My BoruSara Week 2025 contribution for the prompt : Hanami.

I'm sorry for the mistakes, English is not my native language. I hope you like it.

Disclaimer : Boruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto.

Hanami

Sarada arrived at the park where all the villagers had gathered to celebrate Hanami. The village's cherry trees were in bloom, giving Konoha a magical atmosphere. Everyone was enjoying the festivities. Yet, Sarada had no desire to celebrate.

It had been three years since Omnipotence had changed the world and Boruto had been a fugitive. Every day, Sarada defended him against the villagers, the Hokage, and her friends. She could not help it, she could not stand how they treated Boruto. How they saw him as a traitor. She could feel people staring at her and she could hear their whispers. But she pretended she did not see anything.

She held back a weary sigh. She did not want to come. She was only here because Chocho had asked her to. She had not asked her just once, but she had persisted for two days until Sarada finally gave in. She could not help thinking that this was the third year Boruto had not attended Hanami. They had always participated in this celebration.

When they were children, Sakura and Hinata would meet at the park. It was a tradition they'd started when Sasuke went on a mission and Naruto became Hokage. When Team 7 was formed, Sarada, Boruto, Mitsuki, and Konohamaru would spend the day together. She remembered their last Hanami. Kawaki was the new member of their team, and Team 10 had joined them. Sarada had never had so much fun. She would give anything for things to go back to the way they were. To be with Boruto and for everyone to remember him as Boruto Uzumaki. She had seen him a few times since his fleeting appearances in the village. They had only seen each other for a few minutes, but at least for that time, she could be with him.

Sarada saw Chocho in the distance, she was waving at her and setting up a blanket for the picnic. Shikadai and Inojin had not arrived yet. Kawaki had no intention of coming, and Sarada did not want to see him. And if Kawaki did not come, she was sure Mitsuki would not either. She joined Chocho and they sat down on the blanket.

"I'm glad you came," Chocho said.

"I'm sure that otherwise you would have come to get me by force."

"I would."

Shikadai and Inojin arrived. They ate and chatted. It was a beautiful day, but Sarada did not have fun.

"Are you okay ?" Chocho asked.

"Of course."

"Don't tell me you're still thinking about him."

Sarada turned her attention to Shikadai, who was looking at her sternly.

"Shikadai !" Chocho reprimanded.

"She has to stop," Inojin added. "He's a traitor and the Hokage's assassin."

Sarada could not take it anymore. It was always the same thing. She knew it was not their fault. That it was because of Omnipotence. But it was harder and harder to bear. Especially in the midst of the Hanami festivities, when Boruto should be with them. Sarada stood up.

"Where are you going ?" Chocho asked.

"To stretch my legs."

She walked away, but she could hear Chocho saying :

"Well done, guys. Really well done."

Sarada found a quiet spot away from the crowd. It was a cherry tree. She opened her eyes wide as she remembered that it was under this cherry tree that she had spent her last Hanami with Boruto. She put her hand on the tree and closed her eyes.

"It brings back memories."

She suddenly opened her eyes and turned around. Boruto was standing in front of her.

"Boruto ! What are you doing here ?"

He should not be here. Every time he appeared in the village, it was dangerous for him.

"I wanted to spend Hanami with you, like we always did."

Without thinking, she rushed into his arms. Her desire to spend this day with him was stronger than anything else. Boruto put his arms around her and hugged her.

"I won't be able to stay long," he said.

"I know."

Kawaki would feel his presence soon. It was inevitable. If only they could spend a little more time together.

"There he is," Boruto said suddenly.

He moved away from Sarada, looking at the direction Kawaki was coming from.

"Go find Chocho and the others, so he doesn't know you were with me."

Sarada nodded. If she listened to herself, she would wait for Kawaki to teach him the lesson he deserved. But Boruto was right. It was better for her to find her friends and not make the situation worse. Hesitant at first, Boruto approached her and kissed her forehead.

"I'll see you soon," he said before disappearing.

Sarada blushed and gently put her fingers on her forehead. A huge smile lit up her face. They would see each other again soon, and even if it only lasted a few minutes, she could not wait.

She went back to see her friends before Kawaki arrived.

The end