Pakura, her mouth full of pie, just shook her head. After surviving a serious rebel attack together, it seemed that the small bonds between us had become indestructible. Next to Hinata was Mei, who passed me the honey. Next to us, Tenten asked about the color of my dress. The atmosphere resembled my family's dinners years ago at the Yamanaka house. Everyone was trying not to raise their voices, putting into practice all the etiquette lessons we had been taught.
I wanted to keep in touch with those girls after everything. I wanted to know if they had married, to exchange Christmas cards. Twenty-some years from now, if Naruto had a son, I'd call to ask which girls were the new squad's favorites. We'd reminisce about everything we'd been through and laugh, as if it had been a great adventure, not a competition.
Incredible as it seemed, the only visibly upset person in the room was Naruto. He hadn't even touched his food. Instead, his cyan-blue eyes roamed the row of girls with an intense, absorbed gaze.
When he reached our table, he caught me looking at him, and my conscience weighed heavily. For an instant, Naruto's image merged with Sasuke's - his light eyes darkening - but when he smiled, a weak, gentle smile, the confusion dissipated. Naruto was Naruto. Sasuke was Sasuke. And I liked them both. No matter how different they were.
Then the prince stood up. The sudden sound of the chair dragging across the floor broke the silence. It was enough to attract all eyes.
- Ladies," he began, his voice firm. - After yesterday's attack, I need to rethink the way the National Team works. I don't feel comfortable keeping people in the palace, at constant risk, with whom I know I'll have no future.
- "He won't..." murmured Hinata, apprehensive.
- "He will..." said Mei, resigned, her voice laden with discouragement.
- "Although it pains me to make this decision, after discussions with my family and advisors, I've decided to bring forward the tapering of the Elite Selection. However, instead of ten, I'll keep just six.
- Six? - Yugaõ lamented in disbelief.
- That's not fair..." whispered Yugito, her eyes watering.
I paced the room. Karui stiffened her body, gathering courage as if she were about to fight for her place. Mei closed her eyes and crossed her fingers, perhaps hoping that this gesture would guarantee her some luck. Ino, who had often said she found the prince boring, seemed nervous. Why did she want to stay so badly?
- I don't intend to go on any longer than necessary. So, the six selected to stay are: Miss Ino Yamanaka, Miss Hinata Hyuuga...
Hinata sighed with relief, bringing her hand to her chest. Ino, overjoyed, rehearsed a small celebratory movement, hoping that we would be happy for her. And I was... until I realized that two of the six spots had already been filled. Would our fight have made you send me home?
- ...Miss Karui Uzumaki, Miss Tenten Mitsashi...
My body stiffened when I heard Karui's name. He couldn't choose her... and send me away.
- ...Miss Pakura Shakuton... - he announced.
The whole room held its breath, waiting for the last name. It was then that I realized: Yugito and I were holding hands.
- Miss Sakura Haruno.
Naruto looked at me, and I felt my whole body relax. Mei burst into tears immediately - and she wasn't alone. The announcement sent a wave of sobs through the room.
- My sincere apologies, my dears. But I'm only doing this for your sake.
Naruto left, without haste, without fanfare, almost floating. Sasuke opened the door for him to pass through. His gaze met mine, full of confusion. I knew why. I had told him that I didn't love Naruto. So, to Sasuke, I shouldn't mean anything to the prince. If that was so... why was I so tense waiting for my name? And why would Naruto hesitate to leave me?
Not a second later, Mei and Kasuna ran after him, no doubt in search of an explanation. Some of the girls were crying, their hearts broken. Those who remained were left with the difficult task of comforting them.
The situation was unbearably awkward. Yugito let go of my hand with a sudden movement and ran off to her room. Gradually, they all left the room. It didn't take me long to follow suit.
The corridor was empty. The sound of maids walking back and forth, of doors opening and closing... everything had disappeared. Had the Palace always had this air of solitude?
I was going to miss those girls.
Mei and her singing in five languages. Yugaõ and her almost annoying refinement. Shizuko and her dirty jokes. Tayuya hitting us lightly with her flute.
I sighed, tired. Then I heard a knock on the door. Shizune ran to answer it.
When Naruto entered the room, I jumped to my feet.
- Ladies," he greeted. - Forgive me, but I need to speak to Miss Sakura. Could you give us a moment?
More curtsies and giggles. Samui, her voice full of adoration, asked if he wanted anything. Naruto refused, and the three of them left.
He stuffed his hands in his pockets. Silence stretched between us.
- I thought you weren't going to let me stay," I finally admitted.
- Why? - He really looked confused.
- Because we fight. Because our relationship is weird. Because...
"Because, even though you're seeing five other girls, I think I'm cheating on you."
Naruto approached slowly, choosing his words as he walked. When he reached me, he took my hands.
- First of all, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have shouted at you. It's just that... I'm already under enough pressure from the committees and my grandmother. It was frustrating to find myself in a situation where my opinion had no weight.
- Another situation?
- You saw my choices. Ino is the public's favorite, I can't ignore that. Karui is powerful and has a family I'd love to be allied with. Pakura and Hinata are well regarded by some members of my family. Tenten has contacts in the Land of Lightning. Since we're trying to end this damn war, I need to consider it.
- And why am I still here?
Naruto held my shoulders, his gaze locked on mine.
- There are times when I feel like we've broken all barriers. But at other times, it feels like you're only here for convenience. If I only knew that I - and only I - was your true motivation...
- And why am I here, then? Why not leave Yugito, who obviously... - He squeezed my shoulder, making me stop.