First of all, before this story starts, I wanted to thank everyone who is reading this.
Secondly, all of the characters in this story are the right of Masashi Kishimoto. I do not own Naruto.
From my long list of things I would like to try in this world, writing a fanfic or anything else was not in my plans at all. I started watching Naruto for the first time at the age of 7 (now 23 getting old) and still today I feel the same emotions and pleasure as when I watch it for the first time. I have been a fan of the Sakusasu couple since the first episodes.
My small and very ignorant mind had no idea that these fanfics existed, judge me or not but I really had no idea. I became familiar with these fanfics about 1 year ago and today I am publishing my story. As you may have read in the description, this story will talk about the development of their feelings at a time when no massacre had taken place. So the uchiha are alive, and so are Naruto's parents.
What I want to emphasize is that I will try very hard to make all this fun for you, and I hope you like it. I will try not to make you wait long because I know how annoying it is to start a new story and find out that the new chapter will take 1, 2, 3 months or the story will be left half unfinished. I will overlook these things by doing my best.
Something of a cliché, English is not my first language, nor my second, but my third. So please, if you notice grammatical errors, let me know so that I can improve.
If you don't like something in this story, or you want to see another side, you can easily tell me politely. I really hate it when I read negative comments about other stories. We are not here for negativity, but for fun. Remember it's called Fanfic for a reason, right?
I hope you like it all and don't forget I'm open to any suggestions you may have.
Story is uploaded in Wattpad too.
Have fun!
The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm light over Konoha, but his attention was fixed on a different kind of warmth—the camaraderie blossoming among the young ninjas before him. Fugaku couldn't believe how fast the years flew by. His sons had grown up quite a bit. Itachi is an ANBU captain with many successful missions, and today his young son just started his first training together with his genin teammates.
With his typical critical eye, Fugaku was analyzing the other members of Sasuke's team. Naruto Uzumaki, was a jinchūriki. Minato sealed the 9-tailed fox inside him the day he was born. This fact would make the boy a very strong ninja in the future and why not, even a worthy rival for his son.
Sasuke and Naruto had known each other for many years. The close friendship between Kushina and Mikoto had made the boys know each other since childhood. They were not the typical close friends that anyone could imagine. Their different characters made them fight almost every time over petty things, but Fugaku knew better than that. These fights were superficial, he could tell very well how much the boys cared for each other from the way they protected each other in front of other people.
Glancing to his son's right, Fugaku saw Sakura Haruno. Sakura came from a simple family. Her parents were ninjas who had not passed the genin level, however, they had a special talent as it pertained to medical ninjutsu. Fugaku didn't know them like he knew Naruto's parents. He might have seen them once or twice in his lifetime. Her mother worked in a hospital as a nurse, while her father owned a shop selling herbs and medical supplies.
He could watch every action of the girl to catch his son's eye. Sasuke wasn't far behind either, Fugaku had seen his little cheeks turn pink when Itachi and Shisui teased him about Sakura. According to them some time ago when they were still young and in the academy, Sasuke had asked Itachi how he could talk to a girl with pink hair to get her attention. Sweet childish sympathy.
"They are doing well," Kakashi said as he approached Fugaku.
"If that's what their teacher says, then it can be."
"They also need a little time to work as a team. It is still in the early days that they know its value, but I believe they will reach it faster than others."
"There is time, nothing is impossible as long as you have the patience to work hard to achieve it."
"True," Kakashi nodded. "You want me to call Sasuke?"
"No, actually I wanted to see how you were doing. Growing up I missed a lot of things I wasn't there for him in his important moments. I didn't want to miss his first training either, Sasuke barely has been waiting for this day," Fugaku said and looked back at the children.
As the first lesson, they had chakra control where Sakura was the first to climb the tree leaving behind the 2 boys of the team. Fugaku smiled at the reaction of the boys, who seemed not pleased at all. "Apparently the girl has better control compared to the 2 boys."
Fugaku noticed how Sakura's laughter rang out like music, her enthusiasm lighting up the training ground. Each time she encouraged Sasuke to climb the tree, he could see the subtle shifts in his son's posture—a slight lean, a quicker response—Sasuke was drawn to her in a way that intrigued Fugaku.
"It was expected from her to be good but I have to admit, considering Sakura's age and experience she is above the average genin level. Her chakra control is very precise," Kakashi said.
'Interesting' thought Fugaku. Turning to Kakashi he said "My wife wants you all to have dinner at our house tonight. She is very happy that now Sasuke will have new people around him that he can trust and rely on. It would be good to spend time together. "
'And why not study this young lady closer,' he said to himself.
"Thank you very much for the invitation Fugaku-san, I appreciate it, I will inform the children. As for me, please excuse me but I have to decline the invitation, I have some work waiting for me tonight."
Fugaku smiled "I believe you know that you won't be able to escape forever. The moment will come when you will take off that mask on your face." Kakashi laughed awkwardly.
"Don't worry, I understand. I'm leaving now, I have a lot of work waiting for me at the station. Please tell Sasuke I stopped by to see him," Fugaku nodded in greeting and left.
"Here we are again, just me and my babies," Kakashi said in a tired voice as he began to approach the children.
"Kakashi-sensei did you see me? I went up first," Sakura said with pride and a smile on her face.
As Sakura spoke Sasuke was looking at her with an analyzing eye. 'How did she do that?' Sasuke wondered, a frown tugging at his lips, even as a small part of him felt a flicker of pride for her.
"I saw Sakura, you did good, well done," said Kakashi. "I knew you could do it, but what I didn't know was the fact that I have such weak guys in the team."
"Oh come on now! Kakashi-sensei don't speak too soon you might regret it when you see the true strength of an Uzumaki and a future Hokage," Naruto said exasperated and more determined than ever.
"Yes, Hogake who doesn't even have the strength to put his feet on the tree," Sasuke said, smirking at the corner of his mouth.
"Hey, shut up Teme! You couldn't climb up either."
"At least I got close to the first branch Dobe!" Sasuke said and looked back at Sakura.
He was still amazed at this girl's determination. It seemed that every day more and more Sasuke discovered something new about this girl and always that new thing would please him very much. In his eyes, Sakura had nothing to do with other girls their age. She was intelligent, educated, worked hard, never complained, and above all, she never judged Sasuke just by his looks. It seemed like she appreciated every bit of people's character without focusing too much on trivial things, and that was something Sasuke appreciated a lot.
'Apparently, I can rely on you in the future.' Sasuke thought to himself.
"Where were you Kakashi-sensei? You left for a while," asked Naruto as always curious about everything.
"I was a little further away talking to Fugaku-san. He came to see you Sasuke." Sasuke opened his eyes in surprise 'Father came by to see me?' he thought to himself.
"Also, he told me to tell you that tonight you are invited for dinner at Sasuke's house."
"Yeyy finally! My stomach is ready to eat Auntie Mikoto's delicious dishes," Naruto said jumping up in joy.
"I didn't notice that Father passed here," Sasuke said slightly annoyed.
"Well, if you had the attention to look around you, as much as you have the attention to see the pink things in front of you, you could have noticed," Kakashi said with a mocking tone.
"The pink stuff? What is Kakashi-sensei talking about?" Sakura asked.
"Tch, nothing! Why do you always have to be so curious? Annoying." Sasuke said as he tried to force himself not to blush.
"Tranquila Teme! Don't be so harsh!"
"Tranqu- what?!" asked Sasuke and Sakura in unison.
"Oh yeah, you don't know. Tranquila means calm down. Based on one of the books Mom has, it's an old word used in the Land of Hotsprings in Bamboo Village. It's not used anymore but it's kinda cool you know." Naruto clarified.
Sakura was looking at Naruto with a confused face "You know what a book is?! Impressive."
"Come on now Sakura-chan for wha- ."
"Enough now with your small talk, you've had enough rest. Continue your training so you can finish dinner at Sasuke's house in time," Kakashi interrupted.
"Alright Sensei!" said the children simultaneously.
The sun had set, it was 7:30 in the evening and the fantastic trio finally arrived at the Uchiha compound. For Sakura, it was the first time she had dinner at Sasuke's house. She knew Itachi a little as he often came to the academy to visit Sasuke but as for his parents she hadn't met them yet. She knew them as faces but never exchanged words with them. Suddenly she started to sweat from embarrassment.
Sasuke's calm voice broke through her thoughts. "No need to be so stressed," he said, but inside, Sakura was a whirlwind of emotions.
'What if they don't like me? What if I embarrass Sasuke?' She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart.
"My parents have heard about you through me and Itachi and can't wait to meet you in person," Sasuke said.
Very nice now after what Sasuke said, not only did she sweat, but Sakura felt as if she was about to pass out from the emotions. Meeting the parents of the boy you love at such a young age is not easy. Sakura wanted to make sure she behaved properly to leave a good impression. Let's get started now for an easier future.
'Idiot, what are you thinking! You're acting like you're going to get married.' thought Sakura.
As soon as they approached the door of Sasuke's house it opened. Mikoto opened the door and a smile appeared on her face. "You're Sakura-san aren't you? Wow, Sasuke! You weren't kidding—Sakura is gorgeous! What a cute and sweet lady."
'Did… did he….did he really think that I am gorgeous or what now,' her inner self said.
"I feel a little jealous Aunty, with Sakura here you completely forgot about me," Naruto said in a teasing tone.
"Now look who's making fun of me, how could I forget little Naruto," Mikoto said as she approached the boy to hug him.
"I'm here too. In case you forgot," Sasuke said looking annoyed but his heart was warm. Watching these scenes of behavior between his 2 friends and his mom made Sasuke feel good.
" 'Sweetness for the end' as the old saying goes, come on my little baby now it's your turn for a hug," Mikoto said, and grabbed Sasuke, hugging him tightly and giving him a few kisses on the forehead.
"Mom, how many times have I told you not to call me baby!" Sasuke said nervously while everyone was laughing.
"Now now, I hope you're hungry as the table is full of delicious and warm things."
"Don't say it twice Aunty," Naruto said as he kicked off his sandals and ran inside Sasuke's house.
"Naruto oh my god! Have some manners you don't run into someone else's house like that!" shouted Sakura nervously while she was following Naruto.
The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the Uchiha house, inviting warmth that contrasted the cool evening air. As Sakura stepped inside, she was immediately enveloped by the scent of savory miso soup and grilled fish.
"Welcome Sakura-san! It's a pleasure to meet you in person," said Fugaku from the corner of the table with a newspaper in his hand.
"Thank you for the invitation Uchiha-san! It is my pleasure to meet you," Sakura said bowing her head in greeting.
"Please, no need for formalities, every friend of Sasuke's is one of ours," he said with a light smile.
"Hello Sakura-san, how are you?" Itachi said in a welcoming voice.
"Fine thanks, I hope you're fine too Itachi-san," Sakura said with a grin on her face.
"Yeah, Sasuke told us you had a difficult mission. How did it go?" Naruto asked curiously.
"Good, as always. Thanks for asking guys. Now come and sit down to eat today you had your first training you must be hungry," Itachi said as he directed the children to sit down to eat.
As they settled around the table, Fugaku took a seat at the head, his presence commanding but his expression softening in the company of the children. "I'm glad you could join us, Sakura-san. It's nice to have new faces at the dinner table."
Sasuke sat next to her, his usual stoicism slightly eased. Itachi, seated across from them, offered a knowing smile, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Sakura-san, I hear you climbed the tree first today. Impressive."
"Thanks, Itachi-san! It was... a challenge," she admitted, her cheeks warming at the compliment.
"Don't let it go to your head, Sakura-chan. I'll catch up next time," Naruto declared, elbowing Sasuke playfully. "Right, Sasuke?"
"Sure" Sasuke replied, his tone dry, but a hint of a smirk tugged at his lips.
Mikoto poured soup into everyone's bowls, her hands steady and practiced. "So, tell me more about your training. What do you enjoy most about being a ninja?"
Sakura felt the spotlight shift to her. "I love the idea of helping people, especially with medical ninjutsu. It feels rewarding to make a difference," she said, glancing at Sasuke, who seemed to be listening intently.
"That's admirable," Fugaku remarked, nodding. "We need more ninjas who are willing to heal and protect."
While Sakura continued to speak passionately, Fugaku lightly kicked Mikoto's leg under the table and beckoned to Sasuke. Sasuke looked as if he had forgotten to eat, he still had his chopsticks with a piece of fish in his hand and was listening attentively to Sakura.
Mikoto and Fugaku chuckle, looking at each other. And as the conversation progressed, Itachi was telling some amusing stories of his early shuriken training. Sasuke watched Sakura as she laughed, her smile lighting up the room.
'She is different,' he thought, appreciating her easy interaction with his family. She seemed to fit in, even as she shyly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
As the meal progressed, Naruto couldn't help but boast. "Just wait until I become Hokage! I'll have all the best food in the village!"
"Does that include ramen every day?" Itachi teased, earning a laugh from everyone.
"Absolutely!" Naruto declared, eyes gleaming with determination. "Ramen and victory!"
The atmosphere was lively, filled with shared stories and laughter, but as the meal wound down, Sakura felt a rush of gratitude. This was a glimpse into a family she admired from afar, and the warmth of the Uchiha household made her feel welcome.
"Thank you for the meal, Mikoto-san. Everything was delicious," Sakura said sincerely, her heart full.
"You're welcome anytime, Sakura-san," Mikoto replied, her kindness enveloping her like a warm hug.
As the children helped clear the table, Sasuke leaned closer to Sakura. "You fit in well," he said, his voice low, almost shy.
"Thanks, Sasuke-kun. Your family is nice, just like you," she replied with a smile, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks.
Sasuke offered a rare smile forcing himself not to blush. "I'm glad you're here."
And for the first time, Sakura felt like she truly belonged—not just as Sasuke's teammate, but as someone cherished in his world.
Fugaku looked back at the clock. "I think it's a bit late now, I'll accompany you both home."
"Please Fugaku-san you don't have to worry, we can go ourselves," Naruto said.
"Father don't worry, Sasuke and I will accompany them," Itachi said as he made his way to the door. "I believe you are ready."
"Yes!," the three children said in unison and Itachi laughed. It seemed as if even in returning the answer they were in sync with each other.
Naruto and Sakura bowed their heads in greeting and said goodnight to Sasuke's parents. As they watched them leave Mikoto turned her attention to Fugaku.
"I'm glad Sasuke feels so good around his two friends. I can tell by the way his body is calm, just like he is with Itachi and Shisui."
"True, I liked Sakura too. A quiet, well-mannered girl, her parents have raised her quite well. I believe she will become a talented kunoichi in the future," said Fugaku.
Mikoto looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Fugaku Uchiha is praising a girl who isn't a Uchiha. Big surprise to me, how many times has that happened? Oh yeah, just the two of them, with Naruto and now Sakura," Mikoto said mockingly as they entered their house.
The night air was crisp as they stepped out of the Uchiha compound, the stars twinkling overhead like distant lanterns. The moon cast a gentle glow on the path, guiding them through Konoha's familiar streets.
Sakura walked beside Naruto, her heart still fluttering from the warmth of dinner. "I can't believe how welcoming your family is, Sasuke," she said, glancing sideways at him.
"Yeah, they're cool," Sasuke replied, his tone casual, though a small smile crept onto his lips at her praise.
Itachi walked a few steps ahead, hands tucked in his pockets, his presence calm and observant. "It's nice to see you both making new friends," he remarked, glancing back with a gentle smile. "You've grown stronger, and it's good to see that reflected in your team."
Naruto puffed out his chest, a proud grin on his face. "You bet! I'll show you how strong I am tomorrow, Itachi!"
"I'm looking forward to it," Itachi replied, his voice even, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes.
As they continued walking, Sakura stole glances at Sasuke, who walked with a relaxed demeanor, the tension of the day melting away. "So, what's your training plan for tomorrow?" she asked, genuinely curious.
"I was thinking of working with my shuriken," he answered, hands slipping into his pockets. "Maybe we can practice together?"
"Absolutely! I could use some pointers," she replied enthusiastically.
Naruto chimed in, "I'll join! We'll have a training party! Team 7 style!"
Sasuke chuckled softly, and Sakura felt a warmth spread in her chest at the sound. The camaraderie felt natural as if they'd been friends forever.
As they approached Naruto's house, the lights glowed warmly in the windows. "Thanks, guys. I had a great time tonight as always," said Naruto.
"It's nothing Dobe," Sasuke said.
As they reached the door, it swung open to reveal Kushina, her bright red hair spilling over her shoulders. "Naruto! You're home!" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.
"Sasuke-kun, Itachi-kun, Sakura-chan good evening! I didn't expect to see you here." Kushina said and came over giving both kids a hug.
"Good evening Kushina-san!" Sakura said returning the hug while Sasuke remained frozen next to them. He wasn't much of a hugger, but apparently, his mom and Kushina didn't care about that fact.
"Aww look at this Sasuke-kun how handsome you are. You're still all shy in front of me, I'm going to eat those little red cheeks of yours," Kushina continued cupping Sasuke's cheeks in her hands and then hugging him even tighter.
"Aunt Kushina you're breaking my bones," Sasuke said in a low voice.
Itachi laughed, it was hilarious to watch Sasuke in these situations where he faced the physical contact he so disliked. "Good evening Kushina-san, I came to walk Naruto home. It was a bit late and Father was worried."
"First of all, I told you 100 times don't call me Kushina-san, not these formalities with me boy, I hate them you know. Second, you are very sweet and always so caring like your mother." Kushina said as she lightly rubbed his head.
"Thank you Auntie Kushina!" Itachi said with a smile. "It's been a while since I last saw you."
"I agree, it's been a while. I have a word with my dear husband, he's tiring you by giving you so many important missions."
Itachi chuckled. "It's no problem, I believe Minato-san does this because he trusts me a lot. But I promise I'll visit you more often Aunt Kushina."
"Oh well look I'm not the one you should be visiting more often. You should be visiting a pretty girl you know, with long brown hair. That girl misses you the most," Kushina whispered and then winked at him.
Itachi blushed. The kids didn't understand what happened but at the end of the day she was Kushina, she liked teasing others. "I'll keep that in mind, Aunty. Well, we're leaving now we have to accompany Sakura-san home."
"Good night!" said Naruto and Kushina closing the door.
Leaving Naruto's house now Sakura was feeling bad that the boys had to accompany her home as well, it was getting pretty late now and they should rest.
"Guys look my house isn't far from here. I can honestly go on my own, you don't have to worry, I'll be fine," Sakura said worried for the boys.
"Of course, we'll accompany you Sakura, it's too late to leave a girl alone on the streets," Sasuke said as he looked down the road.
'Aww my little gentleman brother,' Itachi said to himself with a smirk.
As they approached Sakura's house, she hesitated. "Thanks for walking us home, you two. I had a great time tonight. Everything was perfect."
"It's no trouble," Sasuke said, his gaze steady on her. "I'm glad you enjoyed dinner."
They paused at her gate, the moment hanging in the air. Sakura felt a mix of emotions—apprehension, excitement, and a touch of shyness. "Um, I guess I'll see you and Naruto tomorrow at training?"
"Hm yeah," Sasuke said, waving his hand at her.
Sakura smiled, her heart racing. "Goodnight, Itachi-san! Goodnight, Sasuke-kun!"
As she turned to go, Sasuke called out, "Sakura."
She turned back, surprised to see him take a step closer. "Yeah?"
"I... um, it's good having you on our team," he said, his voice slightly more earnest than usual.
Sakura's breath caught in her throat. "Thanks, Sasuke-kun. That means a lot to me."
"Goodnight," he added, his usual cool demeanor returning, but she could see a hint of warmth in his eyes.
She entered her home and outside, Itachi and Sasuke watched her disappear into the house.
"It seems like she's already made an impression," Itachi noted, his tone light but observant.
"Yeah," Sasuke replied, staring at the closed door for a moment longer. "She's… different."
"Different can be good," Itachi said, a knowing smile on his face. "You like her."
"Who? Where? What?" Sasuke said tensely as he felt his cheeks heat up.
"Don't pretend you don't understand now," Itachi said with a smirk on his face. "Look, you blushed."
"Wha… stop now. This is nonsense. Shisui made you like himself brother," Sasuke said trying to get the heat off his neck.
"Mhm yeah, as you wish Sasuke," Itachi said. 'Ah, my foolish little brother.'
As they walked side by side, Itachi couldn't help but feel a sense of hope for his brother's future—a future where bonds could be forged in light, not shadow.
As she entered the house, Sakura couldn't help but think about tonight's dinner. She was very happy, everything had gone many times better than she had imagined.
"Honey, did you come home?" Mebuki said.
"Yeah, I was taking off my sandals," Sakura said as she walked towards the living room.
"Daddy's little love, how did dinner go? Did you have a good time? Did someone bother you? Did someone say something inappropriate? Did you eat or not, if not, then we will pre-"
"Calm down Dad, everything went well. It was a perfect dinner," Sakura said as she lay down on the living room couch.
"Really? You're not lying to me, are you? You know I don't trust these Uchihas very much, they seem very serious and emotionless people," Kisazhi said worriedly.
"Dear calm down, Sakura seems to be pleased. Her face is shining with joy," Mebuki said as she sat down on the couch next to Sakura.
"Sweetheart go take a shower now and go to sleep. You know you have a very long day tomorrow. Ah! I almost forgot, tomorrow morning before you go to training please send Kushina-san the box of cookies that is in the kitchen, I made them especially for her. She and Minato-san really like those cookies, especially Naruto, please don't forget."
"Yeah Mom sure, don't worry about it. I'm leaving now, Good night!" Sakura said and gave her parents a quick kiss on the cheek.
While preparing things in the bathroom for a warm shower, she continued to remember the whole day today. The dinner... was perfect, not even in her wildest dreams did she imagine it would go so well. Sasuke's mom was such a sweet and welcoming woman, and his dad too, even though he had a deep stoic look Sakura realized that he too is loving and gentle in his own way. Just like Sasuke...Sasuke.
This boy surprised the girl today. Now it wasn't news that Sakura had feelings for Sasuke, the whole academy knew it from Ino, whose mouth is never closed. But did Sasuke feel the same as her? Or more clearly, would it be possible in this universe for Sasuke to look at a female with that meaning?
The way he had seen Sakura today so proudly in the training grounds today made him feel a warmth in his chest. The looks during dinner, the way he followed her with his eyes in everything she did or the way he listened attentively when she spoke as if he didn't want to miss any detail of her.
'Ugh…love makes you crazy. Why must men be so difficult to understand?'
But this feeling inside her quickly disappeared and a new feeling surfaced, that of fear .
Today was the lucky day, chakra control was one of Sakura's key points, but what will happen in the following days? She felt weak in front of the 2 boys of her team, she was not even 1% of them in terms of strength and technique. Maybe Sasuke would no longer look at Sakura with those eyes of today, full of light and pride. As she dried her hair and approached the bed Sakura lay down took a deep breath and let it out.
'You must train and learn hard Sakura, you must be a strong kunoichi for yourself and your village. And why not, maybe be someone in Sasuke's eyes. If you want to be by his side then you must be worthy of him and his clan,' she thought to herself and let these thoughts put her to sleep.