As today is March 28th, we wish Sakura a happy birthday!
The days slipped by in the Land of Sea like the ebb and flow of its waves, gentle and quiet, but always moving forward. Though the weather often proved unkind, with the skies heavy and threatening, the wind biting sharply off the coast, it didn't seem to matter. Sasuke, ever the thoughtful observer, always found ways to carve moments of serenity out of the chaos.
They had spent their time hiking through dense forests, with towering trees whose leaves whispered like the sea. Sasuke would lead the way, stepping lightly over roots and rocks, though his steps were always careful, measured. Sakura would follow, and despite the chill, she couldn't help but feel the warmth of his presence. There was something about the silence between them, the shared rhythm of their footsteps, that spoke louder than any words could.
He'd planned small escapes—picnics on grassy hills where the wind was gentler, or boat trips through the scattered islands of the Land of Sea. The sea was both calming and unpredictable, much like their journey. Sasuke would row them through the mist that hung thick on the water, while Sakura would watch the horizon, the pale sun dipping lower in the sky as the boat glided smoothly over the waves.
But it wasn't the two of them who seemed to be having the most fun.
Mochi, now fully integrated into their little trio, had adapted effortlessly to their wandering. The kitten had settled into the rhythm of their travels, curling up comfortably in Sakura's backpack as though she had always belonged there. Her tiny head poked out from the bag, eyes wide and alert, taking in the world around her with unabashed curiosity. She'd often purr loudly in contentment, completely unfazed by the rain that would sometimes pour down in sheets, or the fierce gusts of wind that cut through the landscape.
Sasuke couldn't help but chuckle softly at the sight. The bond between Sakura and Mochi had grown beyond that of mere pet and owner. It was almost as if the kitten were an extension of her—her child, in a sense. She would murmur soft words to her as she adjusted her in the bag, her fingers lightly brushing her fur.
After staying in the land of Sea, Sasuke and Sakura headed to Ouza Island in the land of Tea. The receptionist of the hotel where they stayed in the land of sea had her daughter on this island, a woman in the final days of a high-risk pregnancy with twins. Her condition was dire, and the doctors had warned that the birth might take her life. Desperate, the woman had begged Sasuke and Sakura for help, and despite their own weariness, they couldn't turn her away.
They rushed to the island, and amidst the tense, unsteady atmosphere, Sakura's presence was a calming force. She worked tirelessly, her chakra stretching thin, yet steady as she helped bring the babies into the world. The birth was grueling, a delicate dance between life and death, but in the end, both twins were born healthy, and the mother, though exhausted, survived.
In gratitude, the young mother named one of the girls after Sakura. This gesture touched Sakura immensely and made her so happy that she cried for 2 days straight. At this point Sasuke had started to think that in addition to the chakra reserves that she made for her seal, maybe she also had reserves of tears. There was no way a normal person would cry so much in 2 days just for this.
Their first Valentine's Day as a couple was spent on Naga Island, a quiet, modest place on their way to the Land of Water. The island didn't offer much in terms of luxuries, but it provided an opportunity to exchange gifts, and that was all they needed. Sasuke, with his usual understated approach, had found a simple yet meaningful gift for Sakura—a red ribbon, much like the one she had worn as a little girl. The look in her eyes when she saw it was priceless, her joy so immense it seemed like Sasuke had just handed her the winning lottery ticket.
Sakura, in turn, had managed to find a bar of dark chocolate for Sasuke. He ate it, enjoying the bitterness. The next several hours were a blur of stomach cramps, nausea, and an unfortunate amount of vomiting. Apparently, the chocolate had expired.
"I'm so sorry, Sasuke-kun! I didn't mean to make you sick!" Sakura cried, her hands trembling as she passed him water.
Sasuke, too exhausted to argue, simply sighed. "I'll live."
The rest of the day passed with him laying on a bed, occasionally groaning while Sakura hovered anxiously, repeatedly checking on him. The thought of her first Valentine's gift being the cause of his misery didn't sit well with her, but Sasuke couldn't help but find it all a little amusing.
The nights spent in the quiet of the forest were the most peaceful, especially in March, when the chill of winter had finally lifted, and the warmth of spring began to settle in. With the Land of Sea behind them, Sasuke and Sakura had grown used to sleeping together, sharing warmth and comfort in the stillness of the woods.
At first, they had kept a careful distance, each unsure of how to navigate the new closeness. But as the days passed, that space between them had slowly disappeared. Now, more often than not, Sakura found herself half sprawled on top of Sasuke as she drifted into sleep, her head resting on his chest, her body curling into him for warmth.
Sasuke had never slept more soundly than he did these nights. The weight of her presence beside him, the rhythmic sound of her breathing, became the most comforting lullaby he could imagine. In these quiet moments, he began to wonder how he had ever lived without this. The warmth, the connection—it was everything he had needed without even realizing it.
But there was one thing that kept bothering him, one thing he couldn't ignore. His left arm, the one that had been rejected in the past, now seemed more of a burden than ever. He cursed himself for turning down Hashirama's cells. With only one arm, there was no way to hold Sakura the way he wanted, to pull her closer and keep her there for as long as he could. It frustrated him, the way his own body couldn't give her everything she deserved.
Nights were not always for rest; sometimes they were for reflection. When sleep eluded him, Sasuke would find himself staring up at the sky, the stars above as vast and endless as the thoughts swirling in his mind. He thought about the future, about what came next.
What would he do after this journey? How long would it last? He glanced over at Sakura, her head resting peacefully on his shoulder, her breath soft and steady. She couldn't stay like this forever. She had a job, responsibilities, she was an individual that Konoha needed. This journay would eventually come to an end for them.
What came after? Would he be ready to return to Konoha? Sasuke absolutely could not imagine himself away from Sakura anymore, away from this warmth and love that his soul needed to feel every day, every hour. The weight of the question pressed on him, but as he watched Sakura sleep, a sense of clarity washed over him.
Yes, after this journey, it was time. It was time to start a new life. A real one. He would buy a house. He had enough money—more than enough, thanks to his family's inheritance.
One quiet morning, Sasuke sat at the small desk in their room, the dim light from the window casting a soft glow over his face. He picked up a pen and began writing a letter to Naruto. He needed to get things moving—he had a vision for what came next.
He instructed Naruto to find a house in Konoha that met his specific conditions. An apartment, with two bedrooms, a spacious living room, and a kitchen. Most importantly, a large balcony with the best view of Konoha. A place where he and Sakura could sit together, sip tea or coffee or eat their meals, and simply enjoy each other's company.
His thoughts drifted to Sakura, as they so often did. He loved her. He loved her more deeply than he had ever believed possible, and the thought of returning to Konoha and starting their life together filled him with a quiet, steady certainty. As soon as they returned, he would propose to her. Maybe they will do a small wedding. Something simple, but meaningful—something that Sakura, like any other woman, deserved to thought brought a small smile to his lips, but then a question rose in his mind, one that stopped him mid-thought.
They were in the land of Water, in a small inn somewhere in the countryside, they were tired after spending a few days catching a group of thieves. Sakura had just woken up and after giving him a kiss on the cheek she was heading towards the bathroom to brush her teeth.
As if on impulse, he called out to her.
"Sakura."
She poked her head out of the bathroom door, toothbrush in her mouth, looking slightly confused. She made a noise that was half a question, her eyes still half-lidded from just waking up.
Sasuke, with his usual straightforwardness, didn't hesitate. "Will you live with me?"
Sakura blinked at him, toothpaste foam still on her lips. "Huh?"
He repeated himself, his voice steady. "I said ,will you live with me?"
Sakura went into the bathroom to finish brushing her teeth. She came out and leaned sleepily against the bathroom door. "Aren't we living together now?"
"I was talking about when we get back to Konoha."
For a moment, there was silence. Sakura's eyes widened as she processed the question, and her face lit up with a sudden, unmistakable realization. Before Sasuke could say anything else, she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.
"Yes! Yes, of course!" she said, her voice filled with joy and disbelief.
Sasuke, surprised but not entirely unprepared for this, steadied her as she clung to him. His heart, surprisingly warm at the sight of her happiness, beat steadily in his chest. No more distance. She was with him, and now they would truly be together, in every sense of the word.
Sakura pulled back just enough to look at him, her eyes sparkling. "So, you've decided to live in Konoha?" she asked, almost like she couldn't quite believe it.
Sasuke nodded, his face softening in a way he rarely allowed anyone to see. "Yes. With you."
"And with Mochi too."
Sasuke smiled slightly. "And with Mochi too."
For a brief, perfect moment, everything felt right.
The days passed, as the days passed the weather warmed, and as the weather warmed, so did Sasuke's blood. Why did this happen? Well...
They were in a forest near a river, sitting down to rest and have lunch. They were already on their way to the land of Waves, a place that held both good and bad memories for Team 7. Sakura was down by the lake, kneeling by the water's edge, her hands gently scrubbing the last of their clothes. The soft sounds of the lake's ripples and Sakura humming under her breath filled the air, creating a peaceful rhythm.
Sasuke stood at the edge of the forest, adjusting the heavy cloak he had been wearing for months. Rolling it up, he sealed it away in a scroll, pulling out a lighter one. As Sasuke secured the last of his gear, a shadow passed over him. He looked up, seeing his hawk descend from the sky, a small bag strapped to its back.
"Sasuke-kun." Sakura looked up at the hawk as it landed nearby, and Sasuke approached to untie the bag.
Inside, there were two letters and a scroll, one of them bearing Sakura's name in neat handwriting. Sasuke raised an eyebrow, recognizing the familiar name on the letter. Ino.
"Looks like you've got a letter," he said, handing it to her as he started to open the letter addressed to him.
Sakura took the letter from Ino, glancing at Sasuke as she unfolded it. Her face softened slightly as she read.
Sasuke, on the other hand, held Naruto's letter in his hands, the writing bold and slightly chaotic, as if Naruto couldn't contain his excitement. Sasuke skimmed the words quickly.
The letter began with a series of questions, each one more eager than the last, his enthusiasm jumping off the paper.
"TEMEEEEE ! How's the journey going? Are you feeling better? Are you and Sakura—? Wait, no, that's personal. Anyway, I've been talking to the Hokage…. To Kakashi-sensei about apartments for you, and I think I've found a few places! Is it temporary or permanent? Will you be staying in Konoha, or is it just a short visit?"
Sasuke frowned slightly and continued reading.
"Sasuke! Just tell me—Will you be staying or not?! I need to know for sure! Will it be permanent? Or are you leaving again?! Will you be in Konoha long-term? Sasuke! Tell me! Will you? Will you? Will you? Will you? Will you?..."
Sasuke blinked. He could practically hear Naruto's voice in his head, the excitement and concern spilling out with each frantic word. His lips twitched into a small, exasperated smile as he muttered under his breath, "Seventeen questions... he's got too much time on his hands."
Sakura laughed softly, shaking her head before turning her attention back to Ino's letter. Sasuke found himself glancing at her, curious. What had Ino sent her?
Sakura's expression shifted as she read the contents of the letter, a small blush coloring her cheeks as she read a particular line. Sasuke raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"I'll be back in a little while," Sakura said, standing up and tucking Ino's letter into her bag taking the scroll with her.
Sasuke gave a slight nod, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. The minutes stretched on longer than Sasuke had expected. Sakura had been gone for longer than he anticipated. It wasn't like her to take so long, and the nagging feeling in his chest was starting to grow. He found himself scanning the trees with his Sharingan on, eyes darting to every rustle of leaves and movement in the shadows.
Why was she taking so long?
As he stood up, the faintest sound of rustling came from the bushes, pulling his attention back to the path she had disappeared down. He turned, expecting to see her coming back, but what emerged from the trees caught him completely off guard.
Sakura stepped out, a lightness in her step that he hadn't seen before. She looked... different. There was something childishly playful in her expression, a sort of carefree joy that brightened her face, but it was the way she moved that made his breath catch in his throat.
With a twirl, Sakura spun in front of him, her laughter light and bright. "What do you think?" she asked, a playful glint in her eyes.
For a moment, Sasuke could only stand there, staring at her. His mouth felt dry, and his heart—his damn heart—skipped a beat. He didn't know where to look or what to say. His body had forgotten how to function.
Apparently Ino had brought Sakura a new outfit as a gift. She was dressed in a slightly loose crop top, the fabric clinging to her form just enough to hint at the strength beneath. A black corset, tight only at the chest, cinched her upper body, accentuating the soft curve of her waist. Her wrists , ankles and the abdominal area were adorned with a transparent, fishnet-like material, so delicate and almost ethereal that it seemed to shimmer with every movement she made.
But it was her stomach—her bare skin, the exposed curve of her waist with that fishnet on top—that had his gaze locked there, unable to break free.
The short pants she wore, barely covering her thighs, were accompanied by a skirt that hung loosely to the side, held up by a slit on her right leg. As she spun, the fabric swished around her legs, revealing glimpses of her toned skin.
Sasuke stood frozen, his breath caught in his chest. His mind struggled to keep up with what he was seeing. The outfit... it was bold, something he had never imagined her in. It was beautiful, but more than that, it was startling.
A new feeling arose within him, one that he had never felt to this intensity before. His heart was beating faster, his chest tight as he tried to swallow the lump that had formed in his throat.
Sakura noticed the way he was staring at her. A small, teasing smile curled at the corners of her lips as she stepped closer to him, her eyes searching his face for some kind of reaction.
"Is it too much?" she asked, a slight blush tinging her cheeks.
For a moment, Sasuke couldn't find his voice. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, trying to form words that didn't seem to come.
He shook his head slightly, his hands instinctively reaching up to adjust the strap of his shoulder bag, anything to keep himself busy. But the heat in his face and the unsteady rhythm of his heart betrayed him.
"...No," he finally muttered, his voice low and almost hoarse.
Sakura's smile softened, and her gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before she looked down at the ground. "I thought it would be fun to try something different... I guess it's not bad, right?"
Sasuke didn't know how to answer. He couldn't find the right words, couldn't fully comprehend what had just happened. He was supposed to be the stoic one. He opened his mouth to speak, to say something—anything—but no words came out. All he could do was stare, helpless in the face of this overwhelming feeling. The reality was, Sasuke didn't know what this feeling was... and that terrified him.
Sakura's grin slowly faded, and she tilted her head slightly. "Sasuke-kun, you okay?"
He nodded quickly, though the heat in his chest didn't dissipate. "I'm fine," he managed, though the truth was far from it.
Sakura seemed satisfied with that, offering a soft laugh as she stepped back and struck another playful pose. "I'm glad you like it," she teased, though there was a hint of sincerity in her voice now, and the slight pink flush on her cheeks only made her seem all the more captivating.
Sakura chuckled, glancing down at the outfit she was still wearing. "It's a shame I don't have a mirror. I really want to see how I look in this." She twirled again, a playful smile dancing on her lips.
Sasuke, still trying to regain some semblance of composure after the earlier moment, barely looked up from adjusting his bag. His gaze flickered to her for just a moment before he muttered something under his breath.
"Hot."
Sakura froze. The word caught her off guard, and her heart skipped a beat. Her eyes widened, and for a brief moment, everything around them seemed to slow down. "Huh?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, though she already knew what she had heard.
Sasuke immediately regretted it. He wasn't the type to blurt out his feelings, especially not like that. His face flushed, though the color was lost beneath his usual stoic demeanor. He cleared his throat awkwardly, then quickly diverted his attention, his eyes scanning the sky. "I-I mean... it's very hot today," he stammered, his voice gruff. "Probably better to rest and continue tomorrow."
Sakura blinked, trying to process what had just happened. A slow, deep blush spread across her face as she looked at Sasuke, who was now avoiding her gaze with an intensity that only made the air between them more charged.
"Right..." she said, her voice soft, almost teasing. "Good idea. It's better to rest, I suppose."
A few days passed, and the landscape changed around them. The once-familiar path wound its way toward the Land of Waves, and as they approached the village, Sakura couldn't help but feel a surge of nostalgia. The last time she had been here, it had been a very different time, one full of memories of their past missions and the bond they'd forged in battle.
She turned to Sasuke, her eyes scanning the now-changed village. "It's... different," she murmured. "This place has changed a lot since I was here last."
Sasuke glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "I came here with Suigetsu years ago."
As they continued walking through the village, Sasuke glanced around. "We should find an inn to stay the night," he said, his voice steady as ever. Sakura looked up at him, her lips curling into a small, content smile. He was always practical, always thinking ahead.
"Sounds good," she agreed, and then glanced down at the bag slung over her shoulder. Her hand reached inside, brushing against the soft fur of Mochi, who was peacefully curled up in the bag, completely unaware of the world around her.
Sakura's fingers gently stroked Mochi's back as the cat purred softly in response. "I wonder if the inn will let us keep Mochi with us," Sakura mused, her eyes twinkling. "She's quite the traveler, huh?"
Sasuke, his focus still ahead, nodded briefly. "We'll see. We still can use our coats to hide her."
Just as Sasuke was about to point out the inn he had spotted a little ways ahead, a voice called out from behind him, interrupting his thoughts.
"Sakura!"
Sasuke turned instinctively, his eyes narrowing as a young boy sprinted toward them. He looked familiar, though Sasuke couldn't place him immediately. There was something about his energy and enthusiasm that felt… almost like a distant memory, a piece of the past that hadn't quite faded.
Sakura's face lit up the moment she heard her name. The boy reached them, and without hesitation, he enveloped her in a warm hug. Sasuke stiffened slightly, watching the interaction with narrowed eyes.
"It's been so long!" the boy said, his voice full of joy. "You've changed so much! You've become even more beautiful than when I left."
Sakura, clearly happy to see him, returned the hug, laughing softly. "Thank you, Inari," she said with a smile, her eyes shining with warmth.
Sasuke observed the two of them, noticing the easy camaraderie between them. Something about their exchange piqued his curiosity. He watched closely as the boy, still holding Sakura at arm's length, turned toward him, his eyes widening with recognition—or perhaps disbelief.
"No way," Inari said, his voice filled with surprise. "Is that really Sasuke?" He glanced back at Sakura, raising an eyebrow. "Or am I confusing things?"
Sakura smiled, her gaze shifting between Inari and Sasuke. "You're not mistaken," she replied, her voice carrying a gentle teasing tone. "That's Sasuke."
Inari blinked, as though processing the information. His face broke into a smile, and a warm laugh escaped him. "Well, I'll be. It's been so long, huh?" he said, stepping closer to Sasuke. "You've really changed. You're not the same kid I remember. You've gotten... more mature, and definitely more handsome."
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, a small, almost imperceptible frown forming on his face. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice steady, though there was a slight edge of curiosity in it.
Sakura laughed lightly at his question, shaking her head. "You don't remember him? This is Inari, Tazuna's nephew from our mission here." She smiled at Inari, her gaze softening with the memory. "He was just a little kid back then."
Sasuke's eyes flickered with recognition, though the image was faint at first. Inari had been a child back then—brave but scared. Now, he had grown into a young man, his features sharper, more mature. Sasuke had never paid much attention to Inari before, but seeing him again, with the years between them, it clicked.
The boy who had looked up to Naruto, the boy who had been part of their first mission to the Land of Waves.
"I see you've grown quite a bit," Sasuke remarked, his tone even but with a hint of acknowledgment. "It's been a while."
Inari grinned, clearly still excited to see them both. "It really has! You've both changed so much since then. I met Sakura and Naruto after Pain attacked Konoha but you weren't there. So, what brings you two here?" Inari asked, his eyes bright with curiosity. "Are you passing through?"
Sakura nodded, her smile gentle. "We're traveling, but we'll be staying here for a few days. We've been on the road for a while."
"Fantastic then," said Inari, "then let me accompany you two to my house."
Sakura hesitated, glancing at Sasuke before turning back to Inari. "Inari, it's really not necessary for us to trouble you," she said kindly, her voice soft with reluctance. "We can find an inn, really. We wouldn't want to impose."
Inari didn't give an inch. "No way! You've traveled all this way, and you're not staying in some cold, uncomfortable inn when my house is right here. I won't take no for an answer. Come on, follow me."
With a small smile, Sakura shrugged and looked at Sasuke for support. Sasuke simply nodded, his expression neutral, but there was something in his eyes that showed he wasn't about to argue. If Inari insisted, then they would follow him.
And so, they began walking through the village, the familiar scenery around them evoking memories of their past missions here. It was a peaceful walk, and the breeze rustled the leaves overhead. But it was when Inari glanced over his shoulder that he noticed something that made him pause, his eyes widening slightly.
"Sasuke," Inari called out, grinning. "Sakura."
Sasuke glanced up briefly, raising an eyebrow in question.
Inari's eyes flicked to their hands, intertwined naturally as they walked side by side. "I didn't realize there was some new news here," Inari teased, his voice full of mischief. He pointed to their joined hands, a playful glint in his eyes.
Sasuke and Sakura both froze for a split second, their hands still holding each other but now suddenly very conscious of the connection between them. Sasuke's face flushed slightly, his usual cool composure momentarily slipping, while Sakura's cheeks turned pink in the same instant.
Inari let out a loud laugh, clearly enjoying the surprise he'd caught them in. "Well, well. I didn't know you two were so... open about it!" He continued to chuckle, clearly amused by their reaction.
Sasuke cleared his throat, looking away, while Sakura let out an exasperated laugh, her face still slightly flushed.
Inari's house was modest but inviting, a small, cozy building with a well-kept garden in the front. As they stepped inside, the warmth of the home surrounded them, the faint smell of fresh wood and home-cooked meals lingering in the air. They were immediately greeted by Tsunami, Inari's mother, whose face broke into a warm smile when she saw them.
Tsunami led them further into the house, gesturing for them to sit down at the low wooden table in the living room. "Please, make yourselves at home," she said. "I'll make some tea. It's been a while since we've had guests, and I'd love to offer you some refreshment after your journey."
Sasuke and Sakura sat down, and Tsunami quickly returned with a tray of steaming cups of fresh tea. She handed one to each of them, the aroma of herbs filling the air.
"Thank you," Sakura said, accepting the tea with a grateful smile. She took a sip, feeling the warmth of the tea settle into her.
Tazuna, Inari's grandfather, also appeared in the doorway, looking both surprised and pleased to see Sasuke and Sakura. "It's been a while, hasn't it?" he said with a smile, walking into the room and giving them a respectful nod. "You two have been through quite a lot since we last saw you. It's good to see you both safe and sound."
Sasuke offered a short nod in return, and Sakura smiled warmly at the older man. "Thank you for welcoming us into your home," she said, her voice soft with appreciation.
"Please, our home will always have room for you," Tsunami said as she sat down next to Inari.
The evening passed with easy conversation, the warmth of the tea and the soft laughter of old friends making Sasuke and Sakura feel more at ease than they had in a long while. As the conversation died down, Tazuna leaned back in his chair, his eyes thoughtful as he studied them for a moment.
"So," Tazuna began, his voice steady but with a hint of curiosity. "What brings you two so far from Konoha? You've been on the road for quite some time, I'm guessing."
"We're traveling to help where there's a need," Sakura said simply, her voice filled with sincerity. "There are still many places struggling in the aftermath of the war, and we're just doing what we can to lend a hand."
Tazuna nodded slowly, as though considering her words. "Well," he began after a brief pause, a small smile crossing his face, "fate seems to have brought you to the right place at the right time."
Sakura tilted her head, intrigued. "What do you mean?" she asked, her gaze sharp.
Tazuna leaned forward slightly, his hands resting on the table as he continued. "Over the weekend, an important festival will be held for the city," he explained. "It's one of the biggest events of the year—people come from all over to take part. It's a time of celebration, but it also attracts some unsavory characters. Since the war ended, bandits have been spreading out, causing trouble in the surrounding areas."
"We've heard, we've dealt with some of them during our journey." Sakura said.
Sasuke's expression darkened slightly at the mention of bandits, his gaze unwavering as he listened intently. "And you want us to help protect the festival?" he asked, his voice low and serious.
Tazuna nodded, his eyes meeting Sasuke's. "Exactly. You two are high-level shinobi, with the festival drawing so many visitors, I'm sure the village could use your expertise to keep things safe. The last thing we need is for the festival to be ruined by these bandits."
Sasuke looked at Sakura for a moment, his expression unreadable. She met his gaze, her eyes full of understanding. They'd always known they would help when the need arose—it was part of who they were now.
"We'll do what we can," Sasuke said, his voice steady and decisive.
The conversation shifted then, from the serious topic of protection to something a little more casual. As the evening grew later, Tazuna leaned back in his chair again, his gaze shifting toward the window for a moment, as if considering something.
"By the way," he said, his voice calm. "Next to this, there's an old house of ours—used to be our second home, before we decided to move here. It's a two-story building, fully furnished, with everything you'd need. If you're planning to stay for the festival, you're more than welcome to stay there, on your own. It'll give you some privacy."
Sasuke and Sakura exchanged a brief glance, and Sakura smiled warmly at Tazuna's offer. "That's very generous of you," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "We would appreciate that, thank you.
Sasuke gave a small nod, his expression as composed as ever. "Thank you," he added simply, his voice betraying his quiet appreciation.
Tazuna smiled back at them, clearly pleased to be able to offer them something in return for their help. "It's the least we can do for you two after all you've done. The house is just a short walk away, so it'll be easy for you to come by when you need anything. Don't hesitate to ask."
Everyone got up to accompany Sasuke and Sakura to the place where they would stay, which was not too far away. As they approached the two-story building, Sasuke and Sakura took in its modest but welcoming appearance. It seemed like a perfect place for them to rest before the festival, and they were grateful for the privacy it offered.
Tsunami, Inari, and Tazuna walked beside them, leading the way with friendly smiles. As they reached the front door of the house, Tsunami turned to them, her expression warm. "I hope you don't mind staying in the same place," she said, her voice gentle and kind. "It's a bit isolated, but it's very peaceful. You'll have all the privacy you need."
"We don't mind at all," Sakura said cheerfully. "Thank you so much for letting us stay here."
Inari, walking just behind them, couldn't resist a mischievous smirk. "Yeah, it's nice and quiet here, but during dinner we forgot to mention something important," he said, his voice full of teasing intent. He paused dramatically, his eyes gleaming as he glanced at Sasuke and Sakura. "It seems like you two aren't here as just teammates this time. Looks like you've come as a couple."
Sasuke and Sakura froze for a moment, both blushing deeply at Inari's words. Sakura's mouth opened and closed a few times as she struggled to find a response, while Sasuke's usual cool demeanor faltered just enough for a faint blush to appear on his cheeks.
"Inari," Tsunami said with a gentle reproach, "don't embarrass your guests."
Inari shrugged, still wearing that playful grin. "Hey, it's just the truth, right?" he said, trying to act innocent. "I'm just saying, you two don't hide it too well."
Sakura laughed a little shyly, rubbing her neck. "It's not like we're hiding it, it was just –"
Tazuna, who had been quietly watching the exchange, chuckled heartily. "Oh, I knew it from the first time I saw you two together," he said, his voice filled with amusement. " Congratulations, you two."
Sakura laughed softly, her eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and bashfulness. "Thank you, Tazuna-san."
After wishing each other good night, Sasuke and Sakura couldn't wait to get inside the house. Once inside, they both went about their own quiet routines. After a quick shower Sasuke lay down on the bed and immediately after him and Mochi who seemed to be very enthusiastic about sleeping at his feet. Sleeping at his or Sakura's feet had become a permanent routine whenever they lay down. She refused to sleep anywhere else.
"Remind me, why did I agree to take a cat on the trip?" Sasuke asked as Mochi tried to find her comfort between his legs.
"Because I wanted to," Sakura said, laughing as she came out of the bathroom drying her hair and gave Sasuke a kiss on the cheek, "and if I want something you do it, even if I don't ask you to. So it's your fault."
The three of them settled in for the night, exhaustion quickly pulling them under the veil of sleep.
The next two days seemed to pass in a blur of activity. Tazuna had given him detailed accounts of each incident, leading him to every corner of the village. Sasuke's sharp eyes missed nothing, and he methodically made his way through the area, silently watching for any signs of the criminals who had been terrorizing the town.
Meanwhile, Sakura had made her way to the local hospital. She'd heard from Tazuna about the conditions of the medical staff in the area, and the doctors had welcomed her with open arms. Sakura's medical expertise was a gift, and she was happy to offer whatever help she could.
Sasuke waited just outside the hospital for Sakura to finish up. He had been keeping an eye on the bustling street, waiting for her to emerge. It had been a long day for both of them, but he knew Sakura was dedicated to her work and would be finishing soon. The peacefulness of the village had been a welcome change.
A few minutes later, the door to the hospital opened, and Sakura stepped out. She waved lightly at him with a tired smile.
"How was your day?" Sasuke asked, stepping forward to meet her.
Sakura stretched her arms with a small yawn. "I'm fine," she said, her voice soft but tired. "A little worn out, though. I spent a lot of time training some of the doctors on a new anti-poisoning treatment procedure. They were eager to learn, but it took longer than I expected. Did you learn anything new about the bandits? "
Sasuke shook his head . "Not much. We'll discuss, but first let's find something to eat."
Sakura nodded, understanding. The two of them silently made their way through the streets until they found a small, quiet restaurant that had enough space for them to settle in comfortably. The low murmur of conversation from other patrons filled the air, and the scent of sizzling food wafted through the room.
They were quickly seated, and as they perused the menu, Sasuke glanced at Sakura. "What do you want?" he asked.
Sakura looked over the menu for a moment before replying. "I'll have the grilled fish and miso soup, please. It's been a while since I've had something like this."
Sasuke nodded and placed the order with the waiter. The restaurant was cozy, with wooden beams and paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. The food arrived swiftly, much to their relief, and they began eating.
As they enjoyed their meal, Sakura began explaining her theory about the bandits. Sasuke listened intently, nodding as he chewed. However, as Sakura spoke, Sasuke noticed a boy near them at the table who was staring at the two of them. Sakura, seeing that Sasuke's gaze was focusing somewhere, turned her head to look behind her.
"What's wrong Sasuke-kun?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked over at the boy again. "A gentleman has been staring at us both," he said, his voice calm but edged with caution.
Sakura followed his gaze, and the young man's eyes darted away quickly as she turned to meet his gaze. "Do you recognize him? Have you seen him in person before? I don't remember anything."
Sasuke furrowed his brow, his mind racing. 'I know I've seen him before… but where?'
Before he could make any sense of it, the young man suddenly stood up, a wide grin stretching across his face. He walked toward their table without hesitation, his presence drawing Sakura's attention as she paused in mid-sentence.
"Well now, I think it's time to really talk about the future," he said, his voice dripping with an overly confident tone.
Sakura blinked, confused. "Excuse me?" she asked, not quite sure what was happening.
The man's grin widened, and he took a step closer to her. "Don't you remember me, beautiful Sakura?" he said, a smug look on his face as he leaned in, clearly too comfortable with his proximity.
Sasuke's blood ran cold. He had never liked the idea of anyone—especially a stranger—coming so freely in front of Sakura and making such bold statements. His protective instincts flared immediately.
Without thinking, he slammed his hand onto the table, making the dishes jolt from the sudden force. His cold, sharp eyes locked onto the stranger as he stood up, his entire body tensing with barely contained irritation.
"Who are you?" Sasuke demanded, his voice low and dangerous. The tension in the air was palpable, and the entire restaurant seemed to pause, the weight of his words sinking in.
The young man's smile faltered for a moment, a slight flicker of nervousness crossing his face. He awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck, trying to regain his composure. "Ah, well, this is awkward…" he chuckled nervously. "It's me, Idate Morino."
Sakura's eyes widened in recognition. "Idate?" she repeated, her voice filled with surprise.
Sasuke's thoughts immediately clicked into place. 'Idate Morino?' The name rang a bell, and Sasuke felt a small knot tighten in his stomach. This was someone from her past—someone who Sasuke didn't exactly have the best memories of. The tension in his chest grew, and he glanced at Sakura, whose expression had shifted from confusion to wariness.
Sasuke sighed. 'It seems like it's reunion week.'