Naruto took a deep breath and finally gave up the futile "cooling" attempt. He realized with resignation that he might never be able to truly "calm down" in the face of Satsuki.
His arms carrying Satsuki tightened unconsciously, and his steps became firmer. He already knew what to say later.
In this case... then just follow your heart.
He could feel Satsuki's breathing becoming even and long behind him, as if he was a little drowsy due to exhaustion and relief. This complete trust made Naruto's heart become a mess.
He slightly adjusted the position on his back so that she could lie down more comfortably, and then took steady and firm steps toward the place he had already thought of for a conversation.
As for what to say later... maybe, it doesn't require too much complicated thinking and rehearsing, just telling her the truest thoughts in my heart candidly, that's enough.
Uchiha Clan Compound The deserted front door.
Naruto carefully put down Satsuki on his back. As his feet set foot on the ground again, the reassuring warmth and breath behind him suddenly left, and a look of hope visible to the naked eye immediately appeared on Satsuki's face.
But, next... comes the critical moment! Satsuki clenched her slightly trembling fists and summoned up the greatest courage in her life - she no longer wanted to maintain this ambiguous relationship that made her suffer!
She must tell everything on her mind today! You must have that kind of... unique and clear relationship with Naruto!
Of course, the deepest fear that had always hindered her from being frank struck again - what if Naruto refused?
This thought only appeared for a moment before it was suppressed by Sasuki's stronger determination!
reject? He won't be given that option... If Naruto dares to refuse... he will become stronger at all costs! Strong enough to overwhelm him! Even if it's forceful, tied, or any means... we must make him have that kind of relationship! Let him only see himself!
Just when she was about to pour out the emotions that had been accumulated for a long time and almost burned her chest——
"Satsuki..."
Naruto spoke first. There was obvious apology and belated annoyance in his voice.
"I'm sorry... As expected, sparring is a very bad way, isn't it? Forcing you to do something..."
Satsuki Unexpectedly, Naruto apologized first. She was stunned for a moment and subconsciously followed his words, her voice still slightly hoarse. "Well... I... I don't like taking action against Naruto..."
This is her true words. Every time an attack falls on Naruto, her heart will feel pain before her body.
Naruto looked at her lowered head and continued to say sincerely, "I'm sorry. But... I was really frightened. Seeing you become unlike yourself - cooking like that, and praising me in such exaggerated ways, even with poems..."
"I actually... don't hate it. I'm just worried. I was wondering, did I do something to make you feel uneasy? Or... you encountered some huge trouble that even I can't tell you?"
Hearing Naruto's words, Satsuki suddenly raised his head. Although his cheeks were still very red, he still shook his head vigorously in denial.
"No! Naruto didn't do anything to trouble me or make me feel uneasy! Not at all!"
She took a deep breath and exhaled all the hesitation, her voice trembling slightly with excitement.
"There is only one reason why I become strange... not like myself..."
Satsuki's voice grew louder and louder unconsciously, with a desperate determination. And Naruto also noticed it - maybe, what he and Satsuki... want to talk about at this moment is one thing! His heartbeat began to accelerate involuntarily, and his blue eyes stared at her unblinkingly.
"Because... I... I... like..."
The last word was stuck in Satsuki's throat, making her so nervous that she almost suffocated. All her strength was concentrated on the syllable that was about to blurt out——
At this most critical moment, Naruto suddenly stretched out his hand, and his palm gently covered Satsuki's clenched and slightly trembling hand, interrupting her full-hearted confession.
"Well, I understand. Thank you, Satsuki. Thank you... for being willing to tell me such important things."
He tightened his palm slightly and wrapped her fist in his palm.
"I'm really happy," he raised the corners of his mouth, revealing an extremely sincere and touching smile, "I'm really happy. You can say... this is one of the happiest moments in my life."
Satsuki's most important words were interrupted midway. She stood there blankly, her mind going blank due to the extreme tension and sudden interruption. She just subconsciously listened to Naruto's warm words, with her heart still beating crazily in her chest.
Naruto looked at her confused and at a loss, and her eyes became more determined.
"So," he continued, with a sense of commitment, if you have to say this... let me say it. I will personally tell Satsuki my truest thoughts. "
"... This is the most important thing for us, right? Just because it's so important, I don't want to use it to make a rash, childish agreement. It deserves to be treated more seriously."
Satsuki's heart was slightly raised, and he didn't understand what Naruto wanted to say.
"So..." Naruto leaned forward slightly and asked you cautiously in a pleading tone, "Can you allow me... to temporarily 'preserve' this precious heart of Satsuki?" "
"... save?"
Satsuki murmured back to you, his eyes full of confusion. It was neither a direct agreement nor a cruel rejection. This vague answer left her completely confused and a little uneasy in her heart.
"Well," Naruto nodded vigorously, "I want to wait until we are all really grown up and can be independent, outstanding, and trustworthy Jonin - when that time comes, we will face to face in a way that we will never be disturbed by anyone..."
His voice was full of longing and promise for the future.
"Change the word 'like' into a term that only belongs to the two of us, the most special and the most determined. Instead of speaking out words in a panic and impulsively like now."
"So," Naruto's tone became more formal. "Until that day comes—"
"Please allow me, as 'Uzumaki Naruto', to ask you for something."
He looked deeply into Satsuki's dark eyes, which were still filled with confusion and uneasiness, and spoke clearly, word for word.
"On the road to the future we are looking forward to together——" "Please let me be the only one for you!"
(It's not that kind of relationship now... I can't help it, the time will jump after I finish writing Chunin Ninja Exams)
(I was shocked when I wrote Konoha friendship, so I am posting it now...)
(Okay, I'm a little slow in writing. I really can't post a shoddy manuscript. This is chapter 15)
(Thank you! Boss Kono Dio Da! The King of Gifts! Thank you to the eternal Goblin High Priest Boss for being certified by the Great God!)
(Words cannot express my gratitude. I will definitely work hard to write a book and live up to my boss's expectations! The gift from the boss of Dior is really... The boss left a message in the comment area and asked me to do something, otherwise I feel a little sorry.)