Sakura Haruno

While training in a high area of the forest, Naruto and Sasuke had an argument. The subject, as expected, had been Sakura.

"Stop acting all important all the time," Naruto yelled. "She cares about you, but you don't even talk to her!"

Sasuke looked at him with disdain. "I don't have time for nonsense."

The fight was short but intense. At a moment of carelessness, Naruto used some ropes from his ninja backpack and tied Sasuke's wrists, immobilizing him quickly. Taking advantage of the impact, he placed a tape over his mouth to silence him.

"I'm sorry, Sasuke," she whispered with a smile. "It will only be a moment."

Naruto took a few steps back, made the hand seal, and shouted:

—Henge no Jutsu!

A cloud of smoke appeared, and when it dissipated, Naruto had transformed into Sasuke, identical in appearance and tone of voice.

Meanwhile, Sakura remained seated under a tree, alone, her gaze lost in the falling leaves.

Suddenly, he heard footsteps. "Sasuke" appeared from between the bushes, his hair tousled, breathing somewhat rapidly, and his cheeks... flushed?

"—Sasuke...? —he asked in surprise, immediately straightening up.

The fake Sasuke—Naruto in disguise—didn't say anything at first. He just sat beside her, looking up at the sky. His face had a gentle expression, much sweeter than usual. Even his cheeks were still red, as if he were nervous.

Sakura remained completely still, her heart pounding a thousand times an hour. It was the first time Sasuke had voluntarily sat beside her. And there was something... different about him. More tender, more human.

"Are you okay?" Sakura asked shyly, turning towards him.

The fake Sasuke nodded slowly. Then, after a silence, he tilted his head and looked her directly in the eyes.

"Sakura..." he said in a softer voice than usual.

Sakura's eyes widened, not knowing how to react. Was she dreaming? Was Sasuke talking to her like that... to her?