After Six Years…
Early in the morning, Sakura and Ino were strolling together—it was a day off.
Ino: How about we go shopping today?
Sakura: You'll never change, will you?! Didn't we just go last night?!
Ino: But I couldn't buy everything I wanted… because of you.
Sakura: Because of me?! What does that have to do with me?!
Ino (angrily): You left me and rushed off… don't you remember?!
Sakura: Oh… I… I'm sorry, Ino.
Ino: By the way… why did you leave so quickly?
Sakura (nervously): I… I was feeling a bit tired, so I decided to go home and rest.
Ino (instantly): Liar.
Sakura: Why would you say that?!
Ino looked at Sakura mischievously and leaned in closer.
Ino: Was it… Sasuke-kun?
Sakura blushed and quickly responded.
Sakura: No! Of course not! What does he have to do with it?!
Ino: Don't try to lie to me, Sakura. It was him, wasn't it?!
Sakura's cheeks turned even redder, and she smiled.
Sakura: Fine… it was him. Happy now?!
Ino: Absolutely! So… was it a date?
Sakura (sarcastically): Your mind always jumps too far ahead… Of course not. He just always shows up in front of my house at that time to make sure I'm okay…
She paused for a moment as if recalling something, then continued angrily.
Sakura: … And he gets really annoyed when I'm not there.
Ino: Why are you so mad about it?! Isn't this what you always wanted?! But I wonder… what made him care about you so much? He used to always be angry with you and never paid you any attention… What did you do to him, Sakura?!
Sakura (confused): Me?! I didn't do anything… But ever since Naruto left, he's been treating me this way… and his concern for me has only increased lately!
Suddenly, a loud voice called out.
Voice: Sakura!!
Sakura (surprised): Shizune-san?!
Shizune was catching her breath.
Shizune: Ts-Tsunade-sama… wants to see you in her office right away.
Sakura: Alright, I'll go see her now. Goodbye, Ino.
Ino: See you later, Sakura… but you're going to tell me everything in detail!
Sakura: If there's anything worth telling, I will. See you later.
She hurried off.
Upon reaching Tsunade's office, Sakura knocked on the door.
Tsunade: Come in.
Sakura: You wanted to see me, right?
Tsunade: Yes. I have a mission for you.
Sakura: For me?! I haven't been on a mission in a long time…
Tsunade: I know. But you're the only one I trust with something like this.
Sakura: What's the mission?
Tsunade: You need to retrieve this flower. There's a serious illness spreading in the village, and we need to treat the patient before it gets worse. Here's all the information you need to find it.
Sakura (as she leaves): Understood.
Tsunade: Wait… you won't be going alone.
Sakura: I know… Sasuke-kun will come with me (as always).
Tsunade: Unfortunately, Sasuke is on a mission and might not return for two or three days. I can't afford to wait. So, I've chosen another partner for you. I'm sure the mission will go even faster with them.
Sakura (surprised): Another partner?! Who?!
Tsunade: You'll find out tomorrow. For now, go gather all the necessary information that will help you with this mission.
Sakura: Understood.
She went to the library to collect the required information.
Sakura: Oh, Sai! How are you?
Sai: I'm fine… and you?
Sakura (sadly): Not so great.
Sai: Why? You look perfectly fine to me!
Sakura: You never change… I mean, I'm not okay because of what's going to happen soon.
Sai: And what's that?
Sakura: No… nothing. Don't worry about it. Anyway, see you later, Sai.
Sai looked at her, confused.
Sai: Alright… see you.
He left for home, while Sakura entered the library, searching for a book containing information about the flower.
Sakura: Where is it… where is it… not this one… I should've asked Sai; he'd definitely know where it is…
Ino (smirking): Looking for this?
Sakura: Ino?! What are you doing here?!
Ino: I had a mission, so I went to Tsunade-sama's office, and she told me to help you gather information since I own a flower shop… and I'm an expert in this field.
Sakura (sarcastically): Yeah, yeah… expert… Anyway, thanks. This is exactly what I needed.
Sakura took the book and sat at a table, flipping through it. Ino sat beside her.
Ino: I heard Sasuke is on a mission…
Sakura nodded.
Ino: Does he know about your mission?
Sakura stopped flipping through the pages.
Sakura: No… he doesn't know anything about it. I hope to leave and return before he gets back. If he finds out I went on a mission without him, it'll be a disaster.
Seeing the worry on Sakura's face, Ino reassured her.
Ino: Don't worry. It won't be that bad. He'll understand when you explain why you couldn't wait for him. This is urgent.
Sakura: You're right… it can't wait. But I doubt he'll listen! When he's angry, he doesn't hear anyone.
She sighed in frustration.
Sakura: I just hope he understands.
Ino (teasingly): He totally… loves you, Sakura!
Sakura's face turned red instantly.
Sakura: Why don't you get that nonsense out of your head?! That's impossible! And if it were true, why hasn't he told me yet?!
Before she could continue, a voice interrupted.
Voice: You're so foolish, Sakura.
Sakura turned around, shocked.
Sakura: Wh-What are you doing here… Hinata?!
Hinata: I don't think that's any of your business… Sakura.
Sakura (internally): Shannaro! What's with this girl?! I really don't get her… She's so strange!
Sakura calmed herself and thought: But I don't blame her… after what Naruto did to her, I wouldn't expect her to stay the same.
Hinata: Why are you looking at me like that? Is something wrong?
Sakura: Huh?! No… nothing important. Don't worry about it.
Ino: Hinata, join our conversation. Don't you think Sasuke-kun likes Sakura?
Hinata (bored): What's new about that?
Sakura (shocked): What are you saying, Hinata?! That's ridiculous!
Hinata (mocking): I don't get what guys see in you, Sakura. There's nothing special about you except your stupidity!
Sakura (furious, slamming the table): Say that again!!
Ino (trying to calm things down): She didn't mean it, right, Hinata?!
Hinata turned away and saw Neji approaching quickly.
Neji: Hinata-sama, everyone is waiting for you. The meeting is about to start.
Hinata: The meeting?! I completely forgot! Alright, let's go.
She left with Neji.
Ino (watching her go): Who would've thought the once-shy Hyuga girl would become the clan leader?
Sakura smiled at Ino.
Sakura: Love works miracles.
They both laughed.
That night, as Sakura walked home, she suddenly found herself in front of Ichiraku Ramen. Memories of someone who used to be there all the time flooded her mind. She looked up at the sky, imagining his face, tears welling in her eyes.
Sakura (to herself): I miss you so much…