Whispers of the Heart

Chapter 5

It was the end of November, the cold weather had invaded the country as an indication that winter was very close now. Sakura and Naruto were returning from a mission with a new teammate, Sai.

Sai was a quiet person with a closed character and seemed very sincere in the way he said the things he thought bluntly, without worrying too much about what others would think. They had known this new person in their midst for three weeks now, and it seemed like it had been the funnest three weeks Sakura had spent in the past two years. Naruto was getting irritated with everything Sai said while Sai just kept talking with a smile on his face.

As they walked back through the village, the air was crisp and filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts from a nearby vendor. Naruto, animated as always, recounted the mission's highlights, his laughter ringing through the chilly air. Sakura smiled, letting the warmth of their friendship momentarily distract her from her lingering thoughts of a certain someone.

Seeing Sai's figure, his dark hair, his fine features, the way he and Naruto were arguing, she began to think of a friend. A friend who was supposed to return from his training in Oto in October, but there was still no news from him.

Ever since Sakura found out that he had kept his communications with everyone but her, she hadn't asked anything about his letters. Naruto would tell her something here and there about his training but he hadn't mentioned anything about when he would be back. Sakura's brain kept thinking, how would she react when she saw him? Should she keep some attitude about his cold behavior or act like nothing happened?

As soon as they entered Ichiraku, they saw three familiar figures also approaching the restaurant. It was Itachi, Shisui and Izumi. Just as Sakura opened her mouth to speak, Naruto's voice boomed, "Hey, guys! Come join us for ramen!" His enthusiasm was infectious, but Sakura's stomach twisted at the sight of Itachi, a reminder of the brother she'd been worried about.

The warm glow of Ichiraku Ramen enveloped the group as they settled into their usual spot. The comforting aroma of ramen and grilled pork wafted through the air, drawing smiles from everyone—except Sakura, who sat quietly between them, her smile faint but present.

Naruto dove into his bowl with enthusiasm. "This ramen is the best! I could eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!" He slurped a long noodle, and the sound echoed across the small shop.

"Please don't. I'm not sure Ichiraku would appreciate your early morning visits," Izumi teased, nudging him playfully.

Itachi took a moment to savor his ramen before speaking, his tone even. "Seriously, Naruto, you might want to consider diversifying your diet."

"Why? It's perfect!" Naruto replied, waving a hand dismissively. "Besides, why eat anything else when this is right in front of me?"

As they bantered, Izumi caught sight of Sakura, who was still poking at her bowl, lost in thought. "Sakura-chan, you're awfully quiet tonight. Is the ramen not to your taste?" she asked, concern creeping into her voice.

Sakura looked up, her smile softening. "No, it's great. I just... I'm a little tired from the mission," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Itachi knew these two now grown children so well before his eyes that he could easily tell what each was thinking. Seeing Sakura lost, he said, "I received a letter from Sasuke today."

Naruto's eyes widened. "Sasuke? Is he back already? I can't wait to see him!" He slammed his hands on the table, causing a few nearby patrons to glance over.

Itachi nodded, maintaining his calm demeanor. "He'll be back in Konoha in three days."

"Three days!" Naruto exclaimed, practically bouncing in his seat. "That's amazing!"