to the conversation—or lack thereof—with Sakura. The feeling of distance between them hadn't disappeared, even after hours of patrolling the village and reviewing case files.
As he walked through the front doors of the station, he couldn't shake the knot in his stomach. The weight of everything he had been avoiding was finally settling in. He was aware of the others around him, but his thoughts were too heavy, too tangled.
"Rough day little rabbit?" a voice called out, pulling him from his thoughts.
Sasuke turned to see Shisui leaning against the doorframe of the locker room, an amused glint in his eyes. He was fresh off his shift too, wearing his standard laid-back smile that was always just a little too knowing.
"Fine," Sasuke muttered, trying to dismiss the question before it went any further. But Shisui's perceptiveness was a well-known trait, and it didn't take long before he noticed Sasuke's slumped shoulders and the distant look in his eyes.
Shisui raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Uh-huh. You know, I've known you since you were—what— a louse? And you've never been able to hide anything from me. Not even when you were in the academy and trying to be all mysterious and 'cool.'"
Sasuke scowled. "I'm not in the mood, Shisui."
"Oh, come on," Shisui said with a grin, crossing his arms. "I know that look. You're bummed out over someone. And I'm guessing it's not Naruto, because he's more likely to make you roll your eyes than make you feel anything deep and emotional."
Sasuke didn't answer right away, but his gaze shifted toward the floor, and that was enough for Shisui.
"Well, well, well," Shisui chuckled, pushing off from the doorframe. "Looks like someone's been thinking about a certain someone a little too much today. I'm guessing that's what's eating you up, huh?"
Sasuke's silence spoke volumes. He didn't need to say her name for Shisui to understand.
"You saw Sakura, didn't you?"
Sasuke looked up, meeting Shisui's eyes with a look that could only be described as a mixture of frustration and defeat. "Yeah. I did."
Shisui's smirk grew wider. "Oof. How'd that go? The whole 'I haven't written you in two years but wrote everyone else' thing isn't exactly a good look, man."
Sasuke gritted his teeth, trying to keep his emotions under control. "It was… fine. She's fine. She's not sad. She said so herself."
Shisui's eyebrows rose. "She's not sad? Oh, that's a bold claim, Sasuke. I can't say I believe it. You know Sakura better than that. She might've said she wasn't sad, but trust me, when a woman says that... it means she's definitely sad."
Sasuke shot him a sharp look. "I'm not asking for advice."
Shisui laughed, shaking his head. "You don't need to ask. I'm giving it to you anyway."
The older Uchiha plopped down on one of the benches and patted the space next to him, signaling for Sasuke to sit. "Come on, I've been doing this whole 'relationship' thing for a lot longer than you. It's about time you learned a few things from the master."
Reluctantly, Sasuke sat down beside him, though he crossed his arms, not eager to engage. Shisui, as always, was not easily deterred.
"First of all," Shisui started, adopting a mock-serious tone, "you've gotta understand that women—especially someone like Sakura—have an emotional radar that's better than anything we've got. You think she didn't notice you weren't writing? You think she didn't notice the little things—the way you pulled away emotionally? She felt it, Sasuke. That's how they work. They pick up on all the things we think we're hiding."
Sasuke grunted, but Shisui wasn't done.
"Second," Shisui continued, his tone switching to something more playful, "you can't just expect everything to stay the same after two years of complete radio silence. I mean, come on, did you really think you could leave her hanging and just waltz back in like nothing happened?"
Sasuke didn't answer immediately, but his jaw tightened. He knew Shisui had a point, but that didn't make it any easier to accept.
"You know what you've gotta do?" Shisui asked, leaning in as if imparting some great wisdom.
"Whatever it is, I'm not going to like it," Sasuke replied dryly.
Shisui grinned widely. "Oh, you're going to love it. You need to grovel. Big time."
Sasuke blinked. "Grovel?"
"Yeah, man. Apologize. Sincerely. Tell her you're an idiot. Get on your knees if you have to." Shisui leaned back, laughing as he threw his hands in the air. "Look, I'm not saying you have to beg, but let's be real—you can't just expect everything to go back to normal. You've got to show her you're serious."
Sasuke was quiet for a moment, absorbing the ridiculousness of what Shisui was suggesting. "You really think that's going to work?"
Shisui winked. "It'll work if you really mean it. Sakura's tough, but she's not heartless. She just needs to know you're all in. So stop being all distant and broody and just… open up. It's not that complicated."
Sasuke sighed, leaning back and rubbing his temples. "You really make it sound easy."
"It is, when you know what you're doing," Shisui said, smirking. "And if it all goes wrong, I'll have your back. I'll be the 'shoulder to cry on' while you figure out how to fix it."
Sasuke shot him a skeptical look. "Somehow, I don't think that's going to help."
Shisui laughed again, clapping him on the back. "Trust me, Sasuke. But seriously, if you're going to fix things, you have to let go of every obstacle and open up. I mean, after the lack of letters and after that redhead's behavior, Sakura could think of anything. Thank you for responding quickly, even tonight after work."
"Tonight?" Sasuke said as he chewed harder.
"Yes, little rabbit, tonight. Why when? After 1 year? Go buy some chocolates or flowers, wait at the door of the hospital, invite him to dinner, flirt, kiss, if you want, enter a room and..."
"Shut up Shisui," Sasuke frowned and cut him off immediately before continuing to speak more.
"Come on now, don't act like you don't want to. Anyway, try to find nice words like 'Konoha's most beautiful flower' or 'My biggest love', 'Sexiest girl' those things."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, focused well on Shisui. He took a deep breath to calm himself. "If you think I'm going to say these words so bluntly in front of Sakura then you're an idiot."
"Oh, you're right. Don't tell her you don't need to. There are a lot of shinobi in our circle who dream of telling her that."
"Tch.." Sasuke grumbled, crossing his arms tightly, trying to block out Shisui's increasingly absurd suggestions.
Shisui, however, was relentless. "Oh, come on, Sasuke! I'm just telling you the truth! You have no idea how many guys in this village would kill to be in your shoes right now."
Shisui leaned in, as if he was about to spill some secret knowledge. "You know, I've witnessed more than a few shinobi trying to impress Sakura. Some of them come all the way from other villages just for a date with her. Do you know how many times I've had to listen to guys whining about how they should be the one to get close to her? Let me tell you, it's a lot."
Sasuke froze mid-breath. "Wait—what?"
"Yep," Shisui said, grinning with far too much amusement. "I've seen it all, Sasuke. Guys coming from places like the Hidden Sand, the Hidden Mist... they're all over her. I've had people sending her flowers, taking long trips just to bring her a gift. You think it's just the villagers? No, no. The shinobi love her. I had one guy from the Hidden Stone tell me he'd walk across the desert just to get a smile from her. That's right—walk. Across the desert."
Sasuke's eye twitched. "That's… insane."
"I'm telling you," Shisui laughed, clearly having too much fun with this. "And that's the least of it. You've got your typical 'don't-you-want-to-go-out-with-me' shinobi who try to woo her with compliments, and then there's the more creative ones. There was this one guy who once tried to use his entire mission pay to get her to dinner. He didn't even bother with the flowers—just handed her a bag of cash like it was going to impress her. I still laugh about that one. Sakura hunted him down and packed him like a sardine against the wall."
Sasuke's scowl deepened. "I really don't need to hear about other guys fawning over her."
"Oh, but you do, Sasuke," Shisui said, his grin widening. "You need a wake-up call. Because here's the thing—you're the guy she's waiting for. But she's not going to wait forever. She's tough, sure. But she's not going to wait around for some brooding fool who thinks sending a letter every few months is enough. You have competition, man. And it's not just about being her boyfriend; it's about proving you're the one. The one who can handle her strength, her independence, her fire."
Sasuke clenched his fists. "I get it, alright? I get it. But I'm not—"
"—going to grovel," Shisui interrupted with a smug smile. "I know, I know but, this is about showing her that she's worth the effort. She's not going to just sit around waiting for you to figure it out. That's not her. She's not like those other girls who'll just take whatever crumbs you give her and be happy with it. She deserves better than that. And you know it."
Sasuke fell silent, the weight of Shisui's words settling into his chest. His head was swimming. He had been so focused on himself—on his training,—that he hadn't realized how much time he had let slip by. He hadn't given her the attention she deserved, the respect she deserved. And now it was all coming back to haunt him.
Shisui leaned back, eyes twinkling with mischief. "But, I'm serious. You can't just come in with that cool 'I'm Sasuke Uchiha' attitude and expect her to fall at your feet. You're a man now, not a kid. You've got to show her that you're ready to be her equal. That you're worthy of her. And not just by saving her from giant snakes or angry enemies. I'm talking about something deeper. Emotional maturity. Communication. Romance."
Sasuke groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "I hate this."
Shisui didn't seem to mind. "You'll thank me later. And look, if nothing else, it's worth the effort. Because if you don't step up and show her you're serious, you might just end up watching from the sidelines as one of these other guys gets the attention. Imagine some random shinobi getting the privilege of calling Sakura his. You wouldn't like that, huh?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, a spark of possessiveness lighting up inside him. The thought of anyone else getting close to Sakura made his stomach churn.
"No," he muttered, his voice low.
"That's what I thought," Shisui said, nodding sagely. "And that's why you need to act now. You can't wait around thinking she'll be there forever, waiting for you to make up your mind. She's a force of nature, Sasuke. And if you're not careful, someone else will be the one to realize it first."
Sasuke scowled, staring at the ground as the weight of Shisui's words continued to settle in. He hadn't realized just how much Sakura had changed—how much her life had moved forward while he had been away. It made him feel like he was falling behind, even though he hadn't thought he was the type to be competitive.
Shisui stood up, clapping Sasuke on the back with a grin. "There you go, little rabbit. You've got it now. Take the rest of the night to think it over. But just know—time's ticking. You don't want to miss your chance."
Sasuke stood, his face grim, but his mind racing. "Right," he muttered. "I'll figure it out."
Shisui smiled knowingly, as if Sasuke had just made the first step toward something bigger. "I'm here if you need me. But, seriously, don't screw it up, alright?"
Sasuke's lips twitched as he gave Shisui a sideways glance. "I'm not you."
Shisui winked. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
As Sasuke made his way out of the locker room, the weight of the conversation settled in his chest. He had his work cut out for him, but maybe Shisui's ridiculous advice wasn't so ridiculous after all. Maybe he'd have to swallow his pride, apologize, and—God help him—be vulnerable for once.
It was the only way he could move forward. With Sakura, and with himself.
After a long day at the hospital, Sakura found herself lingering in her office with Ino. They were talking about the usual—patients, gossip, and the occasional ridiculous antics of the village—when Ino's tone shifted.
"Sakura, you're really going to keep avoiding him, aren't you?" Ino asked, leaning back in her chair, her blonde hair catching the light from the overhead lamp. Her eyes were teasing, but there was a glint of concern in them too. "I get it. Sasuke messed up. But, honestly, don't you think you should at least hear him out?"
Sakura sighed, rubbing her temples. The stress of the day was still hanging heavy on her shoulders, and the last thing she wanted was to get into another emotional argument with Sasuke.
"Ino, you don't know what it's been like. He was gone for two years. Not a word, not a letter—not even a single explanation. And when he comes back I learn that he had not mentioned me at all in his new 'company'. No, I'm not just going to forgive him like that."
Ino gave her a pointed look, the one she reserved for moments when she thought Sakura was being particularly stubborn. "I'm not saying you have to forgive him right away. But you owe him a chance to explain himself, at least."
Sakura opened her mouth to protest, but before she could say anything, Ino casually added, "Oh, and by the way, Sasuke's waiting for you outside."
Sakura froze, blinking. "What?"
"Yeah," Ino said with a shrug, as if the fact that Sasuke was waiting outside was just another regular Tuesday. "I saw him earlier standing under that big tree across from the entrance, looking like a lost puppy. I don't know what he wants, but it looks like he wants to talk."
Sakura's stomach twisted at the thought of seeing him again. She had tried to push her feelings aside, tried to convince herself that what they had was in the past, but now she felt like she was being dragged back into something she wasn't ready to confront.
With a heavy sigh, she muttered, "I don't have time for this."
"Sure you do," Ino teased, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. "I will close the last reports, you can go now. Go get some answers."
Sakura glared at her best friend before heading out of the break room. She walked through the hospital corridors, her steps slowing as she neared the door. She was almost afraid to open it. But, when she did, there he was.
Sasuke stood beneath the tree, looking like he had been there for a while. He was wearing his usual dark clothes, his hands shoved into his pockets, and his gaze was a little too intense. He looked... unsure, like he had been thinking about how to approach her for hours and still hadn't figured it out.
He looked up when he heard her footsteps, his eyes softening for just a moment before he straightened himself.
"Sakura," he said, his voice a little hesitant. "I... was hoping we could talk."
Sakura crossed her arms, standing a little ways off. "Talk? About what, exactly? You've had two years to talk, Sasuke. Two years. And now you think you can just show up and... what? Expect everything to go back to normal?"
Sasuke shifted uncomfortably but pushed on. "I know I made mistakes. I just want to fix things. At least... let me take you to dinner. We can talk about everything, catch up."
Sakura didn't even hesitate before shaking her head. "I don't think that's a good idea."
Sasuke's brow furrowed in confusion. "Then... can I at least walk you home? It's late, and we're close."
Sakura's lips pressed into a thin line, clearly not thrilled with the suggestion. She was still upset, still feeling the sting of his silence over the years. But she wasn't about to say yes just because he was asking. "I can walk myself home Sasuke."
"-kun… call me Sasuke-kun again," he blurted, the words falling out before he could stop them. "I—I miss when you used to call me that." He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Sasuke-kun? Really?"
Sasuke nodded, desperate. "Yes. It's... it's important to me."
She didn't say anything, and it drove him mad. He could feel his temper flaring, but he kept it under control. "Why the hell are you being like this? I know I screwed up, but after all this time, you can't even look at me? You can't even give me a chance to explain? I don't deserve this. After all this time, I deserve at least a conversation."
Sakura's eyes flashed, and she took a step toward him. "You don't deserve anything, Sasuke. You've been ignoring me for two years! I don't care if you're back or if you want to explain yourself. You left me with nothing. No letters, no answers. Do you know how that felt?"
Sasuke blinked, taken aback by the anger in her voice. But before he could respond, Sakura continued, her eyes narrowing. "And the worst part? You never even read my letters, did you? You didn't even know I became the head of the hospital, did you?"
Sasuke's eyes widened in realization. "What?"
Sakura's face twisted in frustration. "In one of the letters I sent you a few months ago, I told you I was promoted. But you didn't even open them, did you? You didn't care enough to check."
Sasuke's expression shifted from frustration to guilt, his heart sinking. He hadn't known—he hadn't known about her promotion. All this time, he had assumed nothing had changed with her. He had assumed she was still in the same position, still waiting for him to come back.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly, his voice full of regret. "I should've read them. I... I didn't know."
Sakura scoffed, clearly hurt. "Of course you didn't know. Because you didn't care to find out. But I didn't stop living, Sasuke. I moved forward. I found my own path."
Sasuke's face fell. "I do care, Sakura. I do. I just... I don't know how to fix it. I don't know how to make up for everything I've done."
"Sasuke, just go. Let me go home. I don't want to talk to you," she said, her voice unexpectedly soft, but with a sharp edge. She wasn't shouting—she was just done.
For a moment, Sasuke stood still, stunned by the finality in her words. It felt like a slap to his face. He couldn't believe it. All the anger he'd been trying to hold back flared up. But there was something else too. Something deeper than anger.
"No," Sasuke said firmly, stepping in front of her before she could take another step. He blocked her way completely, his body tense, and his dark eyes fixed on hers. "You can't just walk away from this, Sakura."
Sakura's chest tightened, her emotions threatening to spill over, but she fought them back. Her voice was low but full of hurt. "You don't get to come back and expect everything to be okay."
She stepped to the side again, and so she ran away. But that was not the end. Sasuke had decided, today they would talk and clarify things .
He had a plan in mind, a plan that he hoped would go well.