𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐮𝐤𝐢 | ɴᴀʀᴜᴛᴏ

Red-haired Figure

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✧˖*°࿐

Many missions had passed, followed by dozens of more missions to be completed. Team Seven went back to how they usually acted, to Kazumi and Sakura's disappointment. If there was one thing Kazumi learned, it was the fact that she finally started to view her teammate's differently after the Mist mission.

All for it to amount to nothing. Sasuke acted like he wasn't protective of her. Naruto continued on his petty competitiveness. And Sakura still prioritised Sasuke over the rest of them. Kakashi did not a single thing to intervene their bickers.  

There was one thing that never changed, however—Sakura's clinginess toward Kazumi. The kunoichi's often ignored Naruto and Sasuke's odd behaviour, which was directed to each other, and they would stick together instead.

Until today's mission, when Naruto leaned against Sakura for support. His cheeks were swollen and bruised, his breathing constantly rigid and heavy.

Kazumi was behind them, her hand resting atop her pouch with a slanted frown. Sasuke walked alongside her this time, though a few steps ahead with his hands dug deep into his pockets.

Kakashi was at the far back, following them down the paths of Konohagakure.

The young Kumo found herself in thought, wondering why she felt like she was forgetting something. This made it hard for her to pay attention to the brewing argument.

"It's because you push yourself too much." Sakura scolded, sweat dripping from her forehead as she held Naruto's wrist.

Naruto took full advantage of being close to her, not minding the nagging.

Sasuke scoffed, "Can't take care of yourself?"

This caused Naruto to clench his teeth, now minding as he scowled at the Uchiha's remark whilst he leaned unintentionally further against Sakura.

Kazumi's minor confusion left. If she was anything like Naruto, she would've been up in their faces arguing as well. But times have changed, and Kazumi was not like her menace-self during the start of their shinobi studies. This only made her heavily sigh through her mouth, stepping aside as she now observed Sakura pushing Naruto back.

The blond Uzumaki was trying to pounce on Sasuke, but Sakura narrowly swung her arm, readying to slam a fresh punch onto his already messed up face.

Sasuke simply turned his back, making Kakashi and Kazumi turn their heads in sync to the raven-haired boy.

The two (and only) sane members shared a deadpanning glance, silently judging the team's strange atmosphere. Specifically Naruto and Sasuke's.

Kakashi then hummed, "Teamwork seems to be suffering lately..."

"I'll say..." Kazumi rolled the words on her tongue.