After the Storm.

4.

Sakura grunted as she carried a stack of lumber over to Naruto, who hammered away at the flooring of the Bridge. Sweat slipped down the sides of her head and dripped off of her chin, into her now fully developed breast. After about five years of stunned growth, she'd finally grew into a perfect B cup. She was pleased, but now she had trouble taping them down for missions.

She gave an exhausting sigh as she dropped the lumber on the side of Naruto's working station. He looked over briefly before continuing his work.

"Thanks Sakura." He stresses as the girl uses her back hand to wipe the sweat from her brow. It's been two days since they've arrived and they've been helping nonstop. Late nights and early mornings.

The girl pursed her lips together for a smile. "Nostalgic, isnt it?" She hums.

A small smile tugs on Naruto's lips. "Yeah, it is." Naruto looks up, his eyes scanning his surroundings. Images of he and Sasuke protecting Sakura and the contrustor of the bridge from the likes of Zabuza & Haku. He could see Sasuke risking his life for him. He could see himself changing when he thought something drastic had happend to his friend. Feeling the warmness in his heart after he broke someone like Zabuza down to his last. Those old memories that they thought were their last days, trickling their way back into Naruto's mind.

"Even then you and Sasuke had the brains and strength to take on Jounin Level ninja." Sakura smirks leaning back on the railing of the bridge. Her head tilts back, forcing her pink locks to cascade down her back as always. Her eyes glazed over as she looks into the height of the afternoon sky. "I'm so proud of the ninja you two have become."

Naruto felt himself blushing. Sure he's gotten compliments from women around the village—even his friends, but to gain such from someone like Sakura meant alot to him. She used to be someone he admired romantically. Not just to piss Sasuke off, but because she was cute. Becoming her teammate made him realize that it was more to a woman than just her looks. Granted, Sakura had her moments where Naruto knew he was being treated wrong, and she apologized for such and showed him through her actions that she was indeed sorry for anything offensive she could've done or said in the past. Sakura has always been there for him. She was the first to cry when she thought he was dead. She saved his life countless times. She's talked to him and made him see things in a different light—she even opened up to him about Sasuke. And that's where their companionship blossomed.

"You're doing it again Sakura." Naruto grumbles as he continues to hammer away.

The girl giggles before tucking the skirt she wore into her as she crouched down to Naruto's level. Her emerald irises shimmering as she stares at her best friend. She watches as he tries his hardest to concentrate on the task at hand—his eyes narrowed and lips pressed into a thin line. Sakura knew the boy wanted to look at her as well, but he was trying his damned hardest not to she give him that.

A smirk fell on her lips as she tilted her head to the side. Her arms resting on her thighs as she balanced herself on her toes.

"I'm just saying the truth." She coos. "You and Sasuke have always been destined for greatness. I may have underestimated you in the beginning, but you've exceeded my expectations in more ways than one. So when I say I'm proud of you, I really am." The girl reaches out and ruffles his hair before straightening her posture and walking away, leaving Naruto smiling at the compliment.

Sakura walked to grab yet another arm full of lumber and take them over to Sai, who was father on the other side of the bridge hammering away as well. Sakura took in a deep breath, bracing herself for the walk and the heaviness of the material.

She grabbed as many as she could before turning and carrying them towards the pale raven. She dropped them with a huff. Collapsing on the ground, she pulled off her gloves and began massaging her hands.