Legacies

As the morning sun filtered through the trees, casting a soft glow over the campsite, Kakashi sat by the fire, watching Sakura move about quietly. It hadn't escaped his notice that something had changed between her and Sasuke during their walk the previous night. His sister's usual composure seemed a bit more fragile this morning, and Kakashi couldn't help but wonder what exactly had happened.

When Sasuke had gone off to gather firewood, Kakashi seized the opportunity. He motioned for Sakura to sit beside him, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"So," Kakashi began casually, leaning back on his hands, "care to tell me what happened last night? You've been quiet all morning."

Sakura's eyes widened slightly, and she shifted awkwardly in her seat, avoiding his gaze. "Nothing happened, really."

"Uh-huh," Kakashi drawled, raising an eyebrow. "I'm not blind, Sakura. You and the Uchiha prince seem... different." He leaned in slightly, dropping his voice in mock seriousness. "Did he confess his undying love for you?"

Sakura's face flushed immediately, her silence speaking volumes. She hated that she could feel the heat in her face, revealing her emotions. Her troops were not used to seeing her this way, but now that Kakashi had returned, she felt like that young, 15-year-old little sister all over again.

Kakashi's eye widened in genuine surprise. "Wait, he did? What did he say?"

Sakura fiddled with her hands, clearly embarrassed. "In short, he... he said he wants to marry me."

Kakashi sat up straighter, unable to hide his shock. "Oh, how did that come up?"

Sakura sighed, knowing there was no escaping his questions now. "Well," she began hesitantly, "he said, 'I plan to make you mine.' And as I was uncertain of his meaning, I attempted to deflect his statement by inquiring, 'In which way?'"

Kakashi nodded slowly, a grin starting to tug at the corners of his mouth. "And?"

"He smirked and said, 'Marriage. Before anything else.'"

Kakashi blinked, processing her words. Then, realizing what had transpired, he resisted the urge to facepalm. His sister... she really was too innocent for her own good. Someone needs to tell her... Where is mom when you need her? Maybe she is joking..?

"You're... you're serious?" Kakashi asked, his voice strained with disbelief. "That was your response?"

Sakura frowned slightly, confused. "What's wrong with that?"

Kakashi's gaze softened, but his amusement was still evident. He let out a slow breath, trying to figure out how to approach this delicately. "Sakura, you're a medic, right?"

"Yes, obviously," Sakura replied, her brow furrowing.

"Okay. Do you understand that men and women have... different parts?" Kakashi asked carefully.

"Yes, Kakashi." Sakura's tone was flat, as though it was the most basic of facts.

Kakashi sighed while looking around to make sure no one else could hear. "Alright, let's move on, then. Do you know how babies are made?"

Sakura blinked, looking puzzled by the sudden shift in the conversation. "Uh... intercourse?"

Kakashi nodded slowly. "Right. Do you know what intercourse is?"

Sakura's face turned bright red, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Well... Mom didn't let me read that part in the medical textbooks."

Kakashi inhaled sharply, mentally preparing himself for this conversation. He leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Okay, so... intercourse is when a man and a woman... physically connect. The man... well, his part enters the woman's part, and that's how babies are made."

Sakura's eyes went wide as she covered her face with her hands. "Oh my god, Kakashi! I didn't need that level of detail!"

Kakashi raised a hand quickly, his own face slightly pink. "Hey, don't blame me. You said you didn't know!" He cleared his throat, trying to suppress a chuckle. "The point is, when Sasuke said 'marriage before anything else,' he was being... respectful. But do you realize how... naive you might've sounded?"

Sakura's eyes narrowed through her fingers. "Naive? How?"

Kakashi shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her sharp gaze. "Well, when you asked him 'in what way,' it could've sounded like you were asking when he wanted to... you know... start doing the other part of marriage."

Sakura blinked, slowly lowering her hands as realization dawned on her. Her face paled, her voice trembling slightly. "Wait... you mean he might've thought I was asking him when he wanted to—"

"Yep." Kakashi nodded grimly, trying not to laugh at his sister's mortified expression.

Sakura slapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide in horror. "No! That's not what I meant at all!"

Kakashi patted her shoulder consolingly. "Well, maybe you should've clarified that before you asked the prince when he wanted to 'have relations' with you."

Sakura let out a mortified groan, burying her face in her hands. "I can't believe this..."

Kakashi couldn't help but chuckle, his amusement barely contained. "It's alright, Sakura. You're young. You'll learn. Just... next time, maybe think a little more before you speak."

Sakura peeked through her fingers, her face still flushed with embarrassment. "Kakashi... please don't tell anyone about this." Mother tried to protect me, but here I am, making a fool of myself.

Kakashi raised a hand, solemnly placing it over his heart. "Your secret is safe with me... mostly."

Sakura groaned again, but this time, there was a hint of a smile behind her mortified expression.

Sasuke returned from gathering firewood. He paused for a moment, hearing the distant sounds of the Senju and Uchiha troops mingling. Their conversations drifted toward him, a mix of light-hearted exchanges and serious discussion. His attention sharpened as he heard Princess Sakura's name come up in their conversations.

"It's strange, isn't it?" a Senju warrior remarked. "Princess Sakura hasn't been this expressive in years. It's like a different person. She's always so composed."

Another nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Prince Kakashi's teasing her about something this morning. You'd never think she could be so... animated, especially with how stoic she usually is."

One of the Senju warriors chuckled softly. "The prince always had a way of bringing out the best in her, I suppose. But seeing her this way... it's unusual. Still, it's refreshing. Makes her seem more... human, don't you think?"

The group murmured their agreement, but the conversation quickly shifted into more speculative territory. A Senju soldier, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret, added, "You know... there are rumors going around. Some think our clans will push for a union. An ultimate bond for peace—"

"Marriage between the Senju and Uchiha?" another Uchiha soldier cut in. "That would certainly seal the alliance."

"Well, it would make sense," the first Senju soldier mused. "The princess is a key figure for the Senju, and if the Uchiha wanted to solidify this peace, someone like Prince Itachi could—"

"No."

Sasuke's voice cut through the air, cold and sharp, as he stepped forward from the shadows. The group immediately fell silent, turning to look at him in surprise. His presence was commanding, and the air grew thick with tension.

"Itachi will not marry Sakura." Sasuke's tone was firm, leaving no room for debate. His dark eyes bore into the group, his expression unreadable. He didn't elaborate further, but his words carried a weight that silenced any further speculation.

The Uchiha soldiers exchanged glances, unsure how to respond to the sudden declaration. The Senju warriors, too, seemed taken aback by Sasuke's confidence and finality. Are the Uchiha not liking the peace arrangement? Why act like our princess is not good enough for their heir?

Without another word, Sasuke turned and walked toward the campsite, leaving the group behind. Though he had made his stance clear, he hadn't revealed the full truth. He had no intention of seeing Sakura marry Itachi or anyone else for that matter—not when he had already decided who her groom should be. I just hope I can convince our parents, or else I'll have to-

Sasuke thoughts were stopped as he approached the fire, he caught a glimpse of Kakashi playfully teasing Sakura, her face still flushed with embarrassment. The scene tugged at something deep within him, a mix of possessiveness and protectiveness that he wasn't sure he fully understood yet.

Kakashi noticed him and gave a knowing smirk, though he said nothing. He simply continued his light banter with Sakura, oblivious to the tension that had just played out among the troops.

Sasuke's gaze flickered toward Sakura once more, watching her laugh lightly despite her obvious embarrassment. His jaw tightened slightly, and he resolved to speak to her soon—about many things. But for now, he would let her enjoy the moment. After all, things were about to change, and their lives were becoming more intertwined than either of them had likely realized.

As the journey home began, the Uchiha and Senju troops rode steadily, their horses in rhythm with the gentle rustling of leaves in the early morning breeze. Sasuke, ever vigilant, glanced toward Sakura, who rode a few paces ahead with her brother Kakashi. With a subtle movement of his hand, he signaled for her to ride near him. It was a quiet, almost imperceptible gesture that no one else noticed.

Sakura, catching the signal, slowly guided her horse to meet his in the middle of the procession. As their horses trotted side by side, they maintained the silence needed for such close proximity to the troops, though the air between them buzzed with a quiet tension.

Sasuke, looking straight ahead to avoid drawing attention, leaned slightly toward her. "There are many things I want to ask you," he said in a low voice, his tone careful not to be overheard.

Sakura, equally cautious, replied, her voice carrying a hint of embarrassment. "Before you ask anything, I need to explain something." She hesitated, then continued, her cheeks flushing faintly. "When I said 'what way' back in camp... I had no idea what I was implying. And then my brother decided it was the perfect time to explain... everything in the middle of camp. I felt like dying."

Sasuke's lips curled into a slight smile, and though those around them couldn't see their faces, the ease between them was palpable. "I noticed you were pink," he said, his amusement barely concealed. "I suppose your brother thought it was an educational moment."

Sakura groaned softly, her voice laced with playful exasperation. "I'm never going to live that down."

Sasuke shook his head, still smiling. "Well, you can rest easy knowing that no one else heard it—just me. But... there's something else I need to tell you." His tone grew more serious, though still quiet enough to be private. "When we return, I plan to talk to Itachi, then my father. I want to discuss the unification of our clans."

Sakura glanced at him, her pulse quickening. "And what does that mean... for us?"

He met her eyes briefly before looking away again. "I'll wait a few days—give your parents time to enjoy your brother's return. But I plan to bring up the subject of marriage. I want others to understand you're taken, even if the formalities aren't settled right away."

A spark of warmth flared in Sakura's chest at his words, though she masked it with a teasing tone. "Why don't we find Orochimaru and slay him first? That way, no one would dare say no—not even me." Her words were playful, but Sasuke could tell she was speaking more from nerves than genuine reluctance.

Sasuke smirked slightly, knowing she was bluffing. Her reaction with Kakashi had made it clear—she had feelings for him too. He gathered his courage and asked the question that had been tugging at his mind. "When did you start to... like me?"

Sakura hesitated for a moment, her eyes softening as she recalled the memory. "You helping integrate our clans with the younger generation." She paused, then added, her voice more thoughtful. "Even our spar stood out to help. But you allowing me to look into your eyes is more prominent in my memories." She glanced at him, a small, sincere smile on her lips. "You trusted me."

Sasuke's heart warmed at her words. He hadn't realized how much that moment had meant to her, though it had lingered in his own thoughts for days. He looked at her, meeting her gaze fully now, and saw the same warmth reflected in her eyes.

"You're braver than you know," Sasuke said softly. "Looking into the eyes of a former enemy."

For a few moments, they rode in silence, side by side, the quiet understanding between them deepening. Though their troops rode nearby, it felt as if they were alone in their own world, bound by unspoken promises and mutual respect.

As they continued toward their home, neither needed to say more, but the path ahead—both for their clans and for them—felt a little clearer now.

However, it was not long until the peaceful ambiance was abruptly shattered by a distant rumble.

The sky darkened but not by nightfall. The overcast was swirling with ominous clouds that seemed to pulse with an unnatural energy. It was as if someone was manipulating the weather, creating a foreboding backdrop for what was about to unfold.

Sasuke's instincts kicked in. "Prepare for an attack!" he barked, his voice cutting through the chatter like a blade. The air grew heavy with tension as warriors from both clans sprang into action, weapons drawn and ready.

Sakura moved quickly to rally her troops, though her heart raced with unease. "Stay focused!" she commanded, her voice steady despite the chaos around her. Yet beneath her resolve, a worry gnawed at her. Orochimaru's men were relentless, and she couldn't shake the fear that he take her brother within this moment of crisis.

As the storm clouds brewed overhead, thunder rumbled in the distance, punctuating the unease. "Sasuke," she called, locking eyes with him. "We need to issue orders. Our priority is to return Kakashi and Obito home safely."

"I know," he replied, a steely determination in his gaze. "But we can't let our guard down. Orochimaru is not our only threat." His voice lowered as he glanced at the gathering storm. "One of his men controls the weather. We are not sure what else is up his sleeve. We need to be ready for anything."

Their clans exchanged nods, brimming with anticipation. Sasuke's gaze swept over the Senju and Uchiha warriors, each one eager for battle. "Remember, this isn't just about glory," he reminded them. "Our lives depend on unity. We fight together."

As if in response, the first wave of Orochimaru's men surged from the tree line, a tide of darkness against the backdrop of an increasingly violent storm. Lightning illuminated their faces, revealing a chaotic mix of malicious intent.

"Stay close, Sakura," Sasuke said, taking a defensive stance beside her. "I trust you, but emotions can cloud judgment in a fight."

She nodded, her heart pounding as she readied her stance. "We'll fight together," she promised, determination hardening her features. They surged into the fray, their powers blending seamlessly as they fought back against the oncoming tide.

The clash of steel and the cries of battle echoed as the storm unleashed its fury, rain pelting down like daggers. Sasuke and Sakura fought side by side, every move calculated and precise, a testament to their training and trust in one another. Yet, the ferocity of the battle was matched by the fury of the elements; gusts of wind threatened to throw them off balance, and lightning flashed dangerously close.

As they battled, it became evident that they were whittling down Orochimaru's forces, but the relentless storm showed no signs of abating. The rain fell heavier, turning the ground to mud and making it difficult to maintain footing.

Sakura's heart raced as she fought, her thoughts drifting to Kakashi and Obito. She couldn't shake the worry that they might be in danger amidst the chaos. "Sasuke, we need to check on Kakashi!" she called, her voice strained with concern.

Sasuke caught her gaze, understanding flashing in his eyes. "I know. We can't lose sight of them," he said, his expression resolute. "Listen up, everyone!" he shouted to their troops, his voice rising above the clamor of battle. "Your priority is to get Prince Kakashi and Obito Uchiha home safely!"

The warriors nodded, their loyalty unwavering as they prepared to shift their focus.

Sakura felt a surge of gratitude toward their clansmen but knew what this meant. "Sasuke, we can't leave them behind. We have to—"

"We will stay behind," he interrupted, his tone firm but gentle. "We'll hold the line here. If anyone can protect them, it's you and me."

She hesitated, torn between the urge to protect her loved ones and the weight of responsibility. But as she looked at Sasuke, she saw the determination in his eyes—his unwavering resolve to fight alongside her, no matter the cost.

"Okay," she finally agreed, her voice steadying. "Let's make sure they get out safely."

With that, the troops moved with purpose, a coordinated effort to escort Kakashi and Obito away from the battleground. Sasuke and Sakura exchanged a brief nod, their silent understanding solidifying their bond as they prepared to face the encroaching darkness together.

As the last of their troops faded into the distance, the two turned back to the chaos of the battlefield, ready to confront whatever awaited them, knowing that their decision would shape the course of this battle—and their future.

The fight went on for hours, and as the sun dipped low in the sky, it became apparent that Orochimaru was not among them. Yet, the storm showed no signs of letting up; the rain lashed down harder, and lightning split the sky, casting eerie shadows over the battlefield. Despite their dwindling numbers, the relentless weather felt like a curse, refusing to relent.

Sasuke gritted his teeth, feeling the fatigue setting in. He glanced at Sakura, her expression a mix of determination and worry. The two had fought valiantly, but they couldn't hold out much longer against the elements. "Sakura!" he shouted over the roar of the storm, urgency in his voice. "We need to run! There's no other choice!"

Sakura's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly nodded, sensing the gravity of the situation. "Where to?" she asked, scanning the chaotic landscape around them.

"Just get to higher ground! We need shelter from this storm," he replied, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the edge of the battlefield. The mud made every step a challenge, but they pushed forward, weaving through the remaining enemies as they fought their way toward safety.

Together, they sprinted toward a rocky outcropping that promised some protection from the relentless downpour. With every step, Sasuke felt the weight of the battle bearing down on them, but he kept his focus on Sakura, determined to keep her safe.

As they neared the outcropping, a sudden crack of thunder echoed overhead, causing Sakura to flinch. Sasuke tightened his grip on her hand. "Keep going! We're almost there!" he urged, propelling them both forward.

They finally reached the shelter, collapsing against the cool stone as they caught their breath, the sound of the storm roaring around them. "We made it," Sakura said, relief flooding her voice.

"Yeah," Sasuke replied, glancing back at the chaotic scene they had left behind. "But we can't stay here for long. We need to regroup and figure out our next move."

Sakura nodded, her mind racing with thoughts of their allies and the battles still to come. They were safe for the moment, but the storm—and the threat of Orochimaru—was far from over.

As they caught their breath in the shelter, the storm still raging outside, Sakura glanced at Sasuke, her brow furrowed with concern. "We were near Waterlily Village just yesterday," she said, trying to piece together their journey. "It feels like so much longer. It's been a day already..."

Sasuke nodded, assessing their options. "Since we're headed to the Leaf, we're closest to Bamboo Village. If we can make it there, we might find some help."

"Bamboo Village?" Sakura echoed, her heart racing at the prospect of finding refuge. "Let's go, then. We can't stay here."

With a shared look of determination, they dashed back out into the storm, the rain drenching them instantly. As they sprinted through the downpour, they searched for any light that might guide their way, each flicker a beacon of hope in the oppressive darkness.

Eventually, the rain began to lighten slightly, and in the distance, they spotted the faint outline of bamboo swaying in the wind. "Over there!" Sasuke pointed, his voice rising above the sound of the rain. They pushed forward, the tall stalks creating a narrow path through the dense forest.

As they entered the bamboo grove, the atmosphere shifted. The soft rustling of the leaves seemed to drown out the storm's fury, and a serene calm enveloped them. They moved cautiously, aware that they were not alone in this mysterious forest.

After navigating through the bamboo, they finally reached the edge of the village. The guards on duty spotted them immediately. One of them, a sturdy figure with a familiar face, stepped forward. "Prince? Prince Sasuke? Is that you?" he called out, surprise lighting up his features.

"Yeah, it's me," Sasuke replied, relieved to see a friendly face. "We need shelter for the night. The storm..."

"Of course," the guard said, gesturing for them to follow. "Come on, my friend's hut is empty. They've gone to visit family. You're welcome to use it."

Sakura exchanged a quick glance with Sasuke, grateful for their unexpected fortune. They followed the guard through the village, the bamboo providing a natural barrier against the storm. Soon, they arrived at a quaint hut nestled between two towering bamboo stalks.

"This should do," the guard said, opening the door to reveal a cozy interior. "Make yourselves at home. I'll be on watch outside if you need anything."

"Thank you," Sakura replied, her voice filled with gratitude as they stepped inside. The hut was simple but warm, a refuge from the chaos outside. They both took a moment to catch their breath, the weight of the day finally beginning to settle.

"We'll figure things out in the morning," Sasuke said, his voice low but steady. "For now, let's rest."

Sakura nodded, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

The night in the bamboo hut was still and quiet, yet sleep eluded them both. Sakura sat by the small window, staring out at the rain-soaked village. Sasuke sat across the room, his eyes half-closed but mind too alert to rest. They had shared a night like this before— during the rogue attack on Sakura, when Sasuke had kept watch over her—but this felt different. The air was thick with tension, not just from the remnants of battle but from the unsaid words between them.

Neither spoke much, their thoughts preoccupied with strategy and the uncertainty of what awaited them. Every now and then, Sasuke's gaze flickered toward her, sensing the same concern mirrored in her own expression. They had grown closer over these past few days, forged by the constant danger and the silent trust they had built.

But tonight, the enemies weren't storming their doors. The threat felt distant, yet ever-present, and the weight of the coming battle—or what came after—hung heavily between them.

Hours passed, the storm outside finally beginning to calm, but sleep never came. When dawn broke, they rose wordlessly, ready to move forward.

The next day, with the storm behind them, they made their way through the dense bamboo forest, retracing their steps in search of their troops. As they moved, the forest seemed to grow quieter, the heavy rain replaced by an eerie calm. For a while, it felt like they were alone in the world, but soon, the faint sounds of voices carried on the wind.

Sasuke and Sakura slowed their pace as they approached an open clearing. To their relief, their troops were gathered there, waiting patiently. Kakashi was the first to notice them, his sharp eyes catching their movements before anyone else.

"You took your time," he called out, but there was a hint of relief in his voice as he stepped forward. The troops immediately rose to attention, murmurs of anticipation rippling through them. It seemed the enemy had finally retreated—for now.

Sakura let out a small breath she didn't realize she had been holding. The weight of responsibility was still heavy, but for the moment, they were safe.

Kakashi approached, his expression a mix of seriousness and quiet acknowledgment. "I told the Senju troops we wouldn't return home unless both heirs were accounted for," he admitted, keeping his voice low so only Sasuke and Sakura could hear. "I wasn't about to leave without you."

For a moment, Kakashi's eyes darkened with unspoken thoughts. He wished he had been strong enough to fight alongside them. His heart ached with the weight of it—of watching others, including his sister, risk their lives while he stood on the sidelines. But he kept those thoughts to himself, the mask of a prince firmly in place.

Sasuke met Kakashi's gaze, his expression neutral but understanding. "It's over for now," he said, his voice quiet but resolute. "We need to regroup and head back to the Land of Fire. It's the best option."

Sakura nodded in agreement, though her mind was still racing with thoughts of Orochimaru and the threats that remained. She glanced at Kakashi, her relief at seeing him safe tempered by the knowledge that this peace was fragile, a momentary lull before the next storm.

A day later, the long journey finally brought them to the gates of the Land of Fire. The air felt warmer, more familiar, as they neared the Senju compound. For Sasuke and Sakura, who had grown closer over the past few days, the weight of their parting pressed heavily on their shoulders, though neither said much about it. As the troops began to disperse, the two of them exchanged a quiet, meaningful glance—one that carried everything they couldn't say aloud. It wasn't goodbye, but it was still difficult.

Sasuke leaned in just slightly, his voice low. "We'll meet again soon. I promise."

Sakura nodded, her throat tight, but managed a small smile. "Be safe, Sasuke."

Their hands brushed briefly as they parted ways, neither of them looking back as they rode toward their respective homes.

As the Senju clan gathered, there was a palpable sense of anticipation. News of Kakashi's return had spread quickly, and despite his long absence, he was still their rightful heir. As he dismounted, he was met by the sight of his mother, Tsunade, waiting for him. She stood tall, the ever-strong leader of the Senju, but as Kakashi approached, her composure faltered. The weight of the years without her son, the sleepless nights wondering if he was alive, hit her all at once.

"Kakashi..." she breathed, stepping forward, her eyes brimming with tears.

Without another word, she pulled him into a tight embrace, her hand cradling the back of his head as if she couldn't bear to let him go. For the first time in what felt like years, the legendary Tsunade allowed herself to cry, tears of relief streaming down her face.

Kakashi held her in return, his own expression calm yet filled with emotion. "I'm home, Mother," he said softly, his voice steady. "I'm home."

Behind them, Dan stood with a quiet smile on his face, his heart swelling with pride and relief. "Our son is back," he said, his voice thick with emotion, but his eyes dry. Unlike Tsunade, Dan was able to keep his composure, but the happiness in his heart was evident.

The gathering Senju members, however, were buzzing with questions. Kakashi wore a mask that covered the lower half of his face, and most notably, his right eye was concealed under a cloth bandage. Whispers rippled through the crowd, the clan wondering what had happened during his captivity. They knew better than to press for answers now, but curiosity lingered in the air.

As the family reunion continued, some of the more vocal clan members murmured amongst themselves, wondering aloud if Kakashi's return meant that Sakura would no longer hold the title of heir. After all, Kakashi had been gone for so long, and in his absence, it was Sakura who had stepped up, leading the clan and proving herself in ways no one had anticipated.

"But he didn't leave for leisure," one of the elders commented. "He was captured. His rightful place on the throne is still his."

"Still," another muttered. "Princess Sakura's proven herself. Does she even mind anymore?"

Sakura stood a short distance away, her expression calm and collected, as stoic as ever. She caught snippets of the conversation but chose not to react. It didn't matter to her which title she held—whether she was the heir or not. What mattered was that her family was whole again.

With a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips, Sakura turned to watch her brother and parents, feeling the weight of the years they had been apart finally lift from her shoulders. For the first time in what felt like forever, things felt... right.

And that was enough for her.

Sakura found Hinata standing near the gardens, her expression calm as always, yet there was a subtle tension in her hands, folded neatly in front of her. Hinata had been with the Senju for months now, a guest in courtship, though she was here more as a sign of goodwill than anything concrete. Her presence had been peaceful, but Sakura knew she harbored her own anxieties.

"Hinata," Sakura called softly as she approached, her tone careful.

Hinata turned to her with a gentle smile. "Princess Sakura," she greeted with a bow. "Is everything alright?"

Sakura glanced around before speaking in a hushed voice. "I need to speak with you privately about something." She led Hinata to a more secluded spot, where the gentle sound of a fountain drowned out the distant noise of the castle.

Once they were alone, Sakura spoke, her words measured. "Sasuke... he told me he intends to marry me." The weight of her confession hung in the air.

Hinata's pale lavender eyes widened slightly in surprise, though she quickly composed herself. "Prince Sasuke?" she asked softly, her voice carrying both astonishment and curiosity. "Does that mean...?"

"I don't know what it means yet," Sakura admitted, her brow furrowed. "But I thought you should know, considering you're close to me. I consider you a friend, but with my brother's return, I believe my mother may send you home soon—at least until things settle here."

Hinata lowered her gaze, nodding slightly. "I understand," she murmured, though there was a hint of sadness in her tone. "My presence here has always been more political than personal. Your mother has been kind to allow me to stay, but I never forget that I'm a guest, a lady of wait."

Sakura frowned. "You're more than that, Hinata. You've become a part of the family here, and Naruto clearly cares about you."

Hinata blushed softly at the mention of Naruto, but she didn't respond immediately. Instead, she looked down at her hands. "I only hope... if marriage is in my future, it will be for love, not as a pawn in my father's plans."

Sakura felt a pang of guilt and a heavy heart as she kept Naruto's intentions hidden from Hinata. Months ago, Naruto had expressed his desire to court Hinata, but recently, he had shifted his attention to Sakura. Despite her rejection of his advances, Sakura couldn't bring herself to reveal this to her friend. The thought of keeping such a significant secret weighed heavily on her conscience, as she cherished their friendship and felt a deep sense of loyalty to Hinata.

"I understand," Sakura finally said, pushing aside her own guilt. "The thought of marriage never bothered me until now. But after knowing Sasuke... things are different." She paused, considering her words carefully. "And I think it's the same for you and Naruto."

Hinata's blush deepened, but she gave a small, shy nod. "Prince Naruto... he's been kind to me. More than I ever expected. I just hope... hope that whatever happens, it's something we both want."

Sakura smiled softly, reaching out to touch Hinata's arm gently. "I believe it will be, Hinata. You deserve that. You deserve to be happy."

Hinata smiled back, her gaze softening with gratitude. "Thank you, Sakura. I'll keep your secret safe."

As they parted ways, Sakura watched Hinata for a moment, her mind swirling with thoughts of alliances, love, and duty. With her brother back and Sasuke's declaration still fresh, she knew everything was about to change. But, for the first time, she felt a glimmer of hope that it might not all be out of her control. Still, the unspoken truth about Naruto lingered in her heart, a reminder that not all secrets could stay hidden forever.