As he walked along the path, memories of Team Seven resurfaced in his mind. A wave of nostalgia washed over him, prompting him to take a detour toward the place where they had trained together for the first time. Upon arriving at the training ground, he paused, letting the memories flood back.
While he was lost in the echoes of the past, a faint rustling sound came from within the forest. His gaze shifted toward the source of the noise, and soon, strands of silky hair, dark with a hint of blue, caught his eye. A small smile formed on his lips as he spoke, his voice carrying a knowing warmth.
"Why are you hiding from me… Hinata?"
A deep blush spread across Hinata's cheeks as she berated herself internally. Stupid… He found me out…
Seeing her hesitation, Naruto offered an encouraging smile.
"Come on, step out."
After a brief moment of hesitation, Hinata peeked from behind the tree she had been using as cover. Gathering her courage, she slowly stepped forward until she stood right before him.
Naruto: "What's the matter? What brings you here so late at night?"
Hinata: "I… I came to… to say goodbye…"
Naruto: "Goodbye?! … How did you find out I was leaving?"
Hinata: "I… I'm sorry… I was on my way to Tsunade-sama's office when I overheard you talking to her. I… I couldn't stop myself from listening. I… I apologize…"
Naruto: "No need to apologize… You would have found out eventually anyway. And honestly, I'm glad I got to see you before I left."
Hinata: "G…Glad to see me?"
Naruto chuckled softly, then turned to leave.
"Well, Hinata… Goodbye."
Just as he was about to walk away, Hinata called out, her voice laced with urgency.
"Wait… Naruto-kun!"
He stopped, glancing back at her.
Blushing deeply, she extended her hands, revealing a delicate necklace.
"Here… Take this."
Naruto's eyes widened in surprise.
"W…What is this?"
Hinata: "It… It belonged to my mother. It's one of the most precious things I have…"
Naruto: "Then why are you giving it to me?"
Hinata: "So that I can be sure… that one day, you'll return to me."
Naruto hesitated.
"But…"
Hinata interrupted gently, her voice filled with quiet determination.
"Don't worry… I'll feel more at ease knowing it's with you."
Naruto smiled, his expression sincere.
"Thank you, Hinata… I'll take good care of it. I promise."
Her cheeks turned crimson at his words—as always.
Just as he turned to leave once more, she stopped him again.
"Naruto-kun…"
He sighed playfully.
"What is it this time?"
She fidgeted nervously before holding out a small package.
"You… You might get hungry on your journey… So, I made you some ramen… It's your favorite… H…Here."
Naruto's face flushed slightly as he accepted the package.
"T…Thanks, Hinata… I didn't expect anyone to care about me this much."
Lowering her gaze shyly, she struggled to suppress her embarrassment.
Naruto grinned teasingly.
"So, can I go now, or do you have something else for me?"
Hinata: "N-No… That's all… B-But I… I want you to…"
Naruto: "To what?"
Hinata took a deep breath, then met his gaze with newfound seriousness.
"I want you to promise me… that you'll visit the village from time to time."
Naruto's expression softened.
"Don't worry… I promise. I never go back on my word… because that's—"
Hinata smiled and finished his sentence for him.
"—our ninja way."
Naruto returned her smile warmly, then turned away, waving as he walked off.
"See you, Hinata… I'll miss you."
Hinata's face turned crimson as she struggled to find her voice. But no words came out. She stood there, frozen in place, watching as he disappeared into the forest, unable to move, overwhelmed by his words.
Naruto continued toward the village gates, his mind set on the journey ahead. But just as he reached the threshold of his departure, a voice called out behind him.
"NARUTO!"
He froze in place, eyes widening in shock. That voice…
Slowly, he turned around.
"S…Sakura-chan?!"
For a moment, he felt as if time had stopped. His heart pounded violently in his chest, and he found himself unable to move. The last thing he expected was to see her standing there.
Tears streamed freely down Sakura's cheeks.
Concerned, Naruto took a hesitant step forward.
"What's wrong? Why are you crying?!"
She didn't answer.
Stepping closer, he tried again.
"Sakura-chan… Please don't cry. I… I can't stand seeing you like this. Not now."
Her response came, sharp and filled with anger.
"Why do you think I'm crying?! You LIED to me! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
Naruto fell silent, unable to find the words.
She clenched her fists, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Are you planning to leave us just like Sasuke-kun did?!"
His expression darkened.
"You're not alone, Sakura… You have Sasuke now… and the rest of the village."
Her voice cracked.
"So that's why you brought him back?! So that you could leave?!"
Naruto looked away, unable to meet her gaze.
Sakura pressed on, her tears falling faster.
"Can't Team Seven ever be complete?! Why?! Why are you both so selfish?! You only ever think about yourselves and never about my feelings!"
Naruto sighed, his voice devoid of emotion.
"My leaving won't change much for you… In a few days, you'll forget about it. Just go home, Sakura. There's no point in trying to stop me."
Her tears halted in shock.
"Is that what you think of me?!"
She took a step closer, anger blazing in her eyes.
"After all these years we spent together… You think I'll just forget you? That my life won't change without you here?!"
Naruto turned and studied her face carefully before speaking, his voice quiet yet firm.
"Sakura-chan… What do I mean to you?"
She froze. She had never considered the answer before. Looking away, she struggled to find a response.
Naruto smirked bitterly.
"Just as I thought."
He turned away once more, but this time, she blocked his path.
"If you want to leave… then kill me first."
His eyes widened in shock.
She gripped a kunai tightly, her hands shaking.
"If you take another step, I'll try to stop you… even if it means fighting you."
Naruto kept moving forward, undeterred. Her resolve wavered.
As he stood right before her, he lowered his head—placing his forehead gently against hers. Then, without warning, he pressed a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead.
Sakura's breath hitched.
Her mind flashed back to a memory—her childhood wish on the day they graduated.
The kunai slipped from her trembling fingers.
Naruto whispered his final words.
"Thank you, Sakura-chan."
And with that, he walked past her.
Collapsing onto the ground, she watched helplessly as he vanished beyond the village gates, her voice lost in the wind.
Meanwhile, hidden among the trees, Naruto bit his lip, his expression filled with regret.
"Forgive me… Sakura-chan."
Then, he was gone.
Sakura ran after him, calling his name—until exhaustion claimed her and she fell unconscious at the gates of Konoha.