Chapter 5

Sakura continued to let the tears fall down her face.

“Naruto.” Sakura began.

Naruto took his attention off of Sasuke and directed it towards Sakura.

“Naruto… You… You were right. Sasuke… He did change. But…” Sakua said shakily as she choked back tears.

“But what?” Naruto asked.

“I… My feelings haven’t changed for him. I still love him.” Sakura said, brushing tears away.

“Sasuke, I know that you hate me… But at least let me help you… You’re not fully-”

“I don’t need help from the likes of you.” Sasuke said coldly.

“Please, Sasuke-kun.” Sakura begged, stepping closer to Sasuke once more.

“I said I don’t need your goddamn help!” Sasuke yelled.

“Please… I really want to hel-”

“I said I don’t need it!” Sasuke yelled again.

He thrust Sakura to the ground with his left arm. Sakura staggered back and then fell to her knees. Naruto clenched his teeth.

“How can you be such a jackass?!” Naruto yelled, coming between Sasuke and Sakura again. He grabbed the collar of Sasuke’s shirt and brought Sasuke’s face closer to his own.

“Well!?!”

Sasuke grabbed the hand on his collar and easily smacked it aside.

“I don’t like to repeat myself, but I’ll say this one more time. My past with you and Konohagakure is over. I no longer need you.”

Naruto attempted to punch Sasuke, but Sasuke quickly dodged the attack. Naruto felt a sharp pain on the back of his head and fell to his knees.

“You should’ve left me there to die. It would’ve saved you the bruises.” Sasuke said calmly as he walked away from the two fallen shinobi.

“Wait Sasuke. I’d like to talk to you for a minute.” Kakashi said, stepping in the middle of Sasuke’s path.

Naruto regained his balance and ran over to Sakura.

“Sakura are you okay?” Naruto asked, helping the kunochi back on her feet.

“Yeah. I’m fine.” Sakura said holding her chest.

“Are you sure? You’re holding your chest like you’re in pain.” Naruto asked concerned.

Sakura, without thinking, hugged Naruto.

“Thank you for sticking up for me Naruto.” Sakura warmly said, wrapping her arms tighter around Naruto.

“Sakura…” Naruto said placing his arm around Sakura’s waist and putting one hand on her head.

The two sat there for a moment. Comforted by each Naruto’s warmth, Sakura held him closer.

“You were right Naruto… Sasuke did change but I can’t… I won’t let myself give up on him… I’m sorry.” Sakura said softly as she pulled herself away from Naruto.

Sakura pulled herself up from the ground and began following the faded footprints Sasuke and Kakashi had left on the snow, leaving Naruto alone.

Naruto remained in the spot Sakura had left him, watching her walk away from his grasp. A solemn presence overcame him, giving him chills.

‘Just like old times…’