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### Chapter Seven: Under the Barcelona Lights

The morning sun poured into the Uzumaki household, casting warm rays across the cozy living room. Naruto sat on the soft, plush couch, his body stiff and his cheeks flushed. Beside him, Saruyo leaned in, her head resting gently against his shoulder. Her casual at-home outfit—a loose, pale blue tank top and soft cotton shorts—left little to the imagination.

Naruto's eyes darted nervously between the television and the slight curve of Saruyo's exposed skin. Half of her delicate collarbone and the top of her chest peeked out from beneath the loose neckline of her tank top. He swallowed hard, his heart racing as he tried to focus on the cartoon playing on the screen.

Saruyo, ever observant, smirked slightly, though she kept her eyes on the television. She shifted closer, her body brushing against his.

Kushina, standing in the kitchen doorway, watched the pair with a warm smile. Her fiery red hair was tied back loosely, and her own outfit—a fitted tank top and pajama shorts—was far more casual than usual. Despite being 38 years old, Kushina's figure was toned and curvaceous, exuding both maturity and youthful energy.

As she carried a tray of tea into the living room, her eyes twinkled mischievously. In her mind, she couldn't help but think: *If Naruto keeps this up, maybe he'll bring me a few more daughters-in-law. Imagine the grandchildren! So many little ones running around!*

Suppressing a giggle, Kushina set the tray down on the coffee table and joined them on the couch. She plopped down on Naruto's other side, squeezing him between her and Saruyo.

"Good morning, you two," Kushina said cheerfully, her voice light and teasing.

Naruto stiffened as his mother wrapped an arm around him, pulling him into a hug. His head inadvertently pressed against her chest, and his face turned beet red. "M-Morning, Mom…"

Saruyo's sharp eyes darted to Kushina's arm around Naruto. While she usually maintained her cool, unbothered exterior, a flash of jealousy crossed her face. But she quickly suppressed it. *It's his mother,* she told herself. *No need to get worked up.*

Kushina, noticing Saruyo's subtle reaction, grinned knowingly. She ruffled Naruto's hair, leaning in to kiss his temple affectionately. "You've got such a great girlfriend, Naruto. You should thank her for putting up with you!"

"Mom!" Naruto whined, mortified.

Saruyo smirked, her cool demeanor returning. "You're right, Aunt Kushina. He *is* lucky to have me." She glanced at Kushina's hand still holding Naruto and added pointedly, "But… would you mind giving him some space? I get a little jealous, you know."

Kushina laughed heartily, letting go of Naruto and raising her hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, I'll leave him to you."

Saruyo wasted no time. She leaned in, wrapping her arm around Naruto's waist and pulling him close. Naruto's face burned as she rested her cheek against his shoulder.

Kushina, ever the tease, winked at Saruyo. "You two are so cute. If you ever need any advice, just let me know. I've got plenty of experience."

Naruto groaned, covering his face with his hands. "Mom, please…"

Saruyo chuckled softly, enjoying his embarrassment. She decided to change the subject to spare him further torment. "Naruto, are you ready for tonight?"

Naruto blinked, confused. "Tonight? What's happening tonight?"

Saruyo sighed, giving him a playful glare. "Don't tell me you forgot. We're going to Camp Nou—Spotify Stadium—to watch Barcelona play Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final."

Naruto's eyes widened. "W-Wait, what? Camp Nou? Barcelona? Why?"

Saruyo raised an elegant brow. "Because I'm a Barcelona fan. And because I got us tickets. You're coming with me."

Naruto's heart raced—not because of the match, but because of how close Saruyo was. "I-I didn't know you liked soccer…"

Kushina, intrigued, leaned forward. "You're a Barcelona fan, Saruyo? I didn't peg you as a sports enthusiast."

Saruyo smirked, brushing a strand of dark hair behind her ear. "There's more to me than meets the eye, Aunt Kushina." She turned to Naruto, her tone teasing yet firm. "And you'd better be ready. I won't tolerate you sitting there like a clueless idiot. You're going to cheer for Barcelona with me."

Naruto laughed nervously. "O-Okay. If you say so."

Saruyo's expression softened ever so slightly. "Good. This will be your first time at a stadium, won't it?"

Kushina answered for him, a nostalgic smile on her lips. "Yes, it will be. He's never been to one before. It'll be a special experience."

Saruyo's gaze lingered on Naruto, her lips curving into a small smile. "Then I'll make sure it's memorable. You'll cheer for Barcelona, and by the end of the night, you'll be a true fan."

Naruto hesitated but nodded, unable to resist her determination. "Alright… I'll cheer for Barcelona."

Saruyo's smile widened. "That's what I like to hear."

Kushina clapped her hands together, breaking the moment. "Well, I'll leave you two lovebirds to it. I've got some errands to run." She leaned down to kiss Naruto's forehead one last time, making him blush furiously.

As Kushina left the room, Saruyo pulled Naruto closer, resting her head on his shoulder again. Her voice was soft but firm. "You're mine tonight, Naruto. No distractions. Just you, me, and Barcelona."

Naruto swallowed hard, his heart pounding as he nodded. "Y-Yeah. Just us."

Ino stood in her brightly lit bedroom, clutching a slip of paper close to her chest. Her heart fluttered as she glanced at the hastily scribbled address. She had spent the morning coaxing information out of her friend, and now, she finally had what she needed.

"This is it," Ino murmured, staring at the address with a dreamy smile. She hugged the paper tighter against her chest, imagining herself wrapping her arms around Naruto. "Naruto… I'll do anything to have you. Tonight, you'll be mine."

The thought sent a shiver of excitement down her spine. Turning to the full-length mirror in her room, she studied her reflection. Her blonde hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, and she wore a figure-hugging dress that left little to the imagination. "Perfect," she whispered, spinning around to admire herself.

Ino grabbed a book from her desk—*Winning His Heart: A Guide to Getting the Man You Love.* She had spent hours poring over its pages, underlining tips and tricks. Flipping to her favorite chapter, she read aloud, "Step one: Get close to his family. A mother's approval can make or break a relationship."

Her lips curved into a sly grin. "So, I'll start with his mom. Tonight, I'll visit her… and maybe, just maybe, Naruto will be there too."

Unaware of the storm brewing in Ino's mind, Saruyo was in her bedroom with Kushina, discussing something far more personal.

"Tell me, Aunt Kushina," Saruyo asked, her voice soft but curious. "What's something Naruto loves the most? I want to make tonight special for him."

Kushina's mischievous grin spread across her face. "Oh, Saruyo, I shouldn't be telling you this… but since you're practically family now, I guess it's okay." She leaned closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Promise me you won't tell Naruto I told you."

Saruyo nodded, her curiosity piqued. "I promise."

Kushina leaned back with a dramatic sigh. "It's… nursing."

Saruyo blinked, her expression blank. "Nursing?"

Kushina nodded, her grin widening. "Yes. Naruto was… let's say, unusually attached. He didn't stop until he was eighteen."

Saruyo's eyes widened in shock. "Eighteen?!"

Kushina waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, don't look so surprised. He's always been drawn to comfort and warmth. It's just who he is. And well…" Her eyes flickered to Saruyo's chest, and her grin turned sly. "Let's just say you have everything you need to make him happy."

Saruyo felt her cheeks burn. She crossed her arms over her chest defensively, her cool demeanor momentarily faltering. "I… I don't know about that…"

Kushina chuckled, patting Saruyo on the shoulder. "Relax, dear. I'm just saying it might be something to keep in mind. Anyway, have fun tonight. And remember—Naruto's happiness is all that matters."

Saruyo nodded, still blushing furiously. She picked up the FC Barcelona jersey she had bought for herself, along with another one she had chosen for Naruto. It was a small gesture, but she hoped it would mean something to him.

Later, Saruyo found Naruto sitting on the bed in his room, a book in his hands. His golden hair caught the afternoon sunlight streaming through the window, making him look almost angelic.

Quietly, she approached him, then covered his eyes with her hands. "Guess who?" she teased.

Naruto's face flushed, and he stammered, "S-Saruyo?"

She chuckled, removing her hands and holding out the jersey she had brought. "This is for you."

Naruto took the jersey, his eyes lighting up. "Wow… it's really nice. Thank you, Saruyo."

Saruyo held up her own jersey, smirking. "I'll be wearing this one. We'll match tonight."

Naruto smiled shyly. "I guess I'll be cheering for Barcelona, then."

"Of course you will," Saruyo said, leaning down to plant a quick kiss on his lips. Her hair brushed against his face, and he caught a faint scent of her floral shampoo. "Be ready. Tonight, you're all mine."

As Saruyo left the room, her thoughts drifted back to what Kushina had said. *Nursing…? Really?* She shook her head, trying to push the thought aside. But no matter how hard she tried, the idea lingered, leaving her both embarrassed and intrigued.

Meanwhile, across town, Ino was deep in thought, her plan slowly taking shape. She paced her room, the book still clutched in her hand.

"Step two: Eliminate the competition," she read aloud. "But how do I deal with someone like Saruyo? She's beautiful, smart, and strong…" Ino's expression darkened. "But she's not perfect. Everyone has weaknesses. I just need to find hers."

Determined, Ino grabbed her car keys and headed out. She had no idea that Saruyo was already prepared for whatever she might throw her way.

###

The evening sky was painted with hues of orange and purple as the sun dipped below the horizon. In the Uzumaki household, Saruyo emerged from her room, clad in a perfectly tailored FC Barcelona jersey. The deep blue and red of the shirt hugged her athletic figure, complementing her long, jet-black hair that shimmered like silk in the dim light. She had paired the jersey with sleek black leggings and white sneakers, giving her an effortlessly stunning appearance.

Her cool, confident demeanor added to her allure as she adjusted the jersey, which bore the number "10" on the back. She glanced in the mirror one last time, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. *Perfect,* she thought, a small smile playing on her lips.

Naruto, on the other hand, stepped out of his room nervously. He wore a matching FC Barcelona jersey, slightly loose on his slender, well-toned frame. His golden hair was slightly tousled, and his shy demeanor only made him more endearing.

Saruyo turned to look at him, her sharp eyes softening as she took him in. "Naruto," she said, her voice smooth as velvet, "this is the first time you've dressed like me."

Naruto flushed a deep red, scratching the back of his neck. "Y-Yeah… It's a little embarrassing, but—"

Before he could finish, Saruyo wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. Her warmth engulfed him, and he couldn't help but notice how her chest pressed against his, causing his face to grow even redder.

Kushina watched the scene unfold from the doorway, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You two look amazing together," she said, holding up her phone to snap a picture.

Naruto groaned, hiding his face in his hands. "Mom, please don't…"

Kushina laughed, pulling both of them into a hug, her cheerful personality radiating warmth. "Oh, come on, Naruto! This is a memory worth keeping."

Saruyo, who rarely showed her emotions, allowed a small smile to grace her lips as she leaned into the hug. Even she couldn't deny the comforting feeling of Kushina's embrace.

Naruto, meanwhile, was overwhelmed. Sandwiched between Saruyo and his mother, he felt a mix of embarrassment and nostalgia. The closeness reminded him of a time not so long ago when he would curl up in his mother's lap, seeking comfort. He glanced at Kushina's soft, motherly expression and felt a pang of longing—he couldn't deny that the memory of nursing still lingered somewhere deep in his mind.

Kushina gave them both a playful shove toward the door. "Go on now, you two. Enjoy yourselves! And Saruyo, take good care of my son."

Saruyo smirked. "Don't worry, Aunt Kushina. He's in good hands."

Once outside, Saruyo guided Naruto to her sleek black car. She opened the passenger door for him, a rare gesture that made him blush even more.

"Let's go," she said with a confident smile, sliding into the driver's seat.

As they drove to the stadium, Naruto couldn't help but steal glances at Saruyo. The way the jersey fit her, the way her hair shimmered under the city lights, and her commanding yet elegant presence—it was hard not to admire her.

Saruyo noticed his lingering gaze but said nothing, a small, satisfied smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She wanted him to look, to admire her. After all, she had gone out of her way to make tonight special.

The atmosphere outside Spotify Camp Nou Stadium was electric. Fans clad in the blue and red of Barcelona and the white of Real Madrid filled the streets, chanting, singing, and waving flags.

Naruto hesitated as they stepped out of the car, the noise and crowd overwhelming his senses. Saruyo noticed his unease and reached for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his.

"Don't worry," she said, her voice steady and reassuring. "I'm here with you."

Naruto swallowed hard and nodded. "I-I'm not nervous," he muttered, though his trembling hand said otherwise.

Saruyo smirked but didn't press him further. She led him through the bustling crowd, her grip on his hand firm and steady. Once they reached their seats in the VIP section, Naruto finally started to relax.

The lights of the stadium blazed brightly as the players walked onto the field, and the crowd erupted in cheers. The commentator's voice boomed through the speakers, announcing the starting lineup for each team.

"For Real Madrid," the commentator began, "in defense, we have Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rüdiger, and Aurélien Tchouaméni…"

Saruyo leaned forward, her eyes narrowing as she listened intently. The passion in her expression was palpable, and Naruto couldn't help but admire her.

"…In midfield, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham. On the wings, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo Goes. And leading the attack, Kylian Mbappé. In goal, Thibaut Courtois."

The Real Madrid fans roared in approval, their chants echoing through the stadium.

"And now, for FC Barcelona," the commentator continued.

Saruyo's lips curled into a confident smile as she leaned back in her seat. "Here we go," she muttered.

Naruto watched her, fascinated by her intense focus.

"In goal, Wojciech Szczęsny. In defense, Alejandro Balde, Íñigo Martínez, Pau Cubarsi, and Jules Koundé. In midfield, Pedri, Marc Casadó, and Gavi. On the wings, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. And leading the attack, Robert Lewandowski."

The Barcelona fans erupted into cheers, and Saruyo joined in, her voice strong and clear. "Visca Barça!"

Naruto looked at her, a small smile creeping onto his face. "You really love this team, don't you?"

Saruyo turned to him, her eyes shining with excitement. "Of course. And by the end of tonight, you will too."

Naruto chuckled nervously, but deep down, he felt a warmth spreading through him. Being here with Saruyo, seeing her so passionate and alive—it was a side of her he rarely got to see, and he couldn't help but be drawn to it.

As the referee blew the whistle and the match began, Saruyo leaned closer to Naruto, her eyes fixed on the field. "Stay close to me, Naruto," she said, her voice low and intense. "This is going to be a night you'll never forget."

And for the first time, Naruto believed her.

The hum of the car engine came to a halt as Ino Yamanaka parked in front of Naruto's home. The modest yet cozy-looking house stood in contrast to the mansion-like image she'd built in her head. With a deep breath, she gripped the steering wheel, staring at the front door. *You can do this, Ino. Just stay confident. This is for Naruto,* she told herself, trying to summon her usual self-assured demeanor.

As she stepped out of the car, her heels clicked against the pavement. In her hand, she clutched a small notebook, where she'd scribbled Naruto's address—a gift from one of her friends who worked at the academy records office. Standing before the door, she smoothed her blonde hair, adjusted her blouse, and gave herself one final pep talk.

"Here goes nothing."

Ino raised her fist and knocked on the door, her knuckles trembling slightly against the wood. A moment later, the door creaked open, and Ino's breath caught in her throat.

Standing in the doorway was a woman with radiant red hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Her complexion was flawless, her lips curved in a warm smile. But what caught Ino's attention was her effortless beauty—accentuated by a simple, slightly loose top that left just enough of her chest visible to make Ino's cheeks flush.

"Hello there," the woman greeted, her voice smooth and welcoming. "Can I help you?"

Ino swallowed hard, suddenly feeling like a nervous schoolgirl. "H-Hi, um… I'm Ino Yamanaka. Is Naruto home?"

The woman's smile widened as she stepped aside, gesturing for Ino to come in. "Come on in, dear. I'm Kushina, Naruto's mother."

Ino nodded, stepping into the cozy living room. The air smelled faintly of lavender, and the décor was warm and inviting. On the couch lay a red dress—a familiar one that Ino immediately recognized. She'd seen Saruyo Uchiha wearing it just the other day. Her heart sank slightly at the sight.

"Please, make yourself comfortable," Kushina said, disappearing into the kitchen. Moments later, she returned with a tray holding a glass of juice. "Here you go, dear. So, what brings you here today?"

Ino took the glass with trembling hands, trying to steady her nerves. "T-Thank you, ma'am," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kushina chuckled softly and sat down across from her, her sharp eyes studying the young woman. "Relax, Ino. There's no need to be nervous. Now, tell me, what brings a lovely girl like you to our home?"

Ino hesitated, her fingers tightening around the glass. She took a deep breath and began, "Well… I… I wanted to talk to you about Naruto."

Kushina tilted her head, intrigued. "Oh? What about him?"

Ino blushed, her words catching in her throat. After a moment of silence, she blurted out, "I'm in love with him!"

Kushina blinked, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before she burst into laughter. "Oh, is that so? My Naruto, attracting such beautiful admirers. I must admit, I didn't see this coming."

Ino's cheeks turned scarlet. "Please, ma'am, don't laugh. I'm serious! I love him, and… and I want to be with him."

Kushina leaned back, her expression softening. "I see. But you know, Ino, Naruto is already dating someone. Saruyo Uchiha."

Ino nodded, her heart sinking further. "I know," she said quietly. "I know they're together, and I know how amazing Saruyo is. She's strong, beautiful, and everything Naruto could ever want. But…" Her voice broke, and tears welled up in her eyes. "But I love him so much. I can't just give up."

Kushina watched the girl carefully, her motherly instincts kicking in as she noticed the sincerity in her words. She leaned forward, placing a comforting hand on Ino's shoulder.

"Ino," she said gently, "you're a sweet girl. But Naruto and Saruyo… they're very close. In fact, Saruyo lives here with us. They even sleep in the same room."

Ino's eyes widened in shock. "She lives here? With you?"

Kushina nodded. "Yes. She's practically family now."

Ino looked down, her tears spilling over. "I know it's hopeless," she whispered. "But I can't stop loving him. Even if I can't be his girlfriend… I'd do anything just to be close to him."

Kushina's heart ached for the girl. She could see the genuine love and pain in Ino's eyes. And as she thought about Naruto's future, an idea began to form in her mind.

Kushina said slowly, "As you know, Naruto's birthday is in a week. I want to do something special for him. How would you feel about being part of his birthday surprise?"

Ino looked up, her tear-streaked face lighting up with hope. "Really? You mean it?"

Kushina smiled warmly. "Yes. But we'll need to plan carefully. If Saruyo finds out, it might complicate things."

Ino nodded eagerly. "I'll do whatever it takes. Thank you, Mrs. Uzumaki. Thank you so much!"

Kushina laughed, pulling Ino into a hug. "Call me Kushina, dear. And don't thank me yet. We have a lot of work to do."

As Ino clung to Kushina, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. For the first time, she had a glimmer of hope.

Kushina, meanwhile, smiled to herself. *Two beautiful girls vying for my son's attention. Naruto, you're going to have an interesting birthday.*

Ino sat on the plush couch in the Uzumaki living room, her hands gripping the hem of her skirt nervously. Kushina sat in front of her, leaning forward with a motherly, piercing expression. Moonlight filtered in through the windows, casting a red tint over the room, as if Kushina's fiery hair set the atmosphere ablaze.

"So, Ino," Kushina began, her tone gentle yet firm. "If you truly want to win Naruto's heart, I need to know everything about you. No secrets."

Ino blinked, her throat tightening. "E-Everything?" she echoed, her voice trembling.

Kushina nodded. "Yes, dear. Everything. If I'm going to support you, I need to know who you truly are. Don't worry—this is a safe space."

Ino hesitated, her mind racing. She wanted to be honest, but the thought of baring her soul terrified her. She'd spent years burying her pain, masking it with a confident exterior. Could she really let someone like Kushina, someone so radiant and kind, see the broken girl beneath?

"I… I don't know where to start," Ino whispered, her eyes lowering to her lap.

Kushina reached across the coffee table and placed a warm hand over Ino's. "Start wherever you feel comfortable, sweetheart. Take your time."

Ino bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes. After a long pause, she began, her voice shaky and barely above a whisper.

"I'm not… I'm not pure," she said, her words trembling as if they carried the weight of the world.

Kushina tilted her head, her expression softening. "What do you mean, Ino?"

Ino swallowed hard, the tears spilling over. "I'm not… I'm not a virgin," she admitted, her voice breaking. "I lost that part of me two years ago. And not just once… but over and over again. I… I got lost in a world of desire, of boys, of fleeting connections."

Kushina didn't flinch or show any sign of judgment. She simply tightened her grip on Ino's hand, silently urging her to continue.

"I didn't mean to fall into that life," Ino continued, her voice cracking as the tears streamed down her cheeks. "But I was so… so empty inside. I thought those moments, those… those meaningless nights, would fill the void."

Kushina gently pulled Ino's hand, guiding her to sit beside her on the couch. She wrapped an arm around the younger woman, who immediately broke down, sobbing into Kushina's shoulder.

"It's okay, Ino," Kushina whispered, stroking her hair. "Let it out."

Ino clung to Kushina like a lifeline, her sobs wracking her body. "It all started because of my dad," she choked out. "He never wanted me. He wanted sons. He used to scream at my mom every day, blaming her for having me. And he'd hit her… he'd hit her so much."

Kushina's breath hitched, her heart breaking for the girl in her arms.

"I was just eight," Ino continued, her voice muffled against Kushina's chest. "I watched him break her arm one night. The police took him away, but the damage was already done. I'd see other girls with their dads, laughing and happy, and I'd feel so… so alone. I didn't know what love was. I didn't know what it felt like to be cared for."

Kushina held her tighter, tears glistening in her own eyes as she listened.

"When I was sixteen," Ino went on, "I started looking for that love in all the wrong places. One boy after another, one mistake after another. My best friend, Sakura, tried to help me, but I wouldn't listen. I was too far gone."

She pulled back slightly, looking up at Kushina with tear-filled eyes. "That's why I don't deserve Naruto. He's so kind, so pure. And I… I'm just…"

Kushina placed a finger over Ino's lips, silencing her. "Stop that," she said firmly. "You are not broken, Ino. You've been through more than most people can imagine, and you've survived. That takes strength. Don't you ever think you're not worthy of love."

Ino's lip quivered as more tears spilled over. "But—"

"No buts," Kushina said, her voice softening. "Naruto has a big heart. He sees people for who they are, not where they've been. If you truly love him, then focus on building a future with him, not dwelling on your past."

Ino nodded, sniffling. "I do love him. I love him more than anything."

Kushina smiled warmly. "Then you have my blessing, on one condition."

"What is it?" Ino asked, her voice still trembling.

"You must promise me that you'll be loyal to him. No more chasing after fleeting desires. Naruto deserves someone who will stand by his side through everything."

Ino nodded vigorously. "I promise, Kushina. I swear I'll be loyal to him. I'll give him everything I have. I'll do things for him that I've never done for anyone else. I'll…" She blushed, lowering her voice. "I'll make sure he never wants to leave my side."

Kushina chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves, dear. For now, let's focus on making his birthday special. Can you do that?"

"Yes," Ino said, her determination shining through her tears. "I'll do anything to make it perfect."

Kushina leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Ino's forehead. "Good girl. Now, you'd better head out before Saruyo and Naruto get

Ino's face lit up with excitement. She threw her arms around Kushina, hugging her tightly. "Thank you, Kushina. Thank you so much!"

Ino nodded, wiping her tears and standing. She hesitated for a moment before leaning down to place a kiss on Kushina's cheek. "You're amazing, you know that?"

Kushina smiled, watching as Ino practically skipped out the door, her heart lighter than it had been in years.

As she closed the door, Kushina leaned against it with a sigh, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Naruto," she murmured to herself, "you're one lucky boy. Two beautiful girls, and they're both crazy about you. Your birthday is going to be very… interesting."

Meanwhile, Ino drove away, her heart soaring. She rolled down the window, letting the cool evening breeze kiss her cheeks as she whispered to herself, "I don't care if I have to share. As long as I can be by his side, I'll do whatever it takes."

The final whistle blew, and the stadium erupted into cheers. Barcelona had defeated Real Madrid with an overwhelming score of 5-2. The crowd roared, and in the middle of the chaos, Naruto couldn't believe his eyes. Saruyo, the typically icy and composed "Ice Queen," was jumping up and down, her reserved demeanor nowhere to be found.

"Yes! Yes! We did it!" Saruyo's voice carried over the noise, her hands clenched into fists of triumph. Her face was lit with a joy that Naruto had never seen before. For a moment, he forgot to cheer himself, too transfixed by the sheer energy radiating from her.

Saruyo turned to him suddenly, grabbing him by the shoulders with an unexpected burst of affection. "Naruto, this is amazing! We won! This is just…" She trailed off, her words turning into laughter as she threw her arms around him.

Naruto's face turned crimson. He froze for a split second before awkwardly patting her back. "Y-yeah, we did!" he stammered, his voice barely audible over the crowd's cheers.

When Saruyo pulled back, her smile remained, genuine and dazzling. It was unlike the distant smirk she often wore. This was warmth—a side of her that felt almost unreal to him. Naruto couldn't stop himself from thinking, She's amazing…

After the award ceremony concluded, the two made their way back to Saruyo's car. Both were still wearing Barcelona jerseys, and Saruyo's cheeks were slightly flushed from the excitement of the match. She pulled out her phone and began scrolling through the photos they had taken. There were selfies of the two of them, grinning in the stands, surrounded by a sea of red and blue scarves.

"This one's pretty good," she said, tilting the screen toward him. It showed Naruto mid-cheer, his enthusiasm captured perfectly. He looked a little silly, but Saruyo seemed unbothered by it.

Naruto leaned over to look, trying not to let his shoulder brush against hers. He smiled nervously. "Yeah, it's… uh… nice."

Saruyo raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a teasing smirk. "Nice? That's all you've got to say? You were screaming your lungs out ten minutes ago."

Naruto laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. He could feel the warmth of her presence beside him, and the words escaped his mouth before he could stop them. "Your smile is… beautiful."

The car grew quiet. Saruyo froze, her fingers hovering over the phone screen. Slowly, she turned to look at him, her icy exterior faltering for a brief moment.

"What did you just say?" she asked, her tone sharp but laced with curiosity.

Naruto's eyes widened in panic. "Uh, I-I mean… I just meant that when you… um, smile, you… look happier. That's all. Y-you look really… good when you're happy."

To his surprise, Saruyo's expression softened. For the first time, she let out a quiet laugh, not the sarcastic or mocking kind he was used to, but something softer, more genuine.

"Idiot," she muttered, shaking her head. But the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her usual composure. As she turned back to her phone, she couldn't quite hide the small smile that lingered on her lips.

When they arrived back at Naruto's home, Kushina greeted them at the door. "So, Barcelona won, huh?" she asked with a knowing grin.

Saruyo nodded, her usual icy demeanor returning as she replied, "Yes. It was an easy victory. Real Madrid never stood a chance."

Kushina laughed. "I caught the game on TV. Looked like you two were having a great time out there."

Naruto, who had been trying to disappear into the background, turned bright red. He hadn't realized his mother had been watching.

Kushina smirked knowingly before heading into the kitchen. "I made some dessert to celebrate. Come on, you two, dig in!"

The trio sat around the table, enjoying the sweets Kushina had prepared. Saruyo, though still reserved, seemed more relaxed than usual. Naruto couldn't help but steal glances at her, marveling at how different she seemed compared to the first time they met.

Later that night, Naruto lay in bed beside Saruyo, who had already fallen asleep. He stared up at the ceiling, his mind racing. The memory of her genuine smile played over and over in his head, making it impossible for him to rest.

After what felt like hours, he quietly slipped out of bed and padded down the hall to his mother's room. Hesitating at the door, he finally mustered the courage to knock softly.

"Come in," Kushina's groggy voice called.

Naruto pushed the door open, his face flushed. "Uh… Mom? Are you awake?"

Kushina sat up, rubbing her eyes. "What is it, Naruto?" she asked, her voice gentle but laced with concern.

He hesitated, his words tangled in his throat. Finally, he blurted, "I… I think I'm falling for her."

Kushina's expression softened. She reached out to ruffle his hair, just as she had when he was a child. "You're growing up, Naruto. Just be patient with her. She's not the easiest person to figure out, but she's letting you in. That's a big deal."

Naruto nodded, her words giving him a sense of comfort.

"Tomorrow is a new day," Kushina said with a smile, "and maybe, just maybe, you'll smile like that again."

the end

New chapter is ov

Break what will be Saruyi's reaction on Naruto's birthday when Ino surprises h

Tell

Let's

let's go