And he rose, determined. But before he could take another step, he stopped. I followed his gaze, and what I saw froze me completely. The palace library, what should have been a sanctuary of wisdom and peace, was destroyed. Books scattered everywhere, furniture overturned, everything ransacked. The destruction was total. And if that wasn't enough to send shivers down my spine, there was a phrase scribbled on the wall. I hoped it was red ink, but I knew it wasn't. And the message was clear: "WE'RE COMING FOR THE PRINCE."
This wasn't just a threat. It was a declaration of war.
Naruto, still keeping me close, wrapped his arms around me protectively, as if trying to shield me from the violence of that scene. And in silence, we moved forward. Itachi spoke about the casualties and the damage, but my hands trembled as my eyes remained fixed on the eerie phrase on the walls. Terror consumed me, but I refused to show weakness. I needed to be strong. For myself, for him, for everyone.
We arrived at the women's hall, and the scene there was indescribably tense. The royal family was present, along with the Selected, all visibly shaken, their nerves on edge. It was Tenten who saw me first. She ran to me with a speed only she had, quickly followed by Pakura. Hinata, the gentlest among us, also approached, her grace silent. When they embraced me, I felt the pain, the relief, and the love in every gesture. They had been so worried, and that touched me in a way I didn't know how to process.
Hinata began to cry, her tears falling silently, while Pakura, despite her strong facade, had unshed tears in the corners of her eyes. Tenten, ever strong, managed to say:
— We were so scared for you, Sakura!
And in that moment, there weren't enough words to express what I felt. Amidst the chaos, with everything collapsing around us, there we were. Me, Tenten, Pakura, and Hinata. Perfection, beauty, and me… leaning on one another, caring for each other as if we were the last line of defense against a world trying to crush us.
I kept my eyes closed for a moment, feeling the warmth of their embrace, the comfort they gave me, and allowed myself a moment of peace. But when I opened them again, the scene had changed. Queen Tsunade was there, her trembling hands-on Naruto's shoulders, speaking to him in low, nearly inaudible murmurs. She was completely shattered. Never, in all the years I had known her, had I seen Queen Tsunade so fragile. She, who had always been the rock, the warrior, was now visibly shaken.
Prince Suigetsu stood behind Naruto, his calm presence contrasting with the tension in the room. When the Queen stepped away, Suigetsu didn't hesitate and embraced Naruto tightly. It was a strong hug, one of the few moments of vulnerability I had seen in either of them. Even amid the destruction, amid the looming threat, love and loyalty were there—visible and undeniable.
And in that silent embrace from Suigetsu, I knew that everything we were going through was nowhere near the end. It was just the beginning.
***
I was sitting on Ino and Karui's bed, watching the two of them with an amused smile, trying to process the words that had just come out of their mouths.
— You slept together?
— You had sex?!
They both exclaimed at the same time, their eyes wide and mouths open in total shock. I couldn't hold back a laugh. Karui, as always, had that smug air of someone who loved to drop a bombshell, all while stuffing three cookies into her mouth, her gaze filled with curiosity. The way she looked at Ino and then at me was almost funny, and I could hardly believe what was happening.
— So, you're going to be like… the Queen and everything? — Karui asked, and I could almost hear the admiration in her voice, as if she had just uncovered a secret.
I raised my hand and, with a mischievous smile, showed them the armband now adorning my ring finger. It was simple, but to me, it meant something deeply significant.
— Your engagement ring is an armband? — Karui asked, her face filled with disbelief and that signature sarcasm only she could pull off.
I chuckled softly. — It was the only thing he had that looked like a ring. — My gaze drifted to the armband, and a pleasant warmth filled me. It was more than just a piece of metal. To me, it was a promise of something greater, something deeper.
Karui rolled her eyes. — I'd rather wait and get a diamond the size of an egg. — She said, stuffing another three cookies into her mouth, which only made me laugh more. It was hard not to enjoy the way she spoke without a filter.
Ino, always the more cautious one, gave Karui a small shove, as if trying to rein her in a bit.
— Karui! — Ino scolded her, but it was more affectionate than anything. She smiled at me and gently stroked my cheek. — Of course, he's going to give her a ring. — She said with a glint in her eyes. — One with emeralds and rose gold, something that matches perfectly.
I laughed lightly, making a playful face. — I match perfectly with diamonds, so why hasn't he given me one yet? — I teased, and Karui made an exaggerated gesture, pretending to be furious. Her dramatic antics always made me smile, and the laughter we shared was comforting. It felt good to laugh, especially after everything we had been through.
Ino rolled her eyes, but her smile was evident, and I could tell she was having fun too, even if she tried to hide it behind a serious expression.
— Because the only way I'd get you a diamond is by selling myself to some rich, greasy old man, and saggy skin isn't exactly my type. — Karui said, and that made me burst into laughter, laughing so hard my cheeks burned from it. Ino joined in, and soon, the room was filled with lightheartedness and laughter.