Forged Beyond

The 3rd Sanin

OMGOMGOGMGGNSA OSIJDWAODJ 250+ READS? HELLO!?!?! I LOVEEEE YOUUU ALLL!!! TYSMM FOR THE SUPPORT IM CRYING <3333 
IM REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT CHAPTER AHHHHH!!!!!! BUT THIS CHAPTER WAS SUPER FUN TO WRITE AS WELL!! 
WELL ENJOY!!

I DO NOT OWN NARUTO

After a satisfying dinner, Jiraiya and Tsunade were still deep in their classic debate: who was paying the bill. It had escalated to near-legendary levels, with Jiraiya insisting he was a "humble, impoverished writer," while Tsunade accused him of being "the richest cheapskate in all of Konoha."

Meanwhile, Shizune turned to Sakura, managing a soft smile despite the commotion. "Hey, Sakura," she greeted, picking up Tonton, who was sniffing around the floor for crumbs.

"Hey, Shizune-san," Sakura smiled back, her gaze flitting over to the Sannin, who were now arguing over whose hands were faster for grabbing the check.

"Tsunade-sama can be... intense," Shizune laughed, glancing at her mentor, who was now making big, menacing gestures in Jiraiya's direction. "But don't worry. She'll recognize your potential, I'm sure of it."

"You really think so?" Sakura asked hopefully.

"Definitely. Once she's made up her mind, she's all in," Shizune assured her with a grin.

Before Sakura could respond, Naruto's voice broke through the restaurant at full volume. "SAKURA-CHAN! LOOK—THERE'S A RAMEN STAND! Right there!"

Sakura slapped her forehead. Heads turned from all around the restaurant, and some of the other diners winced.

"Idiot, we literally just ate," she sighed before delivering a solid bop to the top of Naruto's head, making him rub the spot with a sheepish grin.

Just as Sakura was about to remind him not to shout in public, Naruto's attention was suddenly drawn outside. "Oi, wait—what's Teme doing out there alone?" he said, pointing to Sasuke, who was standing under a tree with his back to them, staring off into the distance like some tragic hero from a melodrama.

Sakura frowned. "I don't know... Maybe we should go check on him?"

But Naruto didn't wait for an answer. "TEMEEE!" he bellowed, charging out of the restaurant.

Outside, Sasuke barely reacted as they approached, only sparing them a sideways glance. "Dobe. Sakura. What is it?"

Sakura gave him a concerned look. "You look... upset, Sasuke," she said, her tone soft as she tried to meet his eyes.

"It's nothing," Sasuke mumbled, turning his head away. "Just drop it."

Naruto folded his arms, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, come on, Teme! We know you better than that! Out with it!"

Sasuke crossed his arms, too. "No."

"Yes!" Naruto shot back.

"No."

"YES!"

"NO."

"Yes," Naruto said, now practically vibrating with stubbornness.

Sasuke glared. "No."

"Yes."

"No," Sasuke deadpanned, his voice even icier than usual.

"Yes," Naruto repeated, glaring right back.

"No."

"Yes."

"NO!"

"Yes!"

"No."

"YES!"