Chapter 7: Bonds, Love, and Friendship

Back when Sasuke was just an ordinary shut-in, he could only fantasize about moments like this before falling asleep at night.

“Sakura, are you full?” Sasuke asked with genuine care, his voice filled with affection. His feelings for Sakura were real and not feigned.

Whether it was Sakura Haruno or Hinata Hyuga, Sasuke had been infatuated with both of them before his reincarnation.

Sakura’s cheeks flushed bright red.

Despite Sasuke’s clear obsession with her body, Sakura didn’t feel repulsed. On the contrary, she was overjoyed.

After all, Sakura had always been deeply in love with Sasuke.

If it were Hinata in her place right now, she definitely wouldn’t accept it!

Hinata was in love with Naruto, so if Sasuke wanted to win Hinata over in the future, it wouldn’t be easy.

Unless Sasuke abandoned all morals and used his Mangekyō Sharingan to manipulate her through genjutsu, forcing her to submit.

But Sasuke had no intention of doing that!

Back in his shut-in days, he had fantasized about forcefully claiming the affection of anime heroines.

But now!

Having truly crossed over into this world, experiencing the passage of time firsthand, everything felt real—the air, the wind, the water, the flow of time, the night sky...

And when he was with Sakura during the day, seeing her tear up with happiness and nervousness as they became closer, it made his heart flutter.

Because this wasn’t just an anime world.

Sakura was a living, breathing person. She had feelings, joys, sorrows, and pain. How could Sasuke bear to harm her?

Thus!

As someone who had reincarnated here, Sasuke was determined to win over Hinata Hyuga as well. But he wouldn’t resort to despicable means. Instead, he planned to make her fall for him wholeheartedly, just like Sakura.

He wanted Hinata to willingly offer her innocent, pure self to him, and he would protect both of them with all his might.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

Sasuke wasn’t heartless.

When it came to the women he liked, he would do as he pleased, but he would also care for and cherish them.

Similarly!

Seeing how pitiful Naruto had looked earlier, Sasuke couldn’t help but feel some sympathy.

He had consoled Naruto, encouraging him to accept the reality of his relationship with Sakura and to transform his envy and resentment into sincere blessings.

After all, even in the original story, Naruto had never truly won Sakura’s love.

It was something he was destined to never achieve.

Rather than force things, it was better for him to sincerely offer his blessings and become a good friend to Sasuke and Sakura, just as he had in the original story.

After all, 'Naruto' was ultimately a world of passionate bonds.

Sometimes, brotherly love was far more precious and exhilarating than romantic love!

“I’m done eating. You guys take your time,” Naruto said.

True to his reputation as a ramen enthusiast, he finished his bowl in record time.

While Naruto had reluctantly accepted Sasuke’s relationship with Sakura, he still couldn’t bear to stay there any longer.

But Sasuke had other plans.

He wasn’t intentionally trying to humiliate Naruto. After all, there was no deep hatred or grudge between them.

In fact, their brief contact earlier had even triggered Sasuke’s unexpected acquisition of the [Nine-Tails Chakra].

Logically speaking, Sasuke had no reason to dislike Naruto.

“You’re still hungry, aren’t you? I know you usually eat at least two bowls,” Sasuke said. He stood up, pulling Sakura along with him. “Sakura and I are done as well. It’s getting late—I need to walk her home.”

He then turned to Teuchi, the ramen shop owner.

“One more thing. Make two more bowls of Naruto’s favorite ramen. I’ve already left the money here.”

With that, Sasuke left the payment on the counter and walked off with Sakura in tow, his movements suave and composed.

Teuchi admired him deeply.

‘This Sasuke kid is impressive!’

Even Ayame, Teuchi’s daughter, was smitten. She found herself captivated by Sasuke’s charm and considerate actions.

‘Such a handsome, thoughtful boy! Not only did he resolve things with his rival peacefully, but he even understood Naruto’s preferences.’

Initially, Naruto had planned to leave in a hurry, like someone fleeing the scene.

But Sasuke’s tactfulness had left him dumbfounded.

Not only had Sasuke managed to convince him earlier with talk of “blessings,” but now he was even treating him to two more bowls of ramen.

‘This... is this really Sasuke?’

In the original story, Naruto had always valued his bond with Sasuke far more than any romantic feelings he harbored for Sakura.

Even when Sasuke shielded Naruto from an enemy’s attack or fought alongside him as a comrade, it was enough for Naruto to treasure their connection for years.

Now, while two bowls of ramen weren’t enough to match the depth of their bond in the original story, they had undoubtedly eased Naruto’s heart.

Maybe!

In the face of brotherhood, romantic love truly paled in comparison.

Naruto was just that kind of person. Though he seemed infatuated with Sakura, in reality, he didn’t care as much as he appeared to.

“So, Naruto, Sasuke already paid for the ramen. Are you going to eat it?” Teuchi asked kindly after Sasuke and Sakura had left.

“Yes!” Naruto exclaimed with his signature goofy grin.

Seeing this, Teuchi chuckled.

“That’s the spirit, Naruto!”

“I can tell—Sakura really does love Sasuke. They’ll be happy together.”

“And you, Naruto, will find your own happiness someday.”

Naruto nodded seriously. “Yeah!”

Sasuke and Sakura walked hand in hand down the road to her house.

For the first time, Sakura wished time could slow down, so she could spend more moments like this with Sasuke.

Blushing shyly, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse Sasuke’s advances. Her adorable demeanor only made Sasuke want to hold her again.

Unfortunately!

Even honeymooning couples had to respect their partner’s family.

Since Sakura wasn’t married to Sasuke yet, living together wasn’t an option.

But they had plenty of time ahead. Sasuke wasn’t in a hurry.

“We’re here.”

“Thank you, Sasuke,” Sakura said reluctantly.

Sasuke smiled. “It’s only natural to walk my girlfriend home. There’s no need to thank me.”

Sakura’s voice was filled with happiness.

“Thank you for accepting me, for loving me...”

“And for being so kind to Naruto earlier.”

Sakura had grown alongside Sasuke. While she used to lack sympathy and even berated Naruto as an orphan in the original story, her time with Sasuke had matured her both physically and emotionally.

She had learned from Sasuke’s empathy toward Naruto and now shared those feelings as well.

“Thank you, Sasuke,” she said again, her gratitude sincere.

“Sakura!”

Feeling Sakura’s growth, Sasuke moved closer, ready to share an intimate moment with her.

However, just as they were about to kiss, they were interrupted by Sakura’s parents, Kizashi and Mebuki Haruno, who happened to witness the scene.

Seeing their daughter with Sasuke in such an affectionate... indescribable moment, they were left utterly speechless.