Chapter 38

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Mai and Kakashi were surprised when they returned to the inn to find they we no longer alone. It wasn't the enemy. Allies had come from Konoha; Kiba, Akamaru, Rock Lee, Sai, and Sakura.

"What are you guys doing here?" Kakashi questioned.

"We were wondering where you went," Yamato said. "Everything all right?"

"Fine," Kakashi answered. "We were just patrolling to border to be sure there were no threats."

Internally, Mai was grateful that the Jounin had thought up an answer to draw questions to their whereabouts.

"It was Sakura's idea to come," Kiba said. "There was something she needed to tell Naruto."

Mai's brow cocked in confusion. Just what could be so important that Sakura would have to travel all this way to the Land of Iron? They planned be returned tomorrow. Still, the fact that Sakura didn't wish to speak in private was a red flag that maybe something was wrong. They'd have to return to Konoha right away. Though, the words that left the Medical Ninja's lips were the last thing any of them expected to hear.

The Phantom Ninja blinked a few times at the confession when the silence dragged on. No one knew what to say exactly, but even Rock Lee slapped his forehead from behind the Chuunin and Kiba clenched his teeth as if saying, 'Idiot'. Eyes drifting over, the Be Fong watched Naruto's stunned expression, trying to process what he'd just heard before a strained chuckle escaped his lips. The corners of his lips turned up in a small smile.

"What did... you say just now?" Naruto asked. "I dunno if I heard you wrong...? Can you say it again, Sakura?"

"What I said, Naruto... is that I love you..." Sakura said.

No one spoke, or even moved. Even saying that a second time, didn't make this better.

"You think she could've done this more privately," Mai muttered under her breath to Kakashi. The young man nodded discreetly in response.

"I'm saying there's nothing between Sasuke and me anymore. I don't know what I was thinking, liking a person like that."

"But how...?" the Genin wondered. "Why...? If you tell a joke like that in a situation like this, it ain't funny, Sakura. Just what happened?"

"Nothing really. I just suddenly realized there's no sense in continuing to like someone who's a fugitive and a criminal. I can't stay a kid forever; I want to face reality."

Mai narrowed her eyes. She didn't believe the pink-haired teammate. There was no thought behind this. It was too sudden and out of the blue. Suspicious.

Damn you, Sakura, we're not kids anymore. He's gonna see...

"So, Naruto, no need to keep that promise," she smiled. "Won't you stop chasing Sasuke?"

"Did something happen, Sakura?" Naruto wondered. "Why me of all people, all of a sudden...?"

"Nothing happened! If you want to know why I started liking you, I'll say it clearly." She was hugging him now, speaking in his ear. "Sasuke just keeps getting further from me, but Naruto you've been by my side. You've encouraged me. I finally realize who you really are. The hero who protected the Village, beloved by everyone. I'm just one of them. That mischievous little dummy I knew is becoming this great and important man and I've been watching from right next to him. But all Sasuke's done is commit crimes and break my heart more and more. He's becoming a different person than he was."

Naruto remained silent.

"But Naruto, you're right here where I can touch you like this. You make me feel safe."

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