After receiving Sakura's affirmative answer, Sasuke felt something stir inside him—a quiet happiness he rarely allowed himself to feel.
He wasn't skilled in matters of love. Relationships were something he had always kept at a distance, buried beneath revenge and the curse of his clan. But this time, Sakura's unwavering devotion made things different. She had loved him for so long, despite everything, and Sasuke couldn't deny the warmth that came from knowing her feelings were genuine.
For once, Sasuke let himself ease up. His attitude toward Sakura softened. He no longer kept her at arm's length with cold, detached words. Instead, he gave her at least half the warmth and acknowledgment he reserved for Naruto, and for Sakura, that was already enough to make her world brighter.
Sakura felt the shift immediately. The change in Sasuke's demeanor sent her spirits soaring. After chasing him, yearning for him, and enduring rejection for so many years, she finally felt like her persistence had reached its reward.
She tightened her hold on Sasuke's arm as the two of them walked through the streets of Konoha. Her heart was full, her face rosy with joy.
"Sasuke-kun," she said softly, her voice trembling with excitement, "are we going on a date now?"
Sasuke paused for a moment. He considered the word carefully. A date wasn't something he had ever been accustomed to. But after a beat, he nodded.
"Logically speaking," he replied calmly, "it is necessary. But, Sakura, you'll have to forgive me. You know I'm not… good at expressing emotions in this area."
Sakura shook her head with a bright smile, her green eyes sparkling. "It's okay, Sasuke-kun. I understand you."
She truly did. She didn't need flowers, poetry, or flashy words. For Sakura, just having Sasuke beside her, not pushing her away, was already more than enough.
To be fair, Sasuke couldn't entirely be blamed for his lack of romantic instincts. In his previous life, he had even gone so far as to ask Kakashi-sensei for advice on how to deal with Sarada when she was older. The results of Kakashi's "guidance" were utterly useless—after all, what did a lifelong bachelor like Kakashi know about women?
But Sakura knew Sasuke's character, and she bore no resentment. Instead, she tugged gently at his arm and led him forward.
"Sasuke-kun, let's have our date here. It's just about dinner time."
She stopped in front of Ichiraku Ramen.
Sasuke glanced up at the familiar stand. He gave a small "hn" of acknowledgment. Ramen wasn't his favorite food, but it was Naruto's obsession. And since Naruto had always dragged him here in the past, the place felt oddly familiar, almost nostalgic.
They stepped inside.
"Two bowls of classic miso ramen, please!" Sakura called cheerfully.
"Coming right up!" Teuchi, the owner, responded warmly as he pulled noodles from the pot. His daughter Ayame smiled as she moved about, greeting customers.
The shop was bustling—it always was during mealtime. Ichiraku wasn't just food; it was part of Konoha's heart, the place where shinobi of every generation gathered.
Sakura's cheeks glowed as she glanced around. It was her first official date with Sasuke, and the atmosphere made it feel even more special.
"Sasuke-kun," she asked, tilting her head, "do you want to add extra pork or egg?"
Sasuke studied the menu hanging above, then shook his head. "No. I'll just eat what you eat."
His answer made Sakura's heart swell. He trusts me enough to follow along with my choice… She smiled, already imagining what their married life might be like.
They chatted quietly as they waited. Sakura carried the conversation, as usual, while Sasuke responded in his short but deliberate way. Still, for Sakura, even his few words were precious.
Minutes later, Teuchi placed two steaming bowls in front of them.
"Two bowls of miso ramen! Enjoy!"
The rich scent of broth and noodles filled the air. Sakura picked up her chopsticks, blew on the noodles to cool them, and took her first bite. The flavor made her sigh in delight.
"Mmm! It's still so delicious and rich. No wonder Naruto never gets tired of this place."
At the mention of Naruto, Sasuke let out a faint smirk. "That dobe… aside from ramen, does he even know any other food worth eating?"
He took his own bite, and despite himself, he couldn't deny it—Ichiraku really was good.
As they enjoyed their meal, a sudden voice interrupted.
"Sakura? Sasuke-kun?!"
The two turned toward the entrance.
It was Ino Yamanaka.
Her blue eyes widened when she spotted Sasuke. Almost instinctively, she hurried over, her excitement radiating like a flower reaching for the sun. Without hesitation, she reached out and latched onto Sasuke's arm.
"Sasuke-kun! What are you doing here?"
Sasuke stiffened slightly. He wasn't fond of sudden contact, but Ino had always been this way since childhood—bold, touchy, and unafraid. He tolerated it, though his eyes flicked briefly to Sakura.
Sakura's temper exploded instantly.
"Ino! Take your hands off him right now!"
Her voice rang through the ramen stand, sharp with jealousy.
What the hell?! Sakura seethed. Sasuke already agreed to marry me! He even talked about having a child with me, and this girl still dares…
Ino, however, only tightened her grip and shot Sakura a smug look.
"Why should I let go? Who are you to order me around? Sasuke-kun isn't yours. We're still competing fairly, and until Sasuke himself says otherwise, it's not over!"
Sakura's fists clenched, her chakra surging with suppressed fury.
"Fairly? Don't make me laugh! Sasuke is mine now—we've already confirmed our relationship!"
With that, Sakura stormed forward, pried Ino's hand off, and shoved her backward.
The strength behind Sakura's push wasn't ordinary—since mastering Tsunade's teachings and unlocking her Byakugō no Jutsu, Sakura's raw physical power had become terrifying.
Ino stumbled, her footing collapsing as she teetered toward the ground.
"Ahh!"
But just before she hit the floor, strong hands caught her.
"You're okay now," came a calm voice.
Ino blinked and looked up. Her savior was Sai.
Flushing slightly, she straightened herself. "Th-thank you, Sai."
Sai gave his polite, practiced smile. "You didn't sprain your ankle, did you?"
Ino shook her head. Her gratitude faded quickly as her eyes darted back to Sakura—who was now clinging to Sasuke's arm possessively, her emerald eyes daring Ino to try again.
Ino's chest burned.
"Sakura, let go of Sasuke-kun!"
"Why should I?" Sakura shot back coldly. "He's my boyfriend now. Our relationship is official. Who are you to argue?"
Ino froze. Her lips parted as if she'd been struck. Slowly, her gaze shifted to Sasuke himself, searching desperately for denial, for some glimmer of hope.
"Sasuke-kun…" her voice cracked, "is what Sakura said true?"
The shop seemed to quiet. Sasuke met Ino's trembling eyes. He had always known he drew unwanted attention, but seeing the depth of Ino's feelings unsettled him. Still, there was no hesitation.
"Yes. I've confirmed my relationship with Sakura."
The words fell like thunder.
Ino's whole body stiffened. Her heart fractured. "No… no, I don't believe it. Sasuke-kun… how could you? This can't be true… it can't…"
Tears blurred her vision.
Sakura, meanwhile, couldn't help the rush of smug satisfaction curling in her chest. For years she and Ino had competed—rivals in both beauty and love. And now, Sasuke had chosen her.
She tightened her grip on Sasuke's arm and, despite her gloating heart, softened her tone.
"Ino, listen… Sasuke has already chosen me. Don't keep chasing what's gone. You're strong, you're beautiful—there are plenty of great guys in Konoha. You'll find someone who truly loves you."
But Ino couldn't hear it. Her tears spilled freely as she turned, covering her face with trembling hands. With a broken cry, she bolted from the shop.
"Ino! Wait!" Sai called after her, his voice carrying concern. He glanced back at Sasuke and Sakura, his expression unreadable, before running after Ino.
Sakura exhaled, her chest heaving with a mixture of victory and guilt. She leaned against Sasuke's shoulder, whispering quietly to herself.
He's mine now. Finally… mine.
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