'What if I told you that I can't hold this jealousy whenever I see you with other man?'

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"You have a wide charming forehead."

'Eh?'

"Makes me want to kiss it." Sakura lifted her face and stared at Sasuke who was smiling. Her cheeks suddenly reddish. Sasuke just said the same thing in his imagination!

"Yeah, Sasuke is mine!" shrieked inner Sakura excited.

"I guess, those kind of words that Naruto definitely wants to say to you." Sasuke's next words made Sakura suddenly bowed in disappointment. Oh, apparently Sasuke was just kidding. Even though she almost jumped for joy if that sentence was really spoken by Sasuke.

"Sakura, I have something to ask you," Sasuke said as he gradually sat down beside him. "What do you think about Naruto?"

Sakura was silent for a moment. No more red blush on his cheeks. Instead, her eyebrows slightly bent before answering. "Naruto always gets in the way of my love journey. And he looks happy to see me struggling desperately." Pause for a moment. "Naruto doesn't know anything about me, he's very annoying. Even though what I really want is—"

Sasuke looked at the face of Sakura, who was starting to be seen meeting again.

"—That you acknowledge my existence." Sakura smiled shyly while glancing at Sasuke occasionally. "I'm serious. I will do anything so you acknowledge my existence. "

Unconsciously Sasuke's cheeks began to flush reddishly as Sakura began to advance toward her with both eyes closed.

"Because I like you…"

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-o0o-

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"I was having lunch when Naruto suddenly tied me with a rope."

Sakura still quietly listened while occasionally sipping her tea. Her eyes stared blankly at the ripples of water caused by the movement of koi fish in a pond not far from them.

"It took some time until I could untie it. After that, I met you," Sasuke glanced at Sakura for a moment, still sitting while shaking her leg. The woman nodded, indicating that she did not need to explain the next incident in detail.

There was a long pause until Sakura finally laughed while leaning her back against the wall next to the door. "Finally, I understand, why did you scold and then called me a jerk at that time." Her index finger spun around the lip of the cup her was still holding tightly. She bite her lips. "But ... why did Naruto do that?"

Sasuke turned his head to hear Sakura's soft voice. The woman was still looking down at her tea cup that was almost empty.

Sasuke quietly took a deep breath. He did part with the team of seven for years. But gathering with them again, and seeing the relationships between individuals that have changed since he last saw them made him understand more or less. His blond teammate was no longer the same troublemaker he used to be. He had to recognize his ability when Naruto finally succeeded in ending the war and rose to the position of Hokage the past two years. Seeing his current authority, it's hard to believe that Naruto was one of the most annoying rivals for him. Rival and friend.

Then his other teammates, who are now sitting next to him, grow into a very strong woman. Sasuke was not surprised at the physical and medical abilities possessed by Sakura because her was guided directly by Tsunade. Weepy girl who always follows him wherever he goes has turned into an independent and strong woman now.

In the past, the only thing Sasuke thought of was looking for ways to grow stronger every day. The flames of vengeance that raged within him had made him close his eyes to some details of the people around him at that time. But meeting them again this time, made him understand a number of things.

There is someone who has always harbored feelings for his own teammate.

Sasuke used to think that Naruto's feelings for Sakura were just silly feelings that lasted for a few moments. But as time went on and several events had passed, he began to understand that Naruto's feelings for Sakura were no joke.

Sasuke could not possibly forget how the look in Naruto's eyes snatched Sakura from his grip as he almost killed her with poisonous kunai. The blue eyes looked at him full of anger at that moment.

Now, being with them again after all this time had made Sasuke finally understand the meaning of Naruto's gentle gaze every time he stared at Sakura or when the young man told him about it. Sasuke did not understand love in the sense of various kinds. But one thing he knew of Naruto's eyes on Sakura reminded him of his father's eyes on his mother first.

"What if your position is reversed now?" female voices from behind both of them broke their daydreams. Sakura turned her head towards the voice and emerald wide-eyed. The woman in shorts and towel in her hair walked to Sasuke and hugged her neck from behind. Sakura laughed while shaking her head.

"I didn't know you were here," Sakura said while smiling softly at Sasuke who also smiled at the woman behind him.

The woman chuckled softly before staring seriously at Sakura. "Look, if you were Naruto, what do you think you did it for?"

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Story Aika Namikaze

Naruto M. K.

No commercial advantage is gained. Just for fun!

WARNING: Head-canon setting, misstypo (s)

DON'T LIKE DON'T READ! ;) enjoy!

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LAST CONFESSION

[Chapter 2]

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Naruto stretched his arms up while taking a deep breath. The sunny weather today made him decide to take a walk during his lunch break. He had told Shikamaru to extend his rest for an hour. The assistant nodded in agreement, remembering that these days the tasks piled up on the Hokage table were endless. Giving Naruto a break for longer will make it fresh again.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Hokage!"

Along the way the people he meets will greet him with a big smile which, of course, he returns with a wider smile. Naruto can feel the peace and tranquility of Konoha when walking like this. That's why at least once a week he will walk around the village and get closer to the people.

Nearly half an hour Naruto walked around until he unknowingly approached the Uchiha mansion. Naruto smiled, remembering that Shikamaru had told him that Sasuke had returned from the mission. Inviting him to lunch is not a bad idea.

From a distance, his eyes could clearly catch the figure of Sasuke walking out of the house. Naruto almost raised his hand and called out when he saw the man come out followed by someone behind him.

"Sakura ... chan?"

Naruto's distance with Sasuke and Sakura made both of them unaware of his presence. Naruto unconsciously hid behind a electric pole. His eyes watched his two teammates.

Naruto couldn't hear what they were talking about, but his eyes caught a gloomy expression on Sakura's face. Sasuke said something that finally made Sakura raise her head and look at him with a gentle smile. Naruto's chest suddenly throbbed when he saw Sasuke reply with a small smile and hug him briefly with a light stroke on the top of Sakura's head.

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"I'll see you when I return," Sasuke's light touch on Sakura's forehead made her cheeks flushed red. "... and thank you."

The pain immediately ran through Naruto's chest. Many times it felt when he saw Sasuke and Sakura exchanging smiles, as if making a promise that the two would be together again when Sasuke had returned from his homeland.

Naruto increasingly pressed himself against the tree trunk to disguise his presence in the shadow of the leaves. His lips involuntarily smiled sadly.

For the first time in years trying to survive, this was the first time he felt like giving up.

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Naruto tightened his fist unconsciously. His head bowed. Is this the right time for him to step down?

Sasuke's return to Konoha brought things back to the way they were before. Team seven returns complete. Both Sasuke and Sai try to adjust to each other as partners even in different teams. There is no awkwardness between them. Everything is fine. Even after Sasuke returned from his former homeland, the relationship between Sakura and Sasuke also didn't show any progress. Everything still looks as usual in his eyes.

Or is he the only one who doesn't realize it? What if Sakura and Sasuke had been secretly dating each other? What if they suddenly announce that they will get married soon?

Naruto shook his head hard. Impossible. They are his best friends. They should have told him and the others if there really was something between the two.

"Naruto?" Naruto gasped at the sound. He raised his head and was surprised to see Sakura in front of him. "What are you doing here? Why are you hiding behind an electric pole like that?" Sakura looked at him confused.

"Oh," Naruto laughed awkwardly while scratching the back of his head. "N-nothing. I was a little dizzy so I leaned against the wall for a while," he answered casually without returning her gaze.

"Eh? Are you sick?" Sakura asked in a worried voice. Her immediately put his palm on Narrow's forehead and cheek. "Don't push yourself, idiot! It's not funny if the village leader collapses just because of the flu."

Naruto responded to Sakura's scolding with a bitter laugh. The woman sometimes over-watched him. One reason that made him dare to expect something from Sakura. Even now, maybe not anymore. After seeing Sakura with Sasuke earlier, that attention somehow hurt him.

"I'm fine. No need to worry," Naruto said in a choked tone without realizing it. He averted his eyes, making the woman look at him in surprise.

"Hey," seeing Naruto who had refused to look at him inevitably made Sakura finally suspicious. "Do you angry with me?"

Naruto looked down for a moment before smiling at Sakura. The best coercive smile he can do. "No. Why am I angry?"

Sakura does not necessarily believe. Naruto's tone and tone were strange. She knew very well that the man was hiding something or was deliberately avoiding it.

"I have to go back now. See you later." Naruto who didn't know what else to behave decided to go from before her. He turned around without looking at Sakura again. Being cold to Sakura wasn't something he could do.

Sakura quickly held Naruto's arms that were about to step. Her waited until Naruto turned around. But still, the man did not budge with his position which was still reluctant to return his gaze.

The woman then took a deep breath. "Naruto?" called Sakura more gently. He pulled the side of Naruto's face until her wanted to look at his face. "Answer my question, Naruto. Something is bothering you? You look very different."

Iris green eyes staring intently. Naruto restrained himself desperately not to hug her, expressing his jealousy, and expressing his feelings. But he knew the reality wasn't that easy now. What Sakura wanted wasn't him, but Sasuke.

"There are ... a few things I'm thinking about," Naruto pulled Sakura's hand down. He smiled a little. "I'm sorry, Sakura."

Sakura rounded her eyes, Naruto knew that she must have been shocked because he had called her name in an unusual way. But this is one way that he can continue to progress, he does not want to block Sakura's feelings for his rival and best friend.

As long as Sakura is happy, anything Naruto will do. Including releasing it with the people he loves.

"Oi, Naruto!"

Someone's scream from a distance cut off their attention. Naruto and Sakura both turned to the source of the sound. Yamato was seen jogging toward them with a big smile on his face.

"Captain Yamato," Sakura said with a friendly smile and slightly bowed. "Long time no see."

"Hi, Sakura. Looks like you look prettier now. Do you have a boyfriend right now?" Yamato teased while glancing at Naruto. He asked inwardly looking at Naruto as if he hadn't heard him while Sakura just laughed awkwardly. Are they fighting?

"So, why call me, Captain?" Naruto asked straight away.

"Oh yeah, Shizuka just came and is waiting for you in the Hokage room.You better come back now," Yamato suggested.

Instantly Naruto smiled broadly. Timing is right. The arrival of a friend he didn't meet for a long time could be a good distraction from his current problems. "Of course I'll be back now." he turned his head to Sakura, who had been silent for a long time. "We will go first, Sakura."

Sakura just nodded in response.

"Ah, actually," Yamato cleared his throat before continuing. "I have business for a while with Sakura. You go on ahead, Naruto."

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-o0o-

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Sakura did not understand the drastic change in Naruto's attitude. The man behaved strangely after her caught him hiding behind an electric pole. His tone changed, not cheerful as usual. The laughter is no longer warm, as forced. And the most important thing, Naruto avoided his eyes from the start. Naruto never ignored her let alone to be cold. And when he called his name earlier, since when did the man eliminate the suffix '–chan' behind his name? For some reason, it made him feel ... sick. Getting to know that guy since they were in the academy, Naruto never once called her just by his name.

When her finally managed to stare at the blue iris carefully, all he could see was the look in his injured eye. The sapphire was no longer sparkling, dim as if there were wounds so deep they removed the sparkle. But what?

There were still many things her wanted to ask Naruto, including something her had discussed with Sasuke earlier. But before her could ask again, Yamato's presence shifted everything.

"Oh yeah, Shizuka just came and is waiting for you in the Hokage room. You better come back now," Yamato now turned to Naruto after making small talk with him.

Next to Sakura's eyebrows raised. Who is Shizuka? Why could that name in an instant make Naruto smile broadly as if forgetting all his cold attitude earlier?

Unconsciously, Sakura frowned slightly. Feel badmood instantly. Even when the man said goodbye, her only nodded in response.

"Ah, actually." Speech from Yamato made her turn to look at his teacher. "I have business for a while with Sakura. You go on ahead, Naruto."

Sakura blinked in confusion. She thought the teacher was here just to find he didn't say anything until Naruto left them.

"So, did something happen with you guys?" Yamato opened his voice when Naruto was no longer visible to his figure. Sakura turned her head. The man smiled meaningfully at her. "I'm an ANBU. Reading one's expressions is not difficult, Sakura. You guys look like a couple who was arguing earlier."

Sakura laughed blandly. Both hands folded in front of the chest. "I don't know, Captain. Naruto is really weird today." Her let out a long sigh. "I don't understand how Naruto's attitude has suddenly turned cold and annoying."

Kakashi's younger class brother then laughed. "Isn't it always like that? I guess you're used to Naruto's attitude which is sometimes too ridiculous or annoying for you, right?"

That should be the case. Naruto always acts silly. Quite often very annoying. Those two things that made Sakura dislike Naruto first. For her, he was just trying to find the attention of people around him. But that was her opinion before getting to know Naruto further. After being put together in a team, Sakura slowly began to understand. Even though sometimes he didn't look smart, her knew that he always tried hard in training to be strong. Behind his silly behavior, Naruto just wanted to be recognized by the villagers who did not think it existed as a child. And behind his ever-wide laughter, Naruto was hiding his loneliness without parents. Sakura understood Naruto completely. Behind the ignorant figure, full of energy, and often careless, there is a warm and loving personality in it. Everyone around him now realized that.

"I don't know," Sakura smiled bitterly as she bowed her head. "The change in attitude was very strange ..."

Yamato took a deep breath. He knew the relationship between the seven teams was a bit complicated in terms of feelings. "Sakura, do you remember my words first?"

Sakura raised her head then looked at Yamato confused.

"When Naruto faced Orochimaru and turned into a four-tailed kyuubi? Your left arm was hit at that time."

Sakura suddenly remembered and suddenly felt goosebumps remembering the events of years ago. Naruto seemed to lose consciousness when the kyuubi chakra took control of his body and turned it into a four-tailed fox. Although Yamato finally managed to calm Naruto down, seeing the severe wound on the man's body made him feel guilty for not being able to help Naruto enough.

"It doesn't matter how big or small you can give. What's important is how much strength you have for Naruto." Yamato repeated the sentence he had said back then to Sakura.

Sakura smiled slightly. At that time her asked Yamato to teach her how to do wood in order to be able to help Naruto if he suddenly lost control of his kyuubi chakra again. But that was not approved by his teacher because her did not have the basic elements of wood.

"Speaking of which, you never continued to cut your words back then, Captain." Sakura suddenly remembered that Yamato was saying something to her but was interrupted because Naruto suddenly woke up.

The man laughed lightly. "Yes, indeed," he then rubbed the top of Sakura's head gently. "But seeing you now, I think you should find the answer yourself, Sakura,"

Next to Sakura's eyebrows raised.

"Ask your heart. Her knows the best answer."

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-o0o-

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Naruto yawned while stretching his arms. He flung his back on the back of the soft Hokage chair after hours of his body sitting up straight to take care of documents that seemed to never come to his desk. He turned to the window and sighed. The weather was very good for a walk today, but it seemed he had to give up his lunch time so that his work could be finished on time.

"Yosh!" Naruto tried to get excited again by straightening his back again. He grabbed his questioner and returned to busy struggling with his work.

Tok Tok

"Enter," Naruto answered simply because his focus was fully on the document he was studying.

"Monthly hospital report, Naruto. Shizune-san left me." The sound made Naruto's hand movement which was turning the pen suddenly stopped. He raised his head and saw Sakura standing not far from his desk with a few documents in her arms. No wonder he was familiar with the flow of this chakra

There was a pause before Naruto opened his mouth. "You can put it there," Naruto pointed to one corner of the table with his chin. "Thank you. You can go now." still expressionless, he immediately looked down again at the paper in his hand.

Sakura took a deep breath. Naruto's attitude is still the same as yesterday's. She estimate missed that everything would be back to normal today. Her took a deep breath before continuing, "Naruto, I have something to ask you—"

"If you don't mind, Sakura, I have to ask you to get out now because I have so much work today," Naruto interrupted quickly without raising his head. "And I have to finish everything this afternoon too. I have a dinner appointment with someone later."

Sakura canceled her question earlier. Naruto's words caught his attention. Sakura's forehead furrowed. "With Shizuka?" She guessed right away.

Naruto didn't answer. He also did not know why he suddenly felt compelled to say his dinner appointment to Sakura.

"Is not it?" urged Sakura.

This time Naruto put his pen on the table then looked at Sakura while leaning his back on the chair. A thin grin adorned his lips. "Will whom I have dinner with tonight be a problem for you?" Naruto asked back.

Sakura wants to answer no. But in fact her mouth remained tightly closed hearing Naruto's question. She also did not know why the name Shizuka was just saying. It's just that her suddenly feels annoyed now.

"Then, who I go with later won't be a problem for you, right?" said Naruto, laughing softly. "Now come out." He reached for the document that Sakura had just handed over and began to read it.

It really shouldn't be a problem for Sakura with whom Naruto will go. But Naruto's childish attitude from yesterday and unpleasant thoughts about Naruto's date later made her emotions at the edge.

"All right. That's enough, Naruto!" Naruto flinched in surprise as Sakura walked forward then kicked the desk hard enough with one hand. "Look, I don't know what happened to you. But stop being so annoying, Naruto. Don't be childish!"

Naruto returned Sakura's sharp gaze. He knew she was very upset with him now. Not that he did it on purpose. It's just that everything just happens without being able to prevent it. "I can't understand you, Sakura," he said in a small voice.

"Eh?"

Naruto immediately averted his eyes while moving from the chair. He walked to the window with his back to her position. "Whoever is my date shouldn't bother you." he glanced at Sakura over his shoulder. "Because as I recall, I never protested that you were just going alone with Sasuke."

Sakura was stunned. "H-hey, what are you talking about, Naruto?" her asked confused. "You are being childish and now you're carrying Sasuke in our problem. What does that mean?" She said annoyed.

The blond-haired man took a deep breath before turning around. That's when he saw someone behind Sakura. "Shikamaru," he called firmly.

Hokage's right hand who had just come and was about to knock on the half-open door blinked in surprise at the sudden call of his name. "Yes?"

"I have to finish all my work quickly today because of that," Naruto glanced at Sakura briefly before turning his eyes out the window again. "I want you to take Sakura out of my office. Now."

"Hah?" Shikamaru frowned in confusion at Naruto's firm voice. But seeing the situation that happened he could guess Naruto and Sakura were fighting right now. Seeing the change in his tone and attitude, it didn't seem like a small matter.

Sakura snorted quite loudly then straightened herself up again. "There's no need. I'll go now." She lowered her head briefly before turning away. "Sorry to disturb your time, Mr. Hokage." After that her walked out of the room without looking back.

After Sakura's departure, Shikamaru turned to look at the Hokage who was sitting in his chair while massaging the base of his nose with his eyes closed.

"You just made a big mistake, Naruto."

"Be quiet."

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-o0o-

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"So it's true Naruto?"

Sakura nodded while feeding a large spoonful of ice cream into her mouth. After fighting with Naruto in the Hokage room this afternoon, her meets Ino in the middle of the road. Seeing her grinning face made her blonde friend forced him to tell a story. At first her was hesitant to tell everything, but it seemed the opinion of outsiders might help him to take action.

Seeing her mood that still does not improve even after telling the story at length, made Ino took the initiative to treat her best friend to a luxury restaurant that just opened a few months ago.

"Have you asked?" Ino asked again.

"How could I ask that when Naruto was childishly unclear like that, pig!" Sakura snorted loudly then put the ice spoon in annoyance. The impact of the spoon on the glass made a loud clanking sound that had attracted the attention of several people in the restaurant. Ino cringed apologetically to the other diners because at this time the restaurant was indeed in a pretty crowded situation.

"Forehead, I know you're upset but can you behave a little more gracefully? We're not eating at the tavern today!" said Ino, annoyed. Even though she had deliberately treated her friend so that his mood was getting better. Her even lent one of his knee-length dress to Sakura even though initially rejected outright by Tsunade's students. But she insisted on forcing her to dress up a little because it was impossible for them to enter a restaurant that was already well known to go outside the village in casual clothes.

Sakura took a deep breath then exhaled deeply. After calming down for a while he finally began to soften. "Sorry, Ino, we should have some fun tonight to celebrate your wedding plans with Shikamaru," She smiled softly at her best friend for years. "Congratulations, pig, you've finally found the right person for you," her said sincerely.

Inevitably Ino's cheeks flushed red with a big smile at the word marriage. Actually her was treating Sakura because yesterday Shikamaru had just proposed. Sakura was the first to know about the wedding plans that will be held next spring.

Sakura then stirred the ice cream with a bitter smile. Inversely proportional to her best friend who has found someone, she is instead trapped with uncertain feelings. As a child, Sasuke was the perfect figure in her eyes. His handsome, genius, and mysterious attitude made him easily get a lot of fans, including Sakura. Even after Sasuke decided to betray the village, her continued to hope that the man could return and be with the others again in Konoha.

But when Sasuke disappeared, Naruto began to develop other feelings for herself. Not the same feeling her felt for Sasuke. But slowly the blond man was awed by herself. After wandering for three years with Jiraiya, Naruto again became a ninja figure that exceeded her expectations. Who would have thought the figure of a troublemaker who often made people around him upset was now a village leader who was respected for his strength and wisdom?

Naruto grew into a man who can be relied upon. Although still often act recklessly, but Naruto is always there for the people he loves. The man is always ready to help people around him. No exception to him. She can't remember how many times Naruto helped her when he was having a hard time. How Naruto always tried to make her smile again when her was sad. Or how he always convinced himself to continue to believe that they would bring Sasuke back to Konoha which had now been achieved.

Without Sakura realizing, her life was always filled with Naruto.

"Sakura?" Soft call from Ino made Sakura lift her face. The blond woman smiled and took Sakura's hand while stroking it softly. "You may have heard this a lot but ... follow your heart. The one who can understand your feelings is yourself. This problem must be resolved carefully."

Sakura nodded. Ino is right. This problem can only be solved alone with Naruto.

"At least so that you and Naruto can be honest with each other's feelings." Ino then winked her mischievous eyes toward Sakura.

"W-what feeling? I just want to know why that fool fooled me into being Sasuke then!" Sakura blurted quickly with her cheeks reddened. "II go to the toilet first!" Sakura grabbed her clutch bag then walked quickly off the table. Leaving Ino still laughing.

"Really," Ino murmured while eating her cheese cake again. Hearing Sakura's story made her believe that her best friend and the village leader actually had the same feelings. It's just that they are not brave enough to be honest with each other's feelings.

While enjoying dessert, the aquamarine explores every corner of the restaurant. She just realized there are some masked ninja standing in front of a room that he knows is a special VIP room. As she turned her gaze in the other direction, there were several other masked ninjas scattered throughout the restaurant. Ino immediately frowned in surprise.

"What is ANBU doing here?"

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-o0o-

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"Naruto, can you hear me?"

"Eh? Y-yes."

The long black woman with a small laugh. "Are you okay? Your eyes have been staring far away," her said before feeding another piece of meat into her mouth.

Naruto just answered with a clumsy laugh. Stupid, what does he do at a time like this? Even though he had deliberately completed all his work today to go to dinner with Shizuka. Considering his position as village chief and often entertaining dinner his diplomatic guests made it easy for Naruto to book a special VIP room just for him and Shizuka tonight.

"Is there a village problem?" Shizuka asked softly. After meeting Naruto first, the green-eyed kunoichi no longer behaved coldly to him like when he first met. Just as Tokiwa, Shizuka's teacher, said, in fact she only punished herself first by stopping loving and being cold to anyone. Naruto could understand that and change Shizuka's perspective. After parting ways with Naruto, Shizuka was now a powerful capable kunoichi with a warmer attitude.

"No. It's no big deal." Naruto forced a laugh. He reached for his wine glass then gulped it slowly.

"About love?" Shizuka didn't need to confirm further because Naruto coughed at his question. She held out her handkerchief towards Naruto while holding back her laughter. The man is easy to guess. "So, is this about the woman you told me about? What's her name? Sakuya?"

"Sakura," corrected Naruto while laughing. "Sakura Haruno. She's my teammate. The medical kunoichi who currently serves as the deputy head of the hospital because of her great abilities." Unknowingly Naruto smiled wider as he said that.

"Hm." Shizuka muttered. "Then?"

Naruto's smile slowly disappeared before finally turning into bitter laughter. "He ... Her loves someone else. I told you right? Right now that person has returned to the village and it seems like they have gotten closer than before."

"Are you sure?"

Naruto wants to nod. But he also did not know the certainty. All he knew yesterday was very, very clearly seen Sasuke hugging Sakura while stroking his head gently. Isn't that enough to explain the relationship between the two?

"Seeing your expression just now seems like you are still in doubt, Naruto," sighed Shizuka, putting her fork and knife on the plate. "Listen. If you really want to know, ask right away. Guessing won't let you know the truth."

Naruto knows that. He was just afraid to hear the answer. His feelings have only been unrequited for years. Instead of fading, his feelings for Sakura actually got stronger over time even though he knew the woman still had feelings for Sasuke.

But Naruto had promised himself. Sakura's happiness is the main thing even though it means her love isn't even reciprocated.

"I just want to give up, actually," Naruto opened his voice again. "Now everything is almost perfect for me.The war is over, I have become Hokage, Sasuke returns to the village, everyone I love is around me. If Sakura really will be with Sasuke later ... I will retreat slowly. And maybe later I don't know when, I'll open my heart to others. " He laughed while scratching his cheek softly. "Or maybe I'll stay alone just like Jiraiya's teacher."

Shizuka smiled faintly. To some extent she knew about Jiraiya from her teacher. One of the legendary sannins chose to remain alone while keeping the people he loved until the end of his life.

"All right, if that's your decision." Shizuka shrugged her shoulders together. "But keep this in mind, when there is a chance you should take it. Or you will regret it for life."

Naruto looked at Shizuka who smiled at him. The woman has changed a lot since they last met. Now her becomes a more mature figure in his eyes. "I feel advised by someone who is very skilled in love." Naruto grinned broadly this time. "Let me guess, you found someone yourself without having to go through your village's old traditions?"

Shizuka's cheeks flushed instantly before finally nodding with certainty. Naruto convinced himself to change the rules of his village which required a kunoichi to marry the man who won the duel with her. "We will get married next year. Konoha village leader may come to my wedding ceremony later on condition, he must be accompanied by his partner later." Shizuka laughed ignorantly.

Naruto laughed back as he silently agreed in his heart. After all, the figure of hope who will be his companion has never changed long ago.

A knock on the door immediately distracts both of them.

"Your order, Mr. Hokage." An ANBU entered the room after being allowed by Naruto. The vertopeng man came with a bouquet of pink roses and handed them to the Hokage.

"Wow. You told ANBU to buy flowers?" Shizuka asked amused after the special forces ninja left them.

"No. I'm pretty sure the flower messenger step stopped at the door because ANBU had to make sure this bouquet of flowers wasn't made to kill me," Naruto laughed crisply before handing the bouquet toward Shizuka. "This is for you. Think of it as gratitude and a symbol of friendship between the villages of Konoha and Nadeshiko." He gave a small grin from Shizuka.

"Thank you, Mr. Hokage. There must be lots of women out there who are jealous because I just got a bouquet of flowers from the village leader who is still single," Shizuka said while laughing ignorantly.

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-o0o-

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Sakura sniffed her lips briefly after applying her lipstick. Her hands smoothed her shoulder hair which is now rolled and decorated with headbands like a flower crown with a smaller size as a sweetener. She must recognize Ino's ability to dress her up. A knee-length red strapless dress with details like small-sized jewels that surround her waist so it looks like a belt, then combined with black heels that are not too high. Her was grateful for accepting Ino's compulsion to dress up before coming to this restaurant because no one had come in casual clothes as originally planned. Although she had argued with her best friend not to lend her a dress that was too tight or sexy and ended up with what she was wearing now.

After confirming her appearance once again in front of the large glass Sakura stepped out of the toilet. The restaurant is quite crowded and many waiters passing by make it slow down. That's when her realized there was ANBU who was standing in one corner of the restaurant, not only one but there were several more scattered throughout the room. Instantly his eyebrows furrowed in surprise. What are the special forces ninja doing here?

She question was answered when the door to the VIP room was open — where there were two to three ANBU standing guard in front of her — not far from where Sakura was standing. A blond haired man whom her was very familiar with appeared in a black suit with a woman holding a bouquet of roses walking beside him. Both are seen smiling broadly at each other.

Sakura was stunned on the spot. "Naruto ..."

-TBC-

Hello back with me, I'm glad you like this fic. And for the problems in the last chapter I'm sorry, maybe I'll fix it later. This is all I can say, I hope you like this chapter. See you in the next chapter:3