#Jugo & Suigetsu will have to wait a bit.

[yandere-romanticaa]

How would yanderes Kakashi, Sasuke, Indra react to the reader asking for a break up (if they're dating) or divorce (if they're married) since reader gets uncomfortable with them now and finally notices their really possessive and unhealthy behavior? I have a feeling this most certainly won't go well.....

♡Kakashi Hatake.♡

You've been probably married to Kakashi for a little bit over a year but your dating period definitely lasted much longer than that. Kakashi isn't someone that can just open up on a whim, the man needs time, the fact that he even settled down is already strange to some people!

There were some red flags even when you were just dating but you always brushed them off, chalking it off to Kakashi being overprotective because he had been exposed to a lot of bloodshed ever since he was a little kid. He would always somehow mysteriously know where you were, with who you were and what you were doing. Whenever you confronted him about this he would just shrug it off, smile sweetly and give you a little kiss, telling you that he wouldn't be a good ninja if he didn't know where you were.

You believed him.

How naive.

After you finally decided to take off your rose tinted glasses, you started to see just how wrong all of this was, how utterly deprived Kakashi really is. You barely had a social life, a lot of people were too scared to even come close to you let alone speak to you. After putting two and two together, you decided to call it quits.

You demanded a divorce.

Very upfront, very cold was your ideal approach. There was no emotion in your eyes, not even a trace of anger, fear or sorrow.

Even as you were breaking his heart, Kakashi still couldn't help but to find you beautiful.

He knew that something was off about you for a while now but he decided not to comment on the issue. That was a fatal mistake on his part. If he did, you wouldn't be holding those stupid divorce papers right in front of him.

His indifference made you shiver a little.

You could feel his special eye staring at you right through his headband. The heavy tension was killing you, so you fled. Taking your already packed things you left your shared apartment, leaving Kakashi all alone.

A thick silence filled the room, a silence so suffocating you couldn't blame Kakashi if he stopped breathing right there and then.

He felt nothing, yet everything. All at the same time. It was a horrible feeling. But, the thing is dear, you had no idea that Kakashi already had an ace up his sleeve. Deep down he always hoped that he wouldn't need to use it, that the two of you could just be happy together.

You did the unthinkable, pushing him this far. Your fate had been sealed in the worst possible way and you didn't even know it.

♡Sasuke Uchiha.♡

Dating Sasuke was always a rollercoaster of emotions, that's for sure. There were plenty of highs, even more lows and a mix of all sorts of confusing emotions. Sasuke wasn't someone you could call a loving and doting, but he was a loyal boyfriend. He always came back to you after every single mission with that cocky grin of his. Even if he was bloody and bruised, he would always come running back to you.

It was for that same reason why you couldn't be with Sasuke anymore.

His obsession with revenge was too much to handle, and not to mention of constant battles. It was hard, watching the one you love getting hurt so much all the damn time. You would always do your best to patch him up, with Karin's help of course. Sasuke would always kiss you after that, thanking you for being so patient with him and that no matter how tough his missions were, if you were waiting for him he would always be alright.

... that wasn't the lovely compliment he thought it was.

And his team, oh goodness his team.

Karin hated you so openly, so passionately, there were times when the two of you couldn't be in the same room together because of her petty jealousy. Suigetsu was okay, you didn't mind his company but it was nasty how he and Karin fought so often. And Jugo just flat out scared you, he almost killed you several times!! Sure, he always got restrained in the end, but that barely ever helped to calm your terrified nerves.

And to add the final cherry on top was Sasuke himself.

He was a cold guy, even to you sometimes. It bothered you how he barely ever opened up to you, how he held all of his emotions deep inside of himself until he just snapped. And his jealousy was just something to marvel at, it was worthy of the story books!

You hated it!

Very flatly, very openly, you told him you were done. You cried sure, but it felt nice to finally say it, to say how you really felt. Your struggles, Sasuke's attitude, the pent up emotions from both parties and the way his team treated you, your break up was inevitable.

Too bad Sasuke never got the memo.

The moment you even uttered those horrible words, his sharingan got activated by accident. Dark onyx eyes were replaced with crimson red ones, his anger matching the intense color.

He might use brute force on you, he might restrain you, genjutsu is also on the table. Anything, anything will do just to keep you close to him.

He can't afford to lose you.

♡Indra Otsutsuki.♡

As you could imagine, this don't go so well. He will not tolerate any sort of disobedience, your own included. He thought that he made it crystal clear that the moment you exchanged vow's, you two were set for good. No turning back, other potential flings and lovers, he was yours and you were his, simple.

So why are you being so difficult right now?

He feels betrayed, for the lack of better words. He should be used to these sorts of feelings but when it comes to you, he can't help but to be extra vulnerable. He gave everything to you, everything he possibly could and it still wasn't good enough.

You still want to leave.

He's crazy, you say. And you're just stupid, he thinks to himself. You're not leaving, far from it! Indra has plans, plans that involve you and they can't be changed. He will force you to stay, by any means necessary. He just won't bother being nice about it, unlike some other yanderes.

[yama-hoe]

What's your opinion on Boruto?

Ok, so I had to wait until I was on my laptop for a bit to respond to this one, because, it's complicated and long. I have only watched up to "Himawari's Ninja Trial Session" #154 so far.

On the one hand,

•I like that we get to see the characters all grown up, and seeing their children is super fun! Mitsuki, Inojin, Chocho, Himawari, and Shikadai are all a lot of fun to watch and my favorites in the show. We get to see Kakashi, and Gai, and Tenten, Ino, Sai, and other of my favorite og Naruto characters all grown up and living their best lives.

On the other hand.... (and this one will be a lot longer ghdskfld).

• The characterization for a lot of the og Naruto characters, is, let's just say, off. Naruto, after everything with his parents and wishing he could have his parents back, being an absent father? Especially with all of the shadow clones he can make and chakra he has? No. Tsunade and Kakashi AND Naruto all letting Orochimaru go free, after everything he has done to Konoha, and being able to experiment more? No. Sakura being ok with being basically a single mother, raising Sarada all by herself, never getting over Sasuke? Nope!

• But, here's the thing: I'm also rather bothered by the ending of Shippuden. The beginning of the series, there is a really strong stance on "breaking the cycle of hatred." Once Naruto becomes more mainstream, the solution for "breaking the cycle of hatred" is finally revealed: don't seek reparations, don't try and change the current system too much, and just forgive and forget.

➼ Naruto, shunned and hated by the village? There is never any reparations shown, just, now that he has saved them all and is a hero, they pretend it never happens? No one apologizes, or talks about it? There's just a small scene with Naruto accepting the "dark" side of himself that is upset with how he is treated, and it's all brushed over.

➼ Same with Kakashi, being shunned as a kid for Sakumo saving his team? Later labeled a "friend killer" and still shunned, when all he is doing is doing his best for the village and acting on their rules. And Sakumo, driven to the unthinkable because of the hatred of the village. There is never actually any action taken there.

➼ This includes the Uchiha and Sasuke. His entire clan was shunned, considered "cursed with hatred", ostracized, and eventually killed because of Danzo, his brother made out to be the only perpetrator. He, rightfully, wants revolution, an entire upturning of the current system that allowed this to happen. He went a little too far in killing others not involved in this system, but he wasn't wrong. He and his entire clan that he represents were grievously mistreated by this system, and nothing is ever really done about it. Sure, Danzo is killed, but he wasn't the only one complicit in the massacre. The only reason Sasuke doesn't get the reparations he deserves is because of Naruto, too, because he would have had to kill him, his best friend, to do it. And isn't that fucked up, that you have to even hurt, let alone kill, your best friend to get the justice you deserve? Sasuke was given the short end of the stick on that one.

• And, finally: the aliens from space were a complete cop-out on the writers part. No, seriously. Everything bad ever done is blamed on Zetsu and Kaguya manipulating from the shadows, with the exception of a couple of the worst ones (looking at you Danzo). Madara still started a war and killed hundreds over it, same with Obito. The villages still behaved terribly towards those who were different (Gaara, the kekkei genkai massacre in Mist, Naruto, Kakashi, Uchiha clan, Tailed Beasts, etc.).

➼ If they actually wanted to stick to the og message of "breaking the cycle of hatred", they would have had Madara be the actual final villain, the wronged clan leader of the Uchiha, and they would have won, sure, but barely, and recognized how their own prejudices and behavior lead to another great war. Maybe Obito would have survived, to not leave the Uchiha clan with only one member. There would be a new generation after the war, of people who realized that the previous way wasn't working; that it was wrong. With Sasuke and Obito helping lead that change, with Kakashi and Naruto as their Hokages. There would be ACTUAL CHANGE.

This all could have translated over to Boruto, with actual justice for those wronged, and not just burying the past and hoping the next generation will never find out. I hate that Sarada has no idea what happened to her own clan, that she is so far removed from her own clan and history. Boruto doesn't really understand what his dad went through as a kid. Naruto as an absent father. A scientist that experiments on a kills children, allowed to walk free, with the children he experimented on (Yamato, Karin, Suigetsu, Jugo) having to either stay with him or watch him 24/7.

So, anon, sorry that turned into an essay, ghdskflsd, but the above bullets are how I feel on Boruto. If the ending of Naruto Shippuden and Boruto actually addressed the systemic injustices and issues in the villages, I would have absolutely loved it. As it is now, I will probably still watch it, but I get upset over all the above bullet points each time I watch and rant to all my discord friends about it (sorry about that ghdskflsd)

[kishillaa]

SSM21 Day 18: Enemies

Sakura sheds few tears as she looks at Sasuke, not because of joy or sad or any mixed feelings she's supposed to feel of their unexpected reunion. But it's because of the deep stab wound on her stomach. It was painful, there's no doubt about it. What makes her more alert is because it was so deep, and she has lost too much chakra to heal herself. Blood seeping out of her wound in such high speed, if letting it like that for any more minutes, she's going to die because of blood lost.

At least I could see Sasuke-kun for the last time.

She thought, as she smiles almost regretfully at him.

Sasuke's eyes widen when he sees Sakura went limp, before her eyes flutter close and her body falls backwards to the ground.

He didn't realized he was screaming her name as he moves using his inhuman speed to catch her before her body touch the ground.

He looks at her face, looking like she's in so much pain, thinking what he should be doing. It's Sakura, his former teammate, his fangirl, the girl that is so annoying it's almost unbearable.

"Who did this to you?" his voice hoarse and husky with rage, asking the unconscious body of Sakura. He doesn't even understand what happen as his teeth chattering while he tries to use Sakura's healing techniques he able to read through his coincidentally activated sharingan when he first saw her in the clearing, trying to heal herself.

When his blue chakra turns green, he heaves a relief sigh and apply it on Sakura's abdomen praying to whoever listening that it is enough to heal her.

He knew he shouldn't be doing this. He and Sakura are on different side, they're enemies. He's not suppose to save her, he's supposed to let her die.

However, the moment they were on the same team flashed through his mind when he sees the painful smile she sent his way. Sakura was the one that took care of him in the forest of death while he suffered from Orochimaru's deathly cursed seal, she was the one shielding him from Gaara's attack. Sakura was the only one who knew his thoughts as she waits for him at the right time before he left the village. But, its not only that.

Sakura, without his consent has nestled herself a special place in his heart, someone he recognised as precious to him. After all this years, he still couldn't see her suffer. It's like they're back at the forest of death again, where he woke up seeing her all beaten up. And all he could think of is to pummel whoever did that to her. Never again he wants to see someone precious to him die before his eyes.

"Come on." He murmurs almost harshly to himself. He wasn't as good as Sakura at chakra control, so doing medical jutsu is hard. He tries to pump as much healing chakra into her wound in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding.

Few feet behind him was his current teammate, who watched the scene unfold before them with curiosity. They knew their leader had never care for anyone, even them who are supposed to be his teammate. So, seeing how desperate he is in reviving the pink hair girl really shocked them. It especially weird that he did the healing himself, as if momentarily forgotten about Karin's ability.

Sasuke curses loudly causing his teammates startled, "Wake up, will you? Stop being so annoying."

Karin has never feels Sasuke's chakra so disturbed before that she's worried of the girl. Not because she's going to die, but because of whom she is to Sasuke. It didn't take a genius to know she's someone special to him. The moment she feels the pinkette chakra flare while they were travelling, Sasuke feels it too. It was as if he was so familiar to it that he's already can feel it at such far distance. What surprised her more is when Sasuke quickly made his way to her direction, as if, as if sensing that she's in danger and in need help.

Sasuke charges more chakra into her wound which started to close up bit by bit, and after sometimes it stopped bleeding.

"That's enough." Karin spoke up, "She's still breathing, so she's alive. Her wound has closed up, the bleeding is stopped. She should be fine."

Still channelling his healing chakra into Sakura's wound, Sasuke shakes his head, "She's still unconscious."

"She's fine." Karin said in exasperation, annoyed with his troubled face for the stranger.

"Sa-ske-kn." The soft pained murmur startled each and every one of them. Sasuke's head shot up to Sakura, feeling a bit relieved for her being responsive.

Karin had to roll her eyes at that while Suigetsu gave her a knowing teasing look. She ignored him.

"Jugo, what happen to her?" Sasuke asked while cancelling his healing chakra, finally calm down and cradle her in his arm. Knowing Jugo, he must've already investigated it from his birds of what had happened.

"She was attacked on her way back to her village."

"Was she alone?"

"No, she has three other company. But it seems like they're unaware of her disappearance yet."

Nodding, Sasuke stand on his feet, carrying Sakura in his arm, "Tell me where they are."

-

Kakashi narrows his eyes at a direction where two chakra signatures coming their way. It was obvious that the person wanting himself known as he didn't even try to conceal his chakra. The other ones chakra however is very faint making Kakashi went onto high alert, knowing fairly well who she is. He look over at Yamato and Sai who seems to notice the presence as well, they nod to each other.

Kakashi leads them as they take few steps closer while the figures approaching them.

Not giving his worries away at the unconscious Sakura in Sasuke's hold, Kakashi look at his former student as he stops in front of him, waiting for him to do the explanation.

He didn't look away when Sasuke turn his gaze from him and glance at Sakura. The look of longing hover over his stoic face that no one else, other than Kakashi have noticed, "Even not on the same side, she's still able to find me to save her from treats."

Sasuke looks up at Kakashi, "I expected you and the dobe to always be by her side, Kakashi."

Ignoring his accusations, Kakashi spoke, "What happened, Sasuke?"

"Me and my team found her bleeding to death on the forest floor. She was attacked."

Making a mental note to ask Sakura about her attacker, Kakashi makes a curt nod.

Almost smiling, he speaks again, "Did you heal her, Sasuke?"

Sasuke rolls his eyes at him, gently hand in Sakura to Kakashi, "If I found her in the brink of death again, I'll kill you and Naruto myself."

Kakashi couldn't help but laugh at the threat, "Alright, Sasuke. Thank you for taking care of our Sakura. Guess, I have to let you off for now, huh? Since you've done a huge favor in saving her."

Sasuke turns his back away from him, "Its not like you'll be able to catch me anyway, Kakashi."

Kakashi sweat dropped at Sasuke's rude and familiar manner while stare at his retreating figure, thinking that the boy isn't too deep in the darkness yet. Maybe Sakura and Naruto are right to still have faith in him.

[thekingwhereitallends]

Short AU Fanfic:Fated Battle of Brothers

Suigetsu and Kisame are swinging blades. Each time blades meet,shockwaves are made.

"Dammit,why i feel like i am nearly out of chakra?!" Suigetsu says,falling back a few meters to think and learn what's happening to him.

"At first i thought you're even better than zabuza but it seems i thought wrong..." kisame says, mocking his opponent. "You're reckless and arrogant. Unlike your big brother,who was humble and level headed."

"Yeah right. Everyone knows nii-san was already the greatest swordsman in history of shinobi world by the age of twelve." Suigetsu says,each words screaming the unspeakable respect that he has for his deceased brother.

"Such a shame he died so soon. It was six years ago. I wonder if he could've actually surpassed the legendary kenshin mikami..." Kisame says in a way that confuses suigetsu a little bit.

No one did hate or even dislike mangetsu. All bowed before his unparalled talent.

'It seems sasuke is gonna kill itachi at last...' Karin thinks,when she senses the chakra output of sasuke,who has activates his curse mark. "With that much power-" Karin is cut by jugo's words.

"Even when blind and being hit by sasuke's strongest jutsu,how is itachi able to summon that...chakra avatar?" Jugo says,visibly worried about sasuke. Jugo uses the birds as summoning animals and extract information from them through telepathy.

"Wait...does it mean he has summoned susano'o?!?" Karin says,shocked to learn that itachi achieved such power.

"Susano'o?" Kisame says,wondering if itachi has hidden his true powers. "I truly am convinced that even if you were at his side now,you would be killed in mere seconds.Even i have no chance if i decide to hunt him down considering that he has susano'o right now..."

"The hell is that susano'o thing?" Suigetsu asks,angirly.

"a living avatar made of chakra summoned by the users of mangekyou sharingan.i have heard of my mom that the susano'o at their last stage are larger than mountains,and give uchihas the potential to destroy countries singlehandedly in a few hits." Karin says,sweating. "We gotta go an-" karin suddenly loses balance,and starts to fall.

Suigetsu leaves the fight and catches karin.

"Is she-" Suigetsu cuts jugo.

"She lost conciousness." Suigetsu puts his hand on karin's chest. "Her heart is stopped." Jugo jumps from his place to check on karin.

Suigetsu puts his mouth on karin's to give her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Sending a little water into her body to make her heart pump again,karin is revived.

Karin can breath hardly,and coughs a little bit. Suigetsu has his hand on karin's back. Jugo puts his hand on karin's shoulder.

"What happened?" Jugo asks karin. "Are you okay?"

Karin looks pale,has slow heartbeats,and is shaking,rubbing his arms with his hands,hugging herself.

Suigetsu lifts karin gently. "Jugo,let's go somewhere so she can rest." Suigetsu says.

-

Suigetsu puts his hand on karin's forehead,checking if she has fever.

"Seems you're so much better than before." Suigetsu says, keeping his calm.

"Thank goodness." Jugo says,finds relief in suigetsu's words.

Suigetsu gives a bottle of water to karin,not certainly his own bottle.karin takes it and drinks from it,staring at the wall,with a sad look.

"Suigetsu..." Karin whispers,which suigetsu heard and puts his hand on his arm.

"It's better for you to not think about anything right now.but it's you whose standing infront of my face.say it." Suigetsu says.

"How is this even possible?" Karin asks suigetsu, grabbing suigetsu's forearm.

"What do you mean?" Suigetsu asks.

"If itachi is the same twisted,cold blooded,evil bastard that sasuke has always despised and hated for years..." Karin hesitates for a few moments,and then looks directly into suigetsu's eyes. "Why did his chakra felt so sad...like he is lamenting..." Tears falling from karin's eyes.

"Itachi...i remember my nii-san who always spoke highly of him. He said that itachi was the closet thing to perfection. He said that not because itachi was his best friend,but that itachi was also selfless and caring.for years,i was always jealous of itachi,who loved mangetsu more than i ever could. and i was mad at mangetsu for loving itachi much more than he ever loved me." Suigetsu takes karin's hands,caressing them. "After i heard about uchiha's downfall,i was shocked. Then,my brother fled from the village and joined the same akatsuki that had itachi uchiha,and i was told by orochimaru that he and mangetsu were teamed up. I couldn't see the meaning behind what my brother did.but now,after hearing you,at last i am able to understand..." suigetsu hesitates for a few seconds,and then he starts to shake. "That itachi and mangetsu weren't what everyone thought they're." Suigetsu bursts into tears,crying silently.

"Sasuke has killed itachi...That guy told me sasuke is somewhere safe." Jugo says,looking away.

Karin,who also never had expected she could see suigetsu like this infront of her,can't say anything at all.

"Nii-san...how could you..." Karin pulls suigetsu gently into a warm hug,letting suigetsu's head rest on her shoulder. Suigetsu grabs onto karin's cloth,wetting her bare neck with his tears. Karin rubs her fingers through suigetsu's light blue hair,comforts him.

"You and I understand each other too well,suigetsu." Karin says,tightening the hug.

"I hope this is the last time we see each other this pathetic." Suigetsu says,in a forcefully saracastic tune.

[ariannjs]

KARIN | A SasuSaku FanFic (8/10)

(Karin - Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7)

-------- 

“Guess what? We’re getting much progress with the effectivity rate of the new samples!”

The apparent glee on Shizune’s expression as she made her way inside the head medic’s office made Sakura sigh in relief. That kind of exhale which encompasses the realization that none of your labor was in vain.

A clipboard was handed to her while Shizune sat in front of her desk. “I wouldn’t be surprised if this is already available for delivery to Suna tomorrow after the final lab test. As always, great job, Sakura!”

To say that she was grateful for the impending finale of their painstaking weeks of research and development was an understatement. If she wasn’t too tired due to her lack of sleep recently, Sakura would’ve jumped or run around the hospital, but she could only smile at her colleague with a small blush adorning her cheeks for now.

She studied the charts given to her as she leaned back on her office chair. “That’s...wow, that’s amazing. Thanks. I couldn’t have done it without you, though. Just thinking about it, this was the most complicated concoction that we’ve put together so far, huh?”

“Well, it’s for the most difficult case ever since the war. I’m actually surprised you’re still able to manage your time without becoming all over the place.”

“I’m surprised too!” She chuckled. “But really, it’s a great help that Karin’s here. Makes the load a lot easier. I couldn’t focus on doing the daily rounds anymore so that’s where she takes over.”

Shizune nodded in agreement. “I can see how she seems to be enjoying the job. Did you know that her patients are asking for her sometimes even after her rounds? To think that she started with lots of complaints around here, you’ve assisted her well in unleashing her potential.”

Her lips twisted to a smile. Ever since she asked Karin to help out in the hospital, she didn’t have any doubts about her skill, albeit having a difficulty in interacting well (and nicely) with people. “I didn’t expect to have that much of an impact to her, really. I guess it just gives me joy being able to do anything to help her and her family, you know?” Her voice softened as she continued, “Especially because...she was there for Sasuke-kun when I couldn’t be there for him.”

She sank further on her seat, the charts now forgotten as she recalled those years ago wherein Sasuke had decided to sever bonds with them. There was still a tinge of pang in her chest just remembering how she couldn’t do anything for him back then, no matter how much she was willing to throw everything away to be with the man she loved.

Thinking about it now, she was grateful that Sasuke didn’t bring her with him when she tearfully pleaded for him to do so. It was a stupid idea, to begin with. For if he allowed her to join him on his defection, she wouldn’t be the woman that she is now – stronger, wiser, more loving, and more forgiving – because and for Sasuke.

All the while, however, she had always hoped that there were others who were looking after him – others who could still build some sort of a bond with him despite his reticence to it; others who could show him love in their own ways. Despite being wary at first, she was glad when she learned that those others were Suigetsu, Karin, and Jugo.

And even though she almost had a heart failure figuratively when a very pregnant Karin came back to Konoha with Sasuke, Sakura was extremely relieved to know that Sasuke found a reliable comrade in her and the rest of Taka.

Because of this, she became very fond of Karin and Suigetsu (after confirming that there was nothing going on between Sasuke and Karin, of course). So fond to the point that she would do anything that she could for their little family.

She smiled to herself, feeling a sense of accomplishment as she realized the progress in Suika’s health in the past three months.

“So, it’s still Sasuke, huh?” There was a smirk in Shizune’s face the whole time Sakura was lost in her thoughts while gazing at the ceiling. “How’s everything about you and your boyfriend anyway?”

The Head Medic almost fell from her swivel chair as a blush profusely made its way on her cheeks. “Wha—? B-boyfriend? It’s not—we’re not—no! He’s not my boyfriend, Shizune!”

A loud cackle escaped from the other woman’s lips. The sight reminded her of the younger Sakura that she first met and she couldn’t help but shake her head in amusement. “Sure. But he’s acting like one, don’t you think?”

“I…”

“You two are always together recently, you can’t deny that.” The smirk was back on Shizune’s face as she crossed her arms. “Also, these past few weeks, whenever you took longer shifts for our project, I constantly see him at the hospital lobby waiting for you that I had to inform him you’re not going out yet.”

Sakura could only stare at her colleague as she relaxed on the chair again. Of course she wouldn’t deny that she was flattered with all the actions of Sasuke with and for her lately, but she wasn’t the 12-year-old Sakura anymore who would either squeal or faint once Sasuke shows any minuscule affection to her.

As a mature woman, no matter how much she loved the man, she wanted to stick to her convictions. “I could tell that he’s doing his best to restore his bond with me, probably with Naruto and Kakashi-sensei too. I shouldn’t assume anything beyond that without him telling me his intentions, right?”

“Are you sure he’s only there to restore his bond with you or to restore the Uchiha clan with you?”

“S-shizune!” Sakura became much redder at the sound of her co-medic’s laughter.

Not wanting to see any crack in the head medic’s office or worse, on her face, Shizune stood up from her seat and turned to the door. “Alright, alright! I think I’m hearing Suika’s babblings right outside. I’ll head off now. Don’t forget to check the test results at the lab tomorrow, ‘kay?” And then she was out the door.

Sakura heaved a sigh as she turned her attention to the papers on her desk. In the end though, she decided to leave everything and not bring any paperworks at home. After all, she already immersed herself so much into lab work today. And she had one more patient to check up on in a little while.

“Shizune seemed to be having a good laugh when I saw her in the hallway.”

She soon heard Karin, who didn’t even bother to greet as usual, by the door. She only rolled her eyes. “Oh, that woman. Let her be.” A glimmer then appeared in her eyes at the sight of her little patient who was gurgling incomprehensible syllables to her mom. “Hey there, little one!”

“Uhuh, yes, hun. Auntie Sakura will do your check up later,” the redhead cooed at the bundle she was holding before returning her gaze to her senpai. “Are you ready to go? I could already sense a brooding chakra nearby.”

A melodic laughter filled the small office. “I think I already know who that is.”

True enough, two figures were before them when they reached the hospital lobby – one was wearing a toothy grin, and the other was wearing a contemplative expression.

As Karin instantly left her side to reunite with Suigetsu, emerald eyes reunited with obsidian and amethyst.

The crease on Sasuke’s forehead only relaxed the moment their gazes met.

Sakura smiled softly. “Hey, Sasuke-kun.”

“Have you eaten dinner?”

Her smile widened. It might be subtle, but she could observe how Sasuke’s caring side has been manifesting recently. And whether it was intentional to him or not, she was glad that she has been the recipient of this.

“Actually, not yet,” she answered sheepishly, considering it was already half an hour past eight. “I’m still on my way to the Hozuki’s since I wasn’t able to conduct Suika’s weekly check up in the hospital today.”

Sasuke paused as if weighing the predicament, a look of what seemed like dismay painted on his features.

For a second, Sakura suspected that he was a bit disappointed that they couldn’t spend their dinner together just like the usual, but again, she didn’t want to assume anything.

“I’ll grab some takeout and bring it at their place then.”

“You’ll do that for all of us?” Sakura questioned, eyes soft and heart warm.

“Suigetsu and I haven’t eaten yet anyway.”

“Oh, right!” Suigetsu chuckled. “Speaking of, I’m actually starving now!”

“I see. Alright, then. Thank you, Sasuke-kun.” Sakura gave him a crinkly smile. “Also, you don’t have to worry about staying after dinner. I know you’re tired. I still have things to discuss with Suigetsu and Karin about Suika’s development anyway.”

To her puzzlement, Sasuke shook his head in response. “It’s not a problem. I’ll bring you home.”

“But Sasuke-kun—”

“I’ll bring you home, Sakura.”

Sakura just stared at him after that, studying him while his face was angled away from her with his eyes shut in annoyance.

A part of her wanted to confirm her first thought that Sasuke probably wanted some time for them to be alone. Her heart fluttered at the possibility.

She giggled afterwards. “Okay, dad.”

Suigetsu guffawed at her response, earning a glare from the Uchiha. But he tried his best to stop laughing so Sasuke would not set him on fire. Besides, he already had enough of him for the day.

“Tch. I’ll go now,” Sasuke announced.

Then for a split-second, Sakura caught a glimpse of him shaking his head sternly at Suigetsu, as if a form of instruction, which the other man returned with a nod of serious agreement.

Whatever that meant, she merely brushed it off.

Karin could only smirk as she watched Sasuke leave to buy their food. “You’re irritating Sasuke again.”

“Nah, he’s been irritated the whole day anyway.”

“Really, Suigetsu? How so?”

Scratching the side of his cheek, Suigetsu pondered if he should tell Sakura his new discovery about the changes in the behavior of his former leader. Albeit tempted to witness firsthand the reaction of Sasuke’s object of affection, he chose to leave it to the Uchiha instead. “Well, he was in such a hurry to go back home, only to be hindered by a bunch of bandits on the way.” After all, she only asked how, not why. He smirked to himself.

“Oh, well. That’s Sasuke for you.” Sakura chortled. “Thank Kami you’re both safe though. There are always unforeseen circumstances even during light missions.” She sighed, a little flashback of their very first mission resurfaced in her mind.

“Ah. That’s true. We’re taking care of ourselves, Sakura-san. You don’t have to worry about Sasuke.” He flashed a mischievous grin, which widened when he suddenly saw her blush at his last statement.

“Uhm...sure.” Sakura’s hands sank deeper in the pockets of her lab coat. Even she was surprised at the vivid implications of her concern for Sasuke. It wasn’t like she intended Suigetsu to have any clues about her feelings for his team captain.

“Ha. You better, Shark-face,” Karin intervened. “Suika’s just three months old. And we’ve been married for just a little over a year. If you become reckless and end up getting killed, I’ll kill you another time.”

Sakura then let out a chuckle while hearing Karin huff. There was that usual annoyed tone in her while she was talking to her husband but Sakura didn’t fail to notice the crystal clear worry and affection in the redhead’s words.

As the couple continued to share some banter with each other on their way to the Hozuki’s, she couldn’t help but wonder if there was hope such as theirs between her and Sasuke.

Sure, things were going well in their friendship right now. But she still couldn’t claim the certainty that they could be something more.

That Sasuke even wanted them to be something more.

Still, she clung to the tiniest spark of hope that she had come to slowly accumulate ever since they started going out, fervently praying that no one and nothing would crash that tinge of possibility in one way or another.

Dinner was quick for Sakura wanted to immediately get back to work with her favorite patient. Thanks to Sasuke, that Chinese food takeout rejuvenated her strength for the last part of her day.

While he was seated beside her, she could somehow sense a bit of tenseness in him, as if he was bothered about something that he was keeping only to himself.

On normal days, Sakura would've asked him what’s wrong, but she knew Sasuke wasn’t the kind to open up about his thoughts and feelings in the earshot of many. It even took him a while before he became open to her too.

So, she just gave him an encouraging smile instead, causing him to gaze at her with an unusual softness that led her to feel like a butterfly had made shadow clones inside her stomach. And then she excused herself to prepare her medical stuff.

The parents were closely observing her expert hands as she checked the vitals of Suika in the Hozuki’s small living room. Sasuke, on the other hand, was interestedly watching across the dining room, eyes tracking her every move even without the Sharingan.

It has always been that way, she realized. Sasuke didn’t have to be present during her check ups with the redhead kid, but he would always stick around as if something in the whole ordeal was too fascinating for him.

Was it the healing process? Was it Suika’s growth? Was it...her? She didn’t know, although if she would be honest, she wished it was the latter.

Besides, why in the world would he insist on always bringing her home after Suika’s check up, right?

He didn’t even have to.

But he obviously wanted to.

Even just for a moment, she allowed herself to think that Shizune was right with her label for Sasuke earlier. Biting her lip to stifle a growing smile while she ended Suika’s physical therapy to her tiny legs, she wondered if it’s possible to officially define Sasuke that way soon.

Yet the first move towards that future should not come from her.

“I’ve heard from Suigetsu that some bandits attacked you earlier.” Sakura sighed as they turned to another street on the way to her apartment. “Seems like there will always be lots of bandits around no matter how many we catch, huh?”

Without even tilting his head towards her, his only reply was: “Aa.”

She fixed her gaze at him. If she was able to disregard the thought earlier, she finally decided to conclude that something was really off. Usually, Sasuke would tell her at least a two-liner summary of what happened to his day.

But it seemed like he wasn’t in the mood to do so now. And whatever his mood was, she couldn’t even figure it out.

Hoping to not sound as if she was prying, Sakura tried to prompt him to speak more. “So how’s everything in Ame? The last time I was there for a medical mission, the rainfall was at its peak. We couldn’t even go out of the clinic!” She chuckled a bit and waited.

“It was okay. Not too rainy.”

“Oh. That’s nice!” She smiled, then after a moment, her face fell.

It was when he looked at the sky that she realized how lost Sasuke was in his thoughts so she resolved to allowing themselves to be immersed in silence.

After the war, she has learned to like silence with Sasuke for unlike what she used to think, it wasn’t awkward at all. If anything, it was soothing, even to her as an extrovert. But the silence they were in on this normal night was quite something else.

As much as she wanted to respect his privacy, she wanted to know what was bothering him and if there was anything that she could do to help.

Was he in pain due to an injury from today’s mission? Was he remembering his family’s past? Was he dwelling in guilt again?

Looking down at her feet, she clutched a hand to her chest. Being able to ease his anguish felt like a mission that she’s always bound to fail.

“We’re here.”

His voice veered her away from her thoughts as they came to a halt. She glanced up at him, and found him staring at her with an emotion that she couldn’t quite place.

She was sure that he wanted to say something, but when he didn’t, she sighed before telling him, “Thanks again, Sasuke-kun. Goodnight.”

He shut his eyes and then instantly turned around. “Aa. Goodnight.”

He was already a few steps away from her door when she realized that she wanted to assure him of something, anything that would make him know that she cares. That she always does. And that whatever was troubling him, she wanted him to be completely fine. “Sasuke-kun!”

As if sensing an urgent matter, Sasuke paused and tipped his head over his shoulder.

“I...Uhm…please rest well tonight, okay?” That was all Sakura was able to say.

She decided she was already at ease when she saw his lips curve upward before gently responding, “I should say the same to you.”

He honestly didn’t want to do it.

The feeling was a tad similar – only with a valid reason and correct motives this time – to that time he was thirteen. Back then, no matter how much his decision was already final, he was conscious about the fact that a certain teenage girl with flowing tears and an astonishing confession was able to sway his rock solid heart – almost, but not quite.

The only difference was that, he wasn’t accountable to anyone with his decision that time; he knew he could’ve stayed – should’ve stayed – if he wanted to. Now, despite the same girl moving (not just swaying) his heart to want to stay, he couldn’t afford to say no to the Hokage. Even if he had his perks as his former student and his son of sorts.

Kakashi said that Suna needed the help of someone as adept as him in tracking people, especially with the little possibility that the need for space-time jutsu would arise. With the apparent importance of his part in the job, he found himself struggling with an immense desire to stay.

Because he and Sakura were just starting to become closer and more comfortable with each other. He was beginning to earn her trust again. He was becoming accustomed to feeling things his younger self would’ve initially brushed off, making him able to translate it into actions that he could show to her – something that he wished she was understanding in one way or another no matter how scarce his ability to express was.

And he knew that leaving even just for a while could possibly taint whatever they were already able to build. It’s been a slow progress, and he didn’t want their relationship to crumble into pieces again just because of his duty.

He couldn’t bear the sight of a frown appearing on Sakura’s face because of him. It already happened so many times before.

He couldn’t bear the idea of her having to wait for him again. She’s been patient for so long.

He couldn’t bear the fact that the distance and time could stir something in the depths of her heart.

Because what if she finally got tired of waiting? Of loving him? What if she just saw him as a mere friend now and by the time that he’s away, someone else would receive her astonishing confession that he wished he was able to reciprocate many years ago?

He didn’t even have the guts to tell her the night before. If anything, he was tempted to simply leave without facing her, probably just handing a note to Karin, or Naruto, or Kakashi.

It has always been her who watched him leave, and pulling her into another episode of that made his heart constrict.

Of course, she would understand that it was for a mission. But he didn’t want her to ever think that it’s always too easy for him to leave everything behind—to leave her behind. That she wasn’t a good enough reason for him to stay. That she was always the last option for him just like how it used to be when defiling black and not blossoming pink used to fill his heart.

So, he honestly didn’t want to do it.

But here he was, standing right outside the hospital and waiting for her to come out just like all the other evenings since Karin’s delivery, ready (not) to inform her of his and Suigetsu’s impending departure.

He realized she would be back to going home alone once he left. And it was irking him to the core. He knew full well that Sakura could take care of herself, but what if an unexpected danger comes and catches her off guard on her most vulnerable, most exhausted, and most chakra-depleted (most stubborn) state at an eerie hour such as now while he was gone?

He released a heavy sigh. He had no choice now. The best thing he could do was to exert all that he could to accomplish the mission earlier than expected so he could immediately go home, just like what he usually did on their daily missions.

As weird as it sounded, he was already starting to miss her. And he almost choked on his own spit when he finally saw her walking out of the familiar double doors, smiling tiredly yet sweetly at him which easily warmed his heart in the process.

“You’re here,” she mumbled while pushing stray pink locks away from her face.

Her hair was up in a messy bun that left a few strands on the sides of her cheeks, and for Sasuke, he realized that she’s beautiful like this – raw and genuine – not as the shinobi Sakura nor the medic Sakura that everyone knows, but just plainly, his Sakura.

He allowed himself a few seconds to just take in her appearance, appreciating every bit of her as much as he could as if it would be the last time that he would see her.

A part of him regretted all those times before that he didn’t appreciate Sakura’s presence in his life. But now, he would do it every moment he could.

“I always wait for you, don’t I?” He finally spoke, voice a little hoarse from the absence of verbal communication the whole day, albeit being consumed by mental conversations with himself all throughout.

“Well, yeah, but it’s already very late. And this was an unexpected overtime schedule so I or Shizune wasn’t able to inform you or anything.” She gave him an apologetic smile.

It doesn’t matter, as long as I still get to see you before I leave.

“How long have you been here?”

“Since your usual end of shift.”

She gasped. “That’s two hours ago, Sasuke-kun!”

That’s nothing compared to how long you’ve waited for me many times before. “It’s fine. I had nothing to do today.” He began walking then, until she did the same and fell in step with him.

“Oh. I…” She bit her lip, catching another stray strand of her hair and placing it behind her ear. “I appreciate it, Sasuke-kun. So, you and Suigetsu have no mission today?”

He swallowed thickly. “Aa.” Because our new mission will start in a few hours.

A resigned silence filled the journey towards Sakura’s apartment, aside from the cicadas residing on the trees nearby and the pitter-patter of their feet against the uncemented road.

Frustration was getting the best of him for he couldn’t even glance at her, making it even more difficult to disclose about the topic he wished he shouldn’t even bring up. But there was no doubting that she was already feeling the tension between them.

There’s a certain familiarity with how they spent comfortable silence together, not having to say anything while revelling on each other’s presence. But last night and tonight, were far from that. And he was sure that Sakura wasn’t dumb to not notice anything for it was her who knew him better than anyone else.

True enough, as they turned to the last street to her place, she sighed and cleared her throat, making every bit of him suddenly rigid. She then began, “I’m getting worried, Sasuke-kun. Is everything alright?”

He found a little consolation at the fact that she was only concerned with him and not annoyed although she had every reason to be. He shut his eyes and stopped walking right in front of her apartment then, slowly turning to face her and bracing himself for whatever reaction her beautiful face would show once his news was out in the open. “I have something to tell you.”

There was a pause. And her gaze was softly fixed at him when his eyes opened, assuring him that she was all ears and urging him to continue.

His heart raced. How in the world could he survive another long while of not seeing that face?

He forced himself to believe that he wasn’t bothered about her tear-filled yet still pretty face when he left the first time.

He focused himself on becoming a better man than thinking of her blushing face after he poked her forehead when he left the second time.

And he endured a month of unexpected emotional turmoil when he returned only to be avoided by her due to a wrong conclusion after seeing a very pregnant Karin with him.

So this should be easy – natural, even – right?

Dang it.

He was probably being overly dramatic but he had to tell her now. He sighed. “I’m going to a long mission with Suigetsu.”

“Oh.”

And there went that faltering smile he wanted so bad to avoid. He inhaled a sharp breath as he quickly looked away.

But then, she bit her slightly trembling lip and after a moment, she was smiling at him again, albeit forcefully. “For how long?”

“A month or two. At most, three.”

There was another pause, and Sasuke wondered if Sakura thought about the last time that they didn’t get to spend a whole month together even though he was in the village. He wondered if she felt as conflicted as he was then, and if she could feel as dismayed as he was now.

“I see.”

He finally glanced at her. There was still a small smile to her face but he found her hands fiddling with the hem of her shirt. Surely, if there was a better option, she wouldn’t choose this too. “This would be the last time that I could bring you home for now.”

To his surprise, she suddenly chuckled. “It’s fine, Sasuke-kun. I can manage. But I’ll…” Although it was dark, Sasuke didn’t fail to catch the blush on her cheeks. “I’ll miss you,” she breathed.

Sasuke’s heart skipped a beat. There was an upward tug on the edges of his lips now.

For she wasn’t sad. She wasn’t angry. She wasn’t hurt.

But she’ll miss him.

All his former apprehensions suddenly went down the drain after hearing that from her.

How could this woman have such a tender heart towards him up until now?

Then Sakura instantly added, “Anyway, maybe you could bring this potion that Shizune and I have just finished. It’s something you could use just in case y—”

“There’s no need, Sakura.” Sasuke’s gaze softened at her while he reached out to stop her hands that were quickly rummaging her pouch as if time was running out for them. “We’re just gonna help some villages. Nothing to worry about.”

“O-okay.” Sakura pulled her hand away from her pouch as Sasuke also retracted his. The sudden contact made her a little dizzy, or maybe she was just really tired for the day. But she still had one information she wanted to know. “When and what time will you leave anyway? I’d be glad to send you off and say goodbye to Suigetsu too!”

Of course she’d want to send him off, but he gently shook his head. “Thanks. But we’ll leave before dawn, roughly three hours from now. You’re supposed to be asleep by then,” he emphasized the last part. He didn’t want to see a live footage of how they would part ways. And he didn’t want her to sacrifice the only time she could finally sleep just for him.

“Are you sure though? I could help you pack your stuff or make you some snacks. Do you have medical supplies? Give me a moment, I could get some for you inside the apartment so you cou—”

“Sakura.” Sasuke smiled. When she bit her lip at the realization that she was already rambling, Sasuke lifted his two fingers and softly, affectionately, poked her forehead once again after more than two years. “I’m all good. I’ll see you when I’m back.”

At this, her hand flew to the place he marked as she looked away in an attempt to hide the crimson stain on her cheeks. She then chortled. “Right. Uhm...okay. I’ll see you soon then, Sasuke-kun. Take care.”

The next morning, he left the village with Suigetsu pestering him about why he had such an uncharacteristic grin on his face.

The first week without Sasuke went by pretty fast. But Sakura was right with what she told him – she missed him just like those years ago.

At first, she thought the feeling wasn’t anything new anymore, but she realized that there was a lot in their dynamics that changed ever since his return from his journey.

And that in itself was completely new, refreshing even.

Because before, she was missing someone who had no desire to return to the village. Someone who seemed to have no care about her. Someone who only returned her confessions with a single thanks on the first time and a horrible genjutsu on the second.

But now, she was waiting for a changed man who has eventually learned to come to terms with his past, embrace his present, and be hopeful for his future. A gentleman who made lots of efforts to restore bonds that he formerly decided to sever. A caring man who might be – even just a little bit – feeling the same way about her too.

Sakura grinned as her thumb paused over a familiar face on an old picture frame. It’s been an unconscious habit, she noted. For whenever she thought about Sasuke while she was seated on her desk – bombarded with tons of paperworks she wished her perfect chakra control could accomplish – she would find herself staring at the official group photo of the genin Team 7 with her thumb eventually brushing over her beloved’s face.

She traced back to how Sasuke was so tensed before telling her about the mission. He didn’t even have the responsibility of informing her about his daily missions or whereabouts, but the fact that he still chose to, and the fact that he seemed to be so troubled and unsure on how to let her know that he would be gone for a while made her heart glad for it just showed how he was concerned about her in his own ways.

She tried to imagine their next reunion. And she wasn’t able to fight a smile as she wondered if Sasuke would then tell her that he missed her just as much as she did. Or if he would let her know how life was a lot better when they’re together. Or if he would finally confess that during their time apart, he realized that he loves her too, so damn much that he would not allow them to be separated ever again.

Not realizing that she has already lifted the picture frame close to her grinning face, a loud knock and Shizune’s sudden appearance through her door caused her to loosen her grip on the frame so it tumbled front first on her desk.

“You have another surgery in a few, Sakura.”

Blinking, she broke out of her daze and returned the Team 7 photo on its usual place. “I-I’m coming.”

Oh well, good things come to those who wait.

“What’s going on, Karin?” Sakura frowned the moment the redhead entered her office upon her instruction. “I’ve heard that you’ve been snapping at people too much recently. Is it true that you’ve also countered the decision of one of my subordinates from the Emergency Department?”

“That’s not–!” Karin inhaled sharply and looked away from her senpai. “I didn’t mean to, okay? It’s just that I think she’s doing it wrong and I had a better idea on how we could do the medicine tests faster.”

Sakura sighed. She wanted to deal with Karin in the nicest way possible, knowing that she’s her friend and not just her employee. But since the past week, complaints about a certain redhead medic had been delivered to her, so she wanted to know what was really going on before giving her some consequences if necessary.

“Does having your own opinion give you the right to contradict her if she was doing exactly how I told her to do her work?”

“N-no.”

“Then why did you do it?” Sakura pinched the bridge of her nose.

Her frustration was rising now that another matter has been added to her already overflowing plate. There’s the tension of standing on the thin line separating her roles as the Head Medic and Karin’s friend. And it was becoming a bit difficult to control herself in simply picking the superior side.

“I’m sure you know that when you don’t submit to any of the department heads under my care, it means that you aren’t submitting to my headship too. Karin, even though I’m your friend, based on the Code of Conduct set by Tsunade-shishou, that could lead to your suspension.”

Karin gasped at this. “No, please!” For a second, even she was surprised with how she sounded so desperate with that uncharacteristic plea coming from her. Her brows furrowed as she bowed her head. She definitely didn’t want to disappoint Sakura, but it was clear as day that she had already done so due to the way she was looking at her now.

“I mean...I’m sorry, Sakura. I don’t know...to think that it’s already been four and a half months since Suika was born, I’m sure this isn’t due to the pregnancy hormones anymore. I don’t understand, but sometimes, I just couldn’t help but burst!” The redhead sighed and shook her head before adding, “Rest assured, I will do my best not to have such an attitude again next time. I just can’t lose this job, Sakura, now that...now that Suigetsu’s not he–” She stiffened for a moment, and then suddenly released a loud exhale as the realization of what was going on hit her.

Sakura leaned forward and waited. As Karin slowly looked up and pushed her glasses back, she noticed her red eyes becoming glassy with sudden tears.

“I think I understand now. I..I think it’s because...I miss Suigetsu.” Her voice softened while she averted Sakura’s gaze. She found it weird and irritating how she could become this vulnerable to her. But at the same time, it felt like she could show this side to Sakura knowing that she’s not the kind who would judge anyone. There’s just so much kindness in Sakura that makes her oddly comfortable in being open with her.

And so, she continued, “I remember how Sasuke had to endure my mood swings too back when I was separated with Sui for a whole month before my labor, that’s why he was oftentimes out of his own house. To think that Sui’s been gone again for a time longer than that, I find it difficult to be at ease.” She finally looked at her senpai. “I know it’s not an excuse that my attitude to the patients and some of my colleagues have worsened due to my emotions, but...I don’t know, Sakura. Aren’t you feeling the same thing about Sasuke? How are you dealing with it?”

A pregnant pause filled Sakura’s office as she remembered the past weeks. How she’s been taking lots of workload again, much to Shizune’s chagrin. How she’s been preoccupying her mind with volumes upon volumes of medical textbooks. And how she’s been hitting the training grounds at midnight instead of heading home immediately no matter how exhausted she was from the hospital.

She then realized that like her, Karin had her own way of coping about the fact that they were missing the men that they love.

“I...yeah.” She heaved a sigh. “I understand. It’s difficult to not...uhm, think so much about Sasuke-kun.” Her eyes darted to the photo frame on her desk. “I always wonder about what he’s doing. If he’s safe there in Suna. If he’s okay as they do their tasks. Or if he’s gonna be back sooner than expected. And to avoid overthinking about him, I dive into tons of work.”

Her heart clenched just like the past few days when she realized how much she longed to witness Sasuke’s quiet enjoyment on their (not date, but almost date) dinners together wherein she got to have playful banters, heartfelt conversations, and even comfortable silences with him. She also recognized the struggle of sticking to being patient for his next return due to the undeniable fact that she yearned for his unfailing dedication in spending time with her and bringing her home after work.

Karin broke into a smile as she sensed the apparent similarities of what they were undergoing. As women, there’s always that little nudge in your heart and mind about the well-being of your lover whenever he’s not around. And knowing that Sakura could relate to this was a consolation to her, an affirmation that she wasn’t really alone (and insane).

It was quite funny for her to think that after living a life with almost no friends – especially girls – she would be able to build such a bond with Sakura. She called her attention once more when she said, “Sasuke’s so blessed to have you constantly thinking about him and loving him from afar, Sakura.”

“I...uh...”

“You don’t have to hide it from me, Sakura. It’s obvious. Suigetsu might not be my first love, but he’s definitely my true love.” She glanced away as she tried to hide a rare blush on her face. “But I can really feel the intensity of your love for Sasuke since he has been both your first and true love. To think that he wasn’t even always with you. It’s inspiring, really.”

Sakura’s heart swelled at that. Although her love hasn’t been reciprocated by the recipient of it, it surprised her how someone became inspired with the way she loved Sasuke – unconditionally, relentlessly, selflessly.

“K-karin...thank you that you see it that way. I—wow, that’s—you’re right. Sasuke-kun...he’s been my first and true love. And uhm...honestly, Karin, I want to thank you for being there for him when I couldn’t. For your love for him when mine couldn’t reach him.”

Her sudden words and her soft smile made Karin’s eyes go wide.

“I’m really happy that he met you, Karin.”

As much as it irked him being uncharacteristically emotional in front of anyone, she wasn’t able to avoid her eyes from brimming with tears.

“I think Sasuke deserves all the love in the world, Sakura. I gave him all the love that I could give back then, but I know that you could give him so much more, then and now.” She then grinned. “My love wasn’t meant to be his anyway. I...I’ve never loved as much as I did when I fell for Suigetsu.” And then her brows furrowed as she stared at a distance through the window. “That’s why these men better be back soon because we couldn’t take it anymore!” She groaned.

Giggling, Sakura glanced at the genin Sasuke in the Team 7 photo once again. “You’re right. Meanwhile, about your offense…”

Karin stood upright after sensing the senpai mode of the woman in front of her. “I’ll do anything, Sakura! Just don’t let me be suspended or fired while I’m in Konoha!”

Sakura couldn’t help but laugh at that. To think that this redhead is a tough woman but she could turn into a soft and genuine one in front of her, she couldn’t help but feel like it was a privilege to be this close with her.

When Karin raised an eyebrow at her in confusion, she shook her head and said, “It wouldn’t come to that.” Karin’s sigh of relief made her smile again. “I understand what you’re going through, but like what you said, our emotions are not excuses to have an entitled attitude towards others. What I want you to do is to apologize sincerely to the people you’ve treated that way. Especially to the head of the Emergency Department.”

“That’s...all?” She blinked. “Alright! Thank you, Sakura!”

And then Sakura laughed once more when the redhead medic rushed outside her door to instantly do as told. As her laughter died down, she leaned back on her seat and realized that it was the first time in a month and a half that she was able to laugh as freely and genuinely as that.

If she would be completely honest, albeit almost excelling at it like a professional, waiting sucks. Sure, she could immerse herself in whichever stuff that could preoccupy her – and allow her body to be drained process – but it would never suffice to having Sasuke around.

Her gaze fixed at her office window while she wondered if there was still a possibility that one day, she’d finally be able to stop waiting and just have him close to her. Not just because she wanted to, but also because he wanted to.

A subtle pit-a-pat on her window awakened her from her trance. When she returned to her tasks a few seconds later, merely thinking that it was a branch or something colliding with glass, she heard another round of soft knocks that sounded like a bird’s beak hitting her window.

A bird’s beak...hitting...

She sprang out of her seat with a jolt to confirm her afterthought, her hips thankfully dodging the edge of her table and saving her from sudden pain as she focused on the familiar hawk sitting outside her window.

Sliding it open, the feathered summon skipped closer to her and angled its left foot for a note that could either ease her worries or increase them.

For it was the first time that Sasuke reached out to her after a month and a half.

“Thank you so much,” she mumbled before the hawk flew back to its master hundreds of miles away.

She was both excited and nervous. But upon opening the note, she found herself smiling and blushing like never before as her gaze shifted to the sky, following the small figure of the flying hawk from afar.

Just another week left. Take care. — S.U.

Sakura was all smiles around the hospital all week. She was a cheerful woman, alright, but there was definitely something so eminently special about that week that caused the pink-haired medic nin to be at the pinnacle of her emotions. There was no heavy workload, irritable workmate, nor delayed appointment that was intense enough to wipe away that dazzling smile plastered on her face.

Shizune, who often caught Sakura with her gaze fixed on the only memento on her office table, has concluded that it certainly had something to do with her not-boyfriend. Besides, who else could make Sakura Haruno glow joyously like that aside from Sasuke Uchiha?

Actually, it wasn’t only the pinkette who seemed to be completely over the moon that week. Pink and Red were bouncing off the walls all around the hospital and the staff and patients couldn’t help but be amused whenever they came across the two. After all, both women with bright colored hair had such contagious bright aura that uplifted the people around them.

Even with the number of appointments and interviews set with Sakura due to the positive reports about the efficiency of her recent concoction, she became more productive without overexerting herself, contrary to the past weeks of intentionally preoccupying herself with workload that she could actually delegate to her staff.

And Karin, on the other hand, was instantly the favorite of her patients once again as if she didn’t expose some bad attitude to them days ago.

Another long wait is about to end, Sakura mused, unable to conceal her excitement when she realized that it’s been exactly a week after she received Sasuke’s note. She brushed her thumb on the specific face on her team’s photo one last time before heading to another surgery for the day.

After her extended shift was over, a mother of one of Sakura’s patients in the Children’s Mental Health clinic approached her in a corridor near the Emergency Department. Sakura was touched with the thoughtfulness of the parent as she received a small gift from her, heart swelling with joy while listening to her gratitude for putting up the clinic after the war. It might have taken years, she said, but her daughter recovered from the trauma of losing her dad during the war because of Sakura’s project, reminding her of how far she had come in terms of her profession.

While she was immersed in such heartwarming conversation, Sakura then heard a firm voice she’s now accustomed to somewhere near them. But there was a sudden croak to it that made the hair on her arms stand on end, “S-suigetsu? ...Suigetsu!”

Everything else that the woman in front of her was saying came to a blur as her ears tried to pick up the muffled sounds from a few hallways away. But then, the man that Karin called shouted words that made her drop the gift she was holding:

“It’s...Sasuke! Help Sasuke!”

The loud thump on the floor amplified the sudden drop she felt inside her chest.

The next thing she knew, her feet was darting to the direction of the voices she had heard.

She was sure something else fell on the floor moments ago but the scene she had witnessed upon reaching her destination made her realize that it was her heart that also fell, shattering into pieces yet again.

For Sasuke was there, more pale than ever, with his eyes shut and mouth bubbling as two nurses hurriedly yet cautiously transferred him to a stretcher beside Shizune, Karin, and a barely conscious Suigetsu.

“What’s going on here?” Sakura demanded, forcing to restrain the tremble on her voice as she rushed towards them.

“Sakura!” It was Shizune who responded for Suigetsu was lifted to another stretcher with a frantic Karin clutching his hand. Her colleague hesitated to divulge what she knew but Sakura was quick to assess the unconscious man’s condition.

She soon gasped, her head tilting to Shizune for confirmation, trying to deny her realization of what was going on. No, not Sasuke-kun. Please, no!

But Shizune fiercely nodded. “We have to hurry. It’s the poison that’s been rampant in Suna recently and...and you already know what this entails.”

“You both know about this?” Sakura couldn’t blame the sheer panic in Karin’s voice. “Sakura, save them!—Hold on, Suigetsu! Don’t—don’t move!—please, Sakura! Shizune! Do something!”

With clenched fists, Sakura couldn’t find the strength to take a glance at the man she loved once again. She had to take deep breaths, in order to keep her professional composure so as to not end up into a sobbing mess like Karin.

But it wasn’t working.

A few exhales later, she was still frozen on the spot as a million possibilities raced in her mind. She has studied this case for months, and she knew full well its capacity to—

“Sakura!” She inhaled sharply with a blink upon realizing that two firm hands were shaking her by the shoulders now. “Sakura, we have to move!”

That’s when she finally glanced at Sasuke again. This was the man who holds her heart. And right at that moment, his life was in her hands.

She had a role to play.

Sakura blinked back the tears that she didn’t realize were threatening to fall, before willing her head to nod at the two nurses ready to push both stretchers.

So they all began to move. The urgency of the situation was felt at the sound of shuffling of feet and wheels in the hallway.

Her hand that wasn’t pushing the stretcher moved to clasp Sasuke’s limp one. Struggling to stifle a whimper, she lifted his hand close to her chest and prayed harder than ever before. Sasuke-kun, stay with me. You have to stay with me.

“Sakura, this is difficult. But you have to decide on what we should do.”

Her colleague was right. This time, she squared her shoulders and let go of Sasuke’s hand for her role was about to begin. “Shizune, look after Suigetsu. Make sure that there’s no poison left in his system because a tinge of it could still spread in his body. I’ll take care of Sasuke-kun.”

“Alright. But...are...are you sure you could manage taking over Sasuke’s operation? I know you’re very much concerned with him right now, maybe it’s best if you have somebody else to—”

“Yes,” she answered in a firm tone. “He’s important to me. He’s...damn it, I’m in love with him. But I’m a doctor too. I could manage, Shizune.” She yet again blinked back some tears, sparing another glance at her patient. “I should manage.”

“Since...since this is...oh my goodness, this is poison…doesn’t this have a duration until one’s body takes its full effect?”

Sakura briefly looked at Karin. “Yes, this poison would manifest its worst immediately within two days since it was acquired. It’s...It’s fatal and could cause—we better hurry! Nurses! Prepare the Operating rooms! Now!”

As the nurses in the hallway rushed to open the door ahead of them, the barely conscious patient struggled to breathe whilst forcing to turn his head towards the Head Medic.

“T-two days? But, S-sakura…today...is the second day.”

--------

(Karin - Part 9) - to be continued...

--------

Hey guys! A lot of things had happened in the past month but I hope you’re all doing well. :) By God’s grace, I’ve been a lot better in all aspects recently, compared to the first few months that I was writing this. (Remember those times I posted that I couldn’t finish a chapter yet due to some sort of anxiety attacks? Praise God, I haven’t had one for months now!) Meanwhile, it was still quite a struggle completing this amidst all the stuff I had on my plate internally and externally.

But here it is! Please don’t forget to comment! I can’t wait to see your reviews about the scenes, plot, characters, emotions, and writing for this chapter! :) You could check my other works here or on AO3 & FF under the username AriannJS :)

Thanks & God bless!

-- A

[chidoroki]

Boruto EP103

aka: rain dance is super effective! wait..?

Okay, someone has really got to save Jugo now.

Creepy dude has an impressive transformation.. of course it has a freakishly long tongue too.

Curse mark vs curse mark.

Pfft Orochimaru certainly knows best when it comes to these.. that fight ended so quick.

Cmon Suigetsu, pull yourself together.

Now we got Nue in on the fighting as well.

Karin really just wants to blow up these birds.

Boruto Stream x2! One right after another.

Did that white bird really just save him somehow?

Mitsuki and Konohamaru finally arrive.

Oooh, that’s a nice way to heal all the cursed birds. Way to go Suigetsu.

Sumire made a decision to..? Oh! The scientific ninja tool department! That’s right, she does end up there in the manga.

So what will happen with Team 15 now then?

Ohh a scary Konohamaru.

Team Taka is all together again!

Karin is precious. I hope she gets to see Sarada again.

I’m feeling a bit underwhelmed.. when Mitsuki came in I was hoping for him to fight Jugo with his sage transformation.. oh well, a nice end to this arc anyway.

Preview thoughts:

Oh my, that kitten is adorable!

“The little roommate” aah.

We get to see Mitsuki be all cute with a cat? I’m up for it.

Also totally love that Sarada was the one who found the cat. The Uchiha have a knack for finding those don’t they.

[darquedeath4444]

Ripples

Chapter TWO

They were ready to head out not too long after. Karin used her sensor abilities to keep an eye on the Konoha team, agreeing that they were indeed tracking them by scent. She had Jugo scatter Sasuke's scent using birds and they left the area as quickly as they could.

"Shadow clones," Karin suddenly said. "A countless number of them. They're probably trying to chase down all the scents."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. Naruto. "Hn." He sped up, leading his team along the path plotted out. 

Soon, they stopped at the edge of a cliff, by the entrance to one of the Akatsuki bases.

"You four wait here and wait for orders," Sasuke said. "I'll check it out myself." The Uchiha darted in without waiting for a reply.

Suigetsu sighed dramatically and plopped down on the ground. "This is so unfair."

Sakura joined him. She tucked her knees to her chest and sighed. "I want a sword too." She eyed Suigetsu's Kubikiribocho.

Suigetsu smirked. "Oh?"

Sakura hurled herself at him and he met her mock tackle with a playful growl. A few minutes in, Karin suddenly straightened. "There's someone else in there."

"What? Really?" Suigetsu sat up too. "You should have said something sooner."

"He wasn't there before!" Karin snapped. "He just appeared!"

"What do we do?" Sakura asked. She scrambled off of him and got to her feed.

Suigetsu shrugged. "Well, truth be told, I'm curious."

Sasuke watched the last of the feathers land on the ground, anger bubbling within him.

"Sasuke!"

He looked up towards his team as they darted into the cave. "I thought I told you to wait outside," he said.

Suigetsu grinned. "Well, Karin said she sensed someone else in here and we got curious."

"Feathers?" Karin asked, looking around.

"Black feathers," Sakura said. "Crows." She narrowed her eyes a little. "Uchiha Itachi."

Sasuke turned around. "We're moving. Follow me."

On their way to their next destination, they ran into a shadow clone.

The cry of "Sasuke!" was cut off when the Uchiha tore through it with a Chidori.

It poofed out of existence and none of them stopped in their steps as they flashed past.

"A shadow clone will send its memories back to the creator after it is destroyed," Sakura said. "He'll be coming after us."

Sasuke merely narrowed his eyes. They traveled a while more without bumping into any more clones.

Suddenly, Karin stiffened. "There's an incredible chakra signature heading our way!" She called out.

Someone landed on a light pole a few feet away. Sasuke's sudden stop caused the rest of them to skid to a halt.

Suigetsu's chakra spiked a little. "You..."

"Hoshigaki Kisame," Sakura murmured.

"Sasuke-kun, if you would please go ahead by yourself." The Akatsuki member swung his huge sword onto his shoulder. "Itachi-san wants the rest of us to wait here."

Sasuke didn't even flinch. "No problem. I only formed this team to make sure no one interferes when I finally come to face him." He stepped forward. "This works out perfectly."

"That's crazy, Sasuke!" Karin cried out. "We should just beat this guy together, then go after your brother-"

"I'm not really in the mood for another fight, but if you insist, I won't have a choice," Kisame smirked.

"Don't think about it, Karin," Sasuke said. "You four wait here. This is my revenge."

Sasuke moved past Kisame, who didn't make any move to stop him.

Once the Uchiha was gone, Suigetsu stepped forward. "Hoshigaki Kisame." A smirk appeared on the Hozuki's face. "And the sword Samehada."

Kisame glanced over at him.

"Do you remember me?" Suigetsu asked. "I'm Hozuki Mangetsu's brother, Hozuki Suigetsu."

"Are you now?" Kisame asked. "I didn't even recognize you! You've really grown."

Suigetsu gestured towards Sakura. "That's our sister, Sakura. I don't think you've ever met her."

"Younger sister, eh? Mangetsu mentioned you a few times." Kisame nodded at her, and she gave a small wave.

"Now, since we're stuck here waiting for Sasuke, why don't we kill some time?" Suigetsu reached for his sword.

"I see you haven't lost your mischievous streak." Kisame held out his own. "Fine, I'll gladly shave a few layers off you!"

Sakura's insistent cry of 'I want a sword too!' was drowned out by the clash of the two blades.

The moment Kisame just vanished, all four of them knew that the fight had concluded, one way or another. Karin cried out in alarm that Sasuke’s chakra had vanished, and when they entered the cave, there was no trace of the younger Uchiha.

Sasuke was nowhere to be seen for the next few days.

However, a week later, the raven appeared before them, followed by a man wearing the Akatsuki cloak, his face hidden behind an orange mask.

Sakura grabbed onto Suigetsu's arm, eyes wide.

"Huh?" Suigetsu turned his head just a little, to keep both Sakura and the masked dude in his vision.

"I've seen him before," Sakura murmured.

Suigetsu simply narrowed his eyes.

"From now on, we will no longer be 'Hebi'." Sasuke suddenly said.

Sakura turned to look at him. His eyes had been blank ever since he had come back from wherever he had been for the past few days.

"We will now call ourselves 'Taka', and our goal will be the total destruction of the Leaf."

Later, Team Taka was led deeper into the forest where they were greeted with something like a temporary meeting room. Kisame was there and he smirked at them as they gathered around the table.

Sasuke sat himself down on one of the two chairs.

The man claiming to be 'Madara' sat on the table and stared down at him. "So, you want to destroy Konoha, but do you have an actual plan in mind?"

Sasuke linked his hands in front of himself. "We eliminate the top tier. That's all I've come up with."

"If you go for the top, they'll shield themselves with the bottom. It's not that easy." Kisame smirked. "You kids are too inexperienced."

"Don't underestimate using, Kisame-senpai. We still haven't finished our little game." Suigetsu stepped forward but Sakura stopped him with a hand on his arm.

"Don't," Sakura eyed Kisame. "He'll know a lot about it, I think."

Suigetsu blinked in surprise.

She then turned to Madara. "The Fourth Mizukage," Sakura said. "You are the Fourth Mizukage."

The masked man looked up and even Kisame wasn't able to hide his surprise as he stared at her. Sasuke narrowed his eyes.

"What are you saying, Kura?" Suigetsu asked. "The Fourth was Yagura..."

Sakura just shook her head. "Something that just came to mind." She ran her tongue over her sharp teeth, then sat down on the ground. SHe did not speak up for the rest of the meeting.

Madara eyed her for a few more seconds before turning back to Sasuke. "At any rate, Akatsuki is currently lacking in numbers," je said.

"Uh...you're not so hot either." Suigetsu muttered.

The masked man didn't seem to hear him. "We share the same goal. From now on, 'Akatsuki' and 'Taka' will move as one."

"What's in it for us?" Sasuke asked.

"The Biju."

"Biju?"

"Don't you know anything?" Madara asked.

Karin opened her mouth but Sasuke beat her to it. "What are they?" He bit out.

"Monsters made of chakra. The first Hokage once had a few of them under his control. He split them between the five Shinobi nations when he began the peace talks, to balance out the power. You could call them the ultimate chakra weapons," Madara said. "Not a bad trade, right?"

"That's pretty generous of you."

Madara shrugged. "However, betray us and you won't be left alive."

"Heh." Sasuke smirked.

"There are nine Bijuu in our world, and so far, we have seven of them," Kisame said. "Two left."

"The Akatsuki and Taka will each hunt down one of them," Madara said. "That's our current goal."

Sasuke leaned back a little and narrowed his eyes. "So you haven't gotten Naruto yet."

"Akatsuki will take care of Naruto. Taka will get the other target."

While Suigetsu attempted to pull out the location of the Hachibi from a Kumo shinobi, Sakura, under Jugo's quiet suggestion, began searching through the possible locations of the Jinchuriki.

Finally, tired of waiting, Sasuke stepped in, casting a genjutsu and forcing the Kumo shinobi to spill. Sakura confirmed the man's words a second later.

"Hn." Sasuke turned to face the direction Sakura had pointed out. "We're going."

The five of them landed outside the cave just as a tanned dude stepped out of it, cursing at the sun. He didn't seem to have noticed them, though all of them highly doubted that.

"You the Hachibi Jinchuuriki?" Sasuke called.

The man turned to look at them. "Don't you mean 'excuse me, are you the Hachibi-sama?' or 'are you Jinchuriki-sama?'" The man asked.

Sasuke placed a hand casually on the handle of his blade. "You're coming with us."

The Hachibi did not look impressed.

"I'll capture him," Sasuke said. "Suigetsu, go right. Jugo, left. Karin, stay behind me. Sakura, support."

"Hmmmm." The man in front of them crossed his arms.

Suigetsu shot out, sword raised over his head.

"Time for some in-battle advice, ya little shit!" The Hachibi called. He didn't move even when Suigetsu approached. The Hozuki swung down his sword and a small crater formed as the two made contact.

"The men from Akatsuki said not to kill the Jinchuuriki, Suigetsu," Jugo called.

"I can still feel his chakra," Karin said. "Don't worry."

When the dust cloud cleared, they all saw that the Hachibi had blocked Suigetsu's blade with his hands. "I'm the only one that's allowed to hit me." He swung his arms. "Get lost, little shit. Eat a fist while you're at it!" The Kubikiribocho flew out of Suigetsu's hands and into the air. The Hozuki let out a grunt as he was pushed off balance.

"Move, Sui-nii!" Sakura appeared in the air. She grabbed the blade handle and swung it, using the momentum to bring her down.

"Whoa!" Suigetsu jumped back just in time as the contact formed another crater. Through the smoke, Sakura felt more than saw the fist swinging towards her. The blow went right through her, the hole in her stomach turning into liquid. Sakura swung the Kubikiribocho back at Suigetsu then collapsed into water to escape the Hachibi's attack. She quickly reformed behind her brother, eyes wide. Suigetsu gripped the blade, one arm in front of him.

"Suigetsu," Jugo called. "Sakura." He stepped forward slowly, eyes narrowed a little. "Step back."

Anyone who was associated with Orochimaru knew to an extent of Jugo's power. Especially Suigetsu, who had fought him, Sakura, who had been held in the same hideout as him and Karin, who sometimes did filings, all knew of his prowess.

So none of them had thought he would lose. Not so easily.

Jugo was lying at the Hachibi's feet. The Jinchuriki had drawn one of his blades and had taken care of Jugo singlehandedly.

"That freak...took out Jugo?" Karin asked. "What the hell..."

Jugo let out a grunt, his cursed mark reseeding back.

Sasuke stepped forward. "I'll handle this." He moved in and the Hachibi stepped away to avoid his attack.

Jugo staggered to his feet and stepped back a little, stumbling.

"You okay, Jugo?" Karin called. The orange head nodded.

"Who are you kids anyway?" The Hachibi asked. "Why're you after me?"

"That's none of your business," Sasuke said dismissively. He ducked a blow and lashed out again.

"Weird looking dude with terrible rhymes." Suigetsu muttered. "This job sucks."

"You agreed to take it." Sakura pointed out.

"This is the fastest way for us to gain power," Sasuke said. "If you don't like it, leave."

Suigetsu scoffed.

"I want to know if what we were told about the Biju is true or not and I want to know now." Sasuke's blade appeared from his sleeve. "And we are the ones using the Akatsuki." He added, more to his teammates.

"Heh." Suigetsu smirked. "Now shut that guy up! If I have to hear another one of his rhymes, I'll kill myself."

"Don't be so mean." Sakura reprimanded. "I think he's better than you at rhyming."

Suigetsu looked offended.

"I intend to," Sasuke said. He shot forward, his blade drawn. After exchanging a few blows, the Hachibi suddenly stepped back and pulled out a notebook. Muttering under his breath, he began to write something down.

The Hachibi snapped his book shut. "Now I'm all jacked up. Thanks, bro, you just gave me a new idea fora read badass rhyme." He reached behind him as he began to rap again. Sasuke's eyes narrowed as the Jinchuuriki grasped the handle of his blades and yanked at them. The swords flew up into the air.

"Watch it, Sasuke!" Suigetsu called out, alarmed. "He's not any random shinobi! He's an incredible swordsman!"

The Hachibi caught all eight of his blades and took a weird stance. In a blink of an eye, he was moving forward in a tornado of metal. With a single harsh blow, he sent Sasuke flying, the Uchiha's blade leaving his hands as he skids across the floor.

"His movement is so unorthodox," Suigetsu murmured.

Sakura nodded. "Can't read his blade."

The Uchiha was back on his feet rather quickly. Lightning chakra ran through his hand and he grasped his blade, running towards the Jinchuuriki again.

"The Chidori." Suigetsu murmured.

However, the Jinchuuriki blocked the lightning attack with his own blade.

Suigetsu stiffened in shock.

"I'm the Hachibi," the man sang. "You can't hit me." He tensed. "I float like a butterfly." He swung his free arm, catching Sasuke's side. "Sting like a bee!"

The Uchiha coughed out blood, the blow sending him into the air.

Chapter THREE>

<Chapter ONE

Chapter List

[hokage-sama]

Hi! Reading Naruto imagines makes me really self-conscious of my body build. There is a lot of headcanons and scenarios for petites s/os and a lot of headcanons for height preferences for mostly small s/os. It makes you feel a bit unwanted. I'm like a genderbent Guy/Asuma kind of girl. Because there are no Naruto girls like that to compare to. How do you headcanon height preferences of Naruto guys? how do you reason about it? Do you have any cute headcanons for a tall, broad, female s/o?

I just wanted to say I’m SO sorry that any imagines ever make you feel self-conscious of how you look. It’s definitely not my intention to make anyone feel that way, and a lot of the time I write what is requested. Being a chubby 5'5 girl I completely get feeling self-conscious sometimes, but you’re right. There should be more headcanons for other shapes and sizes! 

There are definitely some Naruto guys that I think would probably prefer a shorter s/o, probably purely based on it being an ego boost or a dominance thing. Guys like: Kiba, Jiraiya (Although I don’t think he would be fussy tbh), Madara, Orochimaru, Kabuto, Ibiki, Nagato, Suigetsu

I feel like some of these guys would base it merely on the fact that they can tower over their s/o slightly, and possibly to go so far as to feel more powerful over their s/o.

Some Naruto guys are shorties anyway, so they probably would prefer someone the same height or under. Guys like: Deidara, Sasuke, Gaara, Haku, Sasori, Obito

These guys are just so short I feel like they would probably be more inclined to look for a s/o of the same height or shorter. Not to say they wouldn’t go for a taller s/o, but honestly Gaara is like 5"4, if his s/o was tomboyish or laid back it wouldn’t matter (it’s so shallow but I’d never be able to wear heels if I were with him!)

Then there are guys that wouldn’t care about their s/o’s height because they would be focused on their personality or other key traits. Guys like: Shino, Asuma Itachi, Choji, Might Guy, Kakashi, Hidan, Tobi, Neji, Rock Lee, Shikamaru, Tobirama, Shisui, Yagura 

These guys honestly would probably analyze your looks last, they would build a relationship based on personality and how they interact with you. To be honest, they might not even realize their feelings until later on because they are so interested in what you actually have to say instead of what you look like.

Some guys that would probably prefer a taller s/o because they wouldn’t have to constantly crane their neck to kiss them, they’d be able to rest their head on your shoulder, or resist the urge to crouch. Guys like: Baki, Hidan, Kakashi, Might Guy, Shino, Kisame, Jugo

These guys are so tall, so having a s/o who is just as tall would be great for them. Obviously not to say they would hate going out with a short s/o, but having a s/o that is a similar height to them would have its advantages in their eyes.

If you message me your favourite Naruto characters I will write you some headcanons for a tall,broad,female s/o!!! You mentioned Asuma and Might Guy so maybe I can write you some for those? And I promise I won’t make you wait as long as this has taken to respond to!!!

[gigiree]

A matter of words, a matter of time

a/n: day 9:pen pals day!:) still the same story!

He’s starting to feel stifled. He envied the ease with which the others can leave the village. They speak of their adventures in raucous tones, laughter and punctuating the conversations that echo in Yakiniku BBQ.

It’s not that he’s forbidden from leaving. Besides the few villages that hadn’t wanted to join the Alliance, everyone else has pretty much followed Konoha’s lead and given him freedom to travel through their borders. This had given him some measure of irritation because he felt as if he hadn’t earned it.

He finds himself bound by circumstance. With the countersuit still underway, his assets are all in review. The entirety of the Uchiha compound has been combed over for any more evidence of duplicity.

There are too many details to take into account and his missions to the far flung corners of the continent had been assigned less and less. He has no entertaining stories to tell, so he simply watches.

There’s Naruto and Sakura, illuminating the entire table like living bits of sunlight. There’s Shikamaru, a decidedly more calm discussion streaming lazily from his mouth.

Sasuke’s eyes are inexorably pulled to the next table, where Team Kurenai interacts quietly and sweetly with Team Gai.

The Aburame, Sasuke can’t remember his name, sits near the edge, leaning forward intensely to debate with Lee about the merits of long range attacks versus close combat. There’s TenTen idly comparing the sharpness of her kunai to Kiba’s claws.

And then, there’s Hinata. Sweetly paying attention to both conversations, giving Kiba the assurances his ego demanded and passing cooked bits of meat to everyone before serving herself.

There’s something strange about her. Sasuke hasn’t seen her in weeks. Not since she departed for Mizu with a determined look and a small pack of notebooks.

She looks tired, paler than usual. Her cheeks are sallow, and her wide eyes are more prone to staring off into the distance than usual. Her bangs hang lank over her forehead, longer than before. They nearly drape over her eyes.

Something’s not right and he wonders how no one’s noticed. — That night Hinata is pulled from her restless sleep by a delicate tapping on her window.

She slides out from under her many covers, barefeet landing on smooth cold wood. She shivers, eyes shifting warily to catch the silhouette that perches on her windowsill.

When her bleary sight clears, she sees that it’s a small crow. Its beady eyes are illuminated by the moonbeams, and it’s inky feathers ruffle with agitation as it waits for her to answer its call.

She slides open the window with hesitation, eyeing the letter attached to the bird’s leg.

“Who sent you?” She asks it quietly, scratching under its chin.

It rubs its head against her fingers, blinks curiously and lets out a soft caw before extending its leg out to her.

She detaches the rolled up letter, and her heart skips a beat or two when she reads Sasuke’s name in the signature. She recognizes the neat, no nonsense handwriting.

‘What’s wrong? You look like crap.’ -Sasuke

She laughs a little, wincing when a sharp pain threads through her head and she rubs at her temple a bit to quell the sensation.

She grabs a pen and writes just under her terse message.

‘What’s wrong is that you woke me up from sleep. Thank you for the honest, unneeded opinion.’ -Hinata. She ties off the letter to the crows leg with a white ribbon and watches it fly off into the night with a soft smile. —-

The correspondence continues. Even when he must leave for an extended period of time, they send brief but amusing messages to each other. It’s a natural continuation of the pattern she’d set when she left him a cheeky message on a fake scroll all those months ago in the library.

It’s…surprisingly pleasant. And grounding.

Here in Amegakure, with the rain falling perpetually, Sasuke feels a bit like he’s in a dream. There had been a search through old Akatsuki properties and a few of Itachi’s belongings had been found and deemed too innocuous to be kept for evidence and too personal to be thrown away.

So in between these broken reminders of the brother he lost, her letters give him a shred of reality to cling to. Something that doesn’t hurt too much.

His messenger crow arrives today with another scroll. It preens its wet plumage, before raising its leg in Sasuke’s direction with an almost resentful glare.

Sasuke gives an amused huff, before untying the letter and tapping the pretty red ribbon tied around the crow’s neck.

“You keep letting her decorate you, Kuro. You look stupid.”

Kuro merely caws balefully, before flying inside to roost on the dresser.

Sasuke shrugs and opens her letter with practiced nonchalance. He ignores the beating in his heart that threatens to pry open his heavily armored emotions, the gentle, soft manner in which Hinata has managed to inch under defenses.

“Hope all is well in the land of never ending rain. Is the umbrella you stole from me helping you at all? Kuro likes the new ribbon. Leave it on please.

Also I heard from Naruto-kun that this mission is a bit more personal. I checked with my cousin, Hiromi. Your affairs are all underway and I mailed the documents you needed sent out.

I pray that you find what you’re looking for.

Your friend, Hinata.”

He’s not sure if he feels angry that Naruto was out spouting his business to overly curious Hyuuga girls or if he’s touched that she even made an overture like this.

Her umbrella rests against the side of the cabin’s only bed, and it’s served him well. He’s still unsure of where she stands in his life.

Sakura and Naruto he calls friends. Karin, Suigetsu, Jugo could even be termed that. There are very few people he considers precious, and Hinata has managed to come startlingly close to becoming just that.

He’d be the worst sort of liar if he tried to tell himself otherwise. She clearly considers him a friend, and had he known her less, he would have placed less emphasis on her declaration.

But Hinata, as kind as she is, doesn’t bring many people into her inner circle. She’s as enigmatic as the starlit sky. The more you look at her, the more you find that shines within her depths.

He looks at the tarnished silver bracelet that rests on his nightstand. A delicate, silly trinket with one charm made of moonstone dangling from it.

He had heard the rumors of Itachi having had a lover in his early days. Itachi, nothing but a mere slip of an adolescent, young enough to love, old enough to kill that love for the sake of the village.

Sasuke takes it in his hands, applies a bit of chakra until a thin current runs through it, making the moonstone glow hot white. It leaves little spots of light where it shines, points of brightness that look like starlight against the cherry wood of his ceiling.

He remembers her painted in starlight, mourning over someone who isn’t quite lost. He wonders if he’d prefer to be in her situation, or if he’d rather just have the suffering end. If he would rather know that Itachi was for sure good and gone than wait by his bedside as he wasted away.

He stuffs away that thought. He never had a choice. She didn’t either. Different circumstances, yet similar enough to make his pity for her branch into empathy.

She’s trying so hard to find her place in this world. So is he…perhaps all they need is a little guiding light.

The rain is heavy outside, as the next letter he sends her containing a few brief words and a tarnished bracelet of little value. —

“I’m fine. How are you? You looked tired last time I saw you. The umbrella is working great. Thank for giving it to me.

Here’s a gift. It reminded me of you.

-S. –