Konoha slumbered beneath a full moon that hung low and bright in the night sky. Most shops had closed early, preparing for the crush of visitors that would descend upon the village for tomorrow's finals. The streets below were quiet save for the occasional patrol of ANBU or foreign dignitaries being escorted to their accommodations.

  Sakura and Sasuke sat side by side atop the highest point of the Uchiha compound, legs dangling over the edge of the roof. The expansive Uchiha fan emblazoned across the back of Sakura's kimono caught the moonlight.

  Her long pink ears twitched, picking up the soft sounds of distant revelry where visiting shinobi celebrated in the entertainment district. The village might appear peaceful from their vantage point, but her enhanced hearing painted a different picture—one of a community preparing for both spectacle and potential danger.

  "I can hear the ANBU patrol routes increasing," she said, breaking their comfortable silence. "They've almost doubled since yesterday."

  Sasuke nodded, his eyes fixed on the moon. "The Hokage's taking Orochimaru's threat seriously."

  Sakura's hands fidgeted in her lap, nails—no, claws, she reminded herself—digging slightly into her palms. "I wonder what he's planning. Why go through all this trouble with the exams? Why not just attack?"

  "Because he's a showman." Sasuke's voice carried an edge of contempt. "From what Jiraiya says, Orochimaru always had a flair for the dramatic."

  Sakura's ears drooped slightly. "And tomorrow we'll be right in the center of it all."

  She felt Sasuke's eyes on her, studying her expression. He'd become more attentive to her moods lately, more aware of the little tells in her rabbit features—how her ears betrayed anxiety or excitement, how her nose twitched when she caught an interesting scent.

  "You're nervous," he observed.

  Sakura forced a small laugh, her tail flicking in agitation behind her. "Of course I am. Fighting in front of all those people—the Hokage, foreign dignitaries, potential clients. If we mess up—"

  "We won't," Sasuke said with the quiet certainty that had once infuriated her but now provided strange comfort.

  "But Kiba and Shino—"

  "—are strong," Sasuke finished for her. "But they're facing both of us. Individually, they might give either of us trouble, but together?" He shook his head. "The odds are in our favor."

  "You sound so confident."

  "It's just a match," Sasuke said. "We've been training together for years. We know each other's movements. Kiba and Shino might be a good team, but they haven't faced anything like us."

  A comfortable silence fell between them as Sakura absorbed his words. She leaned against his shoulder, feeling his warmth against the cool night air. After a moment, Sasuke shifted his arm, wrapping it around her shoulders in a gesture that still felt new and tentative but increasingly natural.

  "We've been so focused on tomorrow," Sakura said softly, "I haven't really thought about what comes after."

  "After the exams?" Sasuke asked.

  She nodded, her ears brushing against his cheek. "Yeah. We've been training for this for so long. Everything's been about preparing for these matches. But once it's over, what then?"

  Sasuke was quiet for a long moment. When he spoke, his voice carried a thoughtfulness she'd grown to appreciate. "I suppose it depends on whether we make chunin or not."

  Sakura pulled back slightly, looking at him with surprise. "You're not sure about that?"

  His mouth quirked in what might have been the ghost of a smile. "I'm confident about our first match. Making chunin is different."

  "But we're clearly the strongest genin team," Sakura insisted, her tail swishing with sudden agitation.

  "It's not just about strength," Sasuke countered. "The Hokage and other village leaders will be looking for leadership, tactical thinking, adaptability. We might win every match and still not get promoted."

  Sakura frowned, thinking about the implications. "But if we do make chunin..."

  "We'll be split up more," Sasuke said, his gaze drifting back to the moon. "Chunin take solo missions or lead their own squads. We'd see less of Naruto, less of Kakashi. Less of each other."

  The last part was spoken so quietly Sakura might have missed it without her enhanced hearing. She leaned closer, resting her head on his shoulder again.

  "Would that be so bad?" she asked. "Making chunin is what we've been working for."

  "I'm not saying we shouldn't try our best," Sasuke clarified. "Just that having more time together as a team wouldn't be the worst outcome. The Hokage will want us to develop to our maximum potential. For now, that might mean keeping Team Seven intact."

  Sakura considered this, her eyes tracing the village landscape below them. Somewhere out there, Naruto was probably holed up in his apartment, frantically cramming last-minute preparations for his match against Gaara and Haku.

  "You're probably right," she conceded. "Though I'm not sure Naruto would see it that way. He's convinced becoming chunin is his next step toward the Hokage's hat."

  "Naruto doesn't know what's good for him half the time," Sasuke said, but there was no real bite to his words—just the familiar gruff affection he reserved for their boisterous teammate.

  The conversation lulled, and Sakura found her thoughts drifting to their meeting with the Hokage earlier that evening. The truth about the Uchiha massacre had been both more and less than what they'd suspected. No village-sanctioned genocide as they'd feared, but something perhaps more complicated—a tangled mess of politics, suspicion, and a mysterious figure claiming to be Uchiha Madara.

  "About what the Hokage told us," Sakura began carefully. "Are you... okay?"

  She felt Sasuke tense beside her, his arm tightening almost imperceptibly around her shoulders.

  "Nothing has changed, ultimately." His voice was steady, measured. "Itachi will die for what he did."

  "But if he was manipulated by this... Madara person—"

  "It doesn't matter." Sasuke's eyes hardened, reflecting the silver moonlight with an almost Sharingan-like intensity. "He made his choice. Even if the Hokage only wanted some of the clan dealt with, Itachi went beyond that. He killed everyone—the elders, the children, our mother..." His voice caught slightly. "Nothing will ever justify that."

  Sakura remained silent, allowing him this moment with his grief and anger. She'd learned when to push and when to simply be present.

  "I hope it's gnawed at him," Sasuke continued, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Every day for the past five years. I hope he can't sleep without seeing their faces. I hope he knows what's coming for him."

  The intensity in his voice sent a shiver down her spine. This was the vengeful Sasuke she'd glimpsed in their early days as a team—focused, uncompromising, consumed by a purpose that predated their bond.

  "But first," he added more calmly, "I want him to find this 'Uchiha Madara.' I want to know who helped him that night. Who this person is that could command the Nine-Tails and deceive the entire village."

  Sakura nodded slowly. "That makes sense. But Sasuke, if this person was strong enough to help Itachi wipe out your clan..."

  "Then I'm not strong enough to face them yet," Sasuke finished for her. "I know. That's why I'm focused on tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. Getting stronger with each mission, each training session."

  He looked down at her, and his expression softened slightly. "That's why I need you and Naruto. Together, we're advancing faster than I ever could alone."

  The admission sent warmth blooming through Sakura's chest. From Sasuke, this was equivalent to a grand declaration. She leaned into him more fully, her tail curling contentedly behind her.

  "We'll get there," she promised. "All of us."

  High above, clouds drifted across the night sky, momentarily dimming the moonlight. When they passed, the silver glow illuminated the village once more, casting long shadows across the Uchiha district.

  "I wonder what Naruto's doing right now," Sakura mused, her thoughts returning to their teammate. "Probably still practicing that new summoning technique."

  "Or sleeping through his alarm," Sasuke added dryly. "Either way, he'll be fine tomorrow. Naruto always pulls through when it counts."

  Sakura smiled. "That's surprisingly supportive of you."

  "Don't tell him I said it."

  "Your secret's safe with me," she teased, then grew more serious. "But his match... Haku and Gaara in a three-way fight. That's going to be brutal."

  Sasuke nodded. "Jinchūriki against jinchūriki against jinchūriki. Naruto's going to have his hands full."

  "You don't sound worried."

  "I'm not," Sasuke said simply. "Naruto's not the same dead-last from the academy. He's grown. We all have."

  His hand moved to her shoulder, fingers brushing against the base of one of her long ears. The touch sent pleasurable tingles down Sakura's spine, and she couldn't help the small contented sound that escaped her.

  "Besides," he continued, "we should focus on our own match first. Kiba and Shino won't be pushovers."

  "I know," Sakura agreed. "Kiba's been training like crazy with Akamaru. And Shino... well, who knows what new insects he's cultivated."

  "We'll handle them," Sasuke assured her. "You've got your enhanced senses to track Shino's insects, and I can counter Kiba's speed."

  Sakura nodded, her confidence building. "And we've been practicing those combination attacks."

  "Exactly."

  They fell into another comfortable silence, watching as the moon continued its slow arc across the sky. The night was peaceful, the air cool but not cold—perfect conditions for tomorrow's matches.

  Sakura's ears swiveled suddenly, picking up a distant sound. "Patrol changing," she murmured. "The ANBU are really on edge."

  "With good reason," Sasuke replied. "Between Orochimaru's infiltration and foreign dignitaries arriving, security will be at its highest."

  Sakura hummed in agreement, then shifted closer to Sasuke's warmth. The rabbit essence that had altered her physical form had also affected her tolerance for cooler temperatures. Though the night wasn't particularly cold, she found herself increasingly drawn to warmth.

  Sasuke seemed to understand without being told, adjusting his position to better shelter her from the slight breeze. These small, thoughtful gestures still surprised her—evidence of how their relationship had evolved from her one-sided infatuation to something deeper, more mutually attentive.

  "It feels strange," she said after a while, "sitting here like this when so much could happen tomorrow."

  "That's why we should enjoy it," Sasuke replied. The words were simple but carried unexpected weight coming from him.

  Sakura smiled, reaching for his free hand and entwining her fingers with his. Her nails—claws—gently scraped his palm, but he didn't seem to mind. He'd grown accustomed to the physical changes the rabbit elixirs had wrought on her, perhaps even appreciating them for the advantages they provided in combat.

  "You've come a long way from that girl who was afraid I'd hate her rabbit ears," Sasuke observed, as if reading her thoughts.

  Sakura's ears perked up in surprise. "You knew I was worried about that?"

  "It was obvious," he said with a shrug. "You kept trying to hide them with those ridiculous hats."

  "They weren't ridiculous!" Sakura protested, but she was laughing. "I was terrified you'd think I was a freak."

  "I thought you were... interesting," Sasuke admitted. "Different, but not in a bad way. It was unexpected, but so is everything about being a shinobi."

  "That's a very diplomatic answer," Sakura teased. "I bet you were horrified when the tail appeared."

  A faint smirk crossed Sasuke's face. "I was more concerned with your fighting ability than your appearance."

  "And now?"

  He looked at her directly, his dark eyes reflecting the moonlight. "Now I don't see the changes anymore. I just see you."

  The simple statement hit Sakura with unexpected force. Behind the stoic exterior, Sasuke occasionally revealed these flashes of profound understanding that caught her off-guard. It was these rare moments that had transformed her childish crush into something deeper.

  She leaned forward and kissed him—a quick, impulsive gesture that she immediately felt self-conscious about. They'd kissed before, but it was still new enough to make her heart race.

  To her surprise, Sasuke didn't pull away. Instead, he leaned in slightly, extending the moment before they both parted, a faint blush visible on his usually composed features.

  "What was that for?" he asked, his voice a touch rougher than before.

  "For being you," she answered simply. "For seeing me."

  They turned their attention back to the moon, which had risen higher in the night sky. The village below had grown even quieter, most citizens having retreated to their homes in preparation for tomorrow's excitement.

  "We should probably get some rest soon," Sakura said reluctantly. "Big day tomorrow."

  "A few more minutes," Sasuke replied, his arm still securely around her shoulders.

  Sakura nodded, content to extend their peaceful moment for as long as possible. Tomorrow would bring chaos and combat, tests of their skills and perhaps even danger beyond the tournament itself. But for now, there was just this—the quiet night, the full moon, and the comforting presence of someone who saw her clearly.

  They sat together in companionable silence, watching the moon's glacial progress across the star-strewn sky, each lost in their own thoughts about what the coming day would bring.

  Morning light spilled through the blinds of Naruto's apartment, casting warm stripes across his face. He snored peacefully, sprawled across his bed with one arm dangling over the edge, completely oblivious to the time.

  A sharp knock at the door went unanswered, followed by another more insistent one. Finally, the door creaked open as Karin used the spare key Naruto had given her.

  "Naruto?" she called, stepping inside cautiously. "Are you awake? The finals start in less than an hour!"

  Hinata followed close behind, carrying a small basket. "I brought some food in case he didn't have time for breakfast," she explained, her pale eyes scanning the cluttered apartment.

  They made their way to Naruto's bedroom, where they found him still deep in slumber, drool dampening his pillow.

  "He's still asleep," Karin said incredulously, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

  Hinata giggled softly. "After all that work with the seals yesterday, I'm not surprised."

  Karin marched to the window and yanked the blinds fully open, allowing sunlight to flood the room. "Wake up, Naruto! You're going to be late!"

  Naruto bolted upright, eyes wide and unfocused. "Wha—? What time is it?" He blinked rapidly, taking in the sight of the two girls in his bedroom. "Hinata-chan? Karin-chan? What are you doing here?"

  "Saving you from missing your match," Karin replied dryly.

  Naruto's eyes darted to the clock on his nightstand, and he let out a yelp of panic. "I'm late! I'm so late!" He scrambled out of bed, nearly tripping over his blanket in the process.

  Hinata stepped forward with the basket. "I brought you some onigiri and—"

  But Naruto was already tearing through his drawers, pulling out clothes and tossing them haphazardly around the room. "No time! Gotta get dressed! Gotta find my headband! Where's my kunai pouch?"

  Karin spotted the headband on the floor near the bathroom and picked it up. "It's right here," she said, holding it out to him.

  Naruto snatched it gratefully before disappearing into the bathroom. They could hear water running and the sound of frantic splashing.

  "Should we wait for him?" Hinata asked, setting the basket on his kitchen table.

  Karin shrugged, an amused smile playing on her lips. "Might as well. Someone needs to make sure he actually makes it to the arena."

  Five minutes later, Naruto emerged from the bathroom, his hair still damp but his orange jumpsuit properly in place. He grabbed an onigiri from Hinata's basket and stuffed it into his mouth whole.

  "Thanks, Hinata-chan!" he managed between chews, grabbing another for the road. "You're the best!"

  Hinata blushed at the praise. "Good luck today, Naruto-kun. I know you'll do amazing."

  Naruto grinned widely, rice still stuck to his cheek. "Believe it! I'm going to show everyone what I can do!" He turned to Karin. "You'll cheer for me too, right?"

  "Of course," Karin replied with a small smile. "Someone has to represent the Uzumaki clan in the stands."

  Naruto's eyes lit up at the mention of their shared clan, and he impulsively hugged both girls. "Let's go! I can't be late for the most important day of my ninja career so far!"

  The three of them raced out of the apartment, Naruto still adjusting his headband as they ran through the rapidly filling streets of Konoha.

  In a dimly lit room on the outskirts of Konoha, Dosu sat alone, meticulously checking the sound gauntlet on his arm. His bandages were freshly wrapped, his single visible eye narrowed in concentration.

  The door opened, and Zaku entered, his arms still showing signs of the damage from his match with Temari, though largely healed thanks to Kabuto's medical skills.

  "Any word from Kin?" Dosu asked without looking up.

  Zaku shook his head. "Nothing since she left for that 'special mission' last night." His voice lowered. "Something feels off. Why would Lord Orochimaru send her away right before the invasion?"

  "Don't question his plans," Dosu replied automatically, though his tone lacked conviction. "Everything will proceed as arranged. Our role is clear."

  Zaku dropped onto a nearby chair, flexing his hands nervously. "You really think Leaf won't suspect anything? After what that Uchiha brat did to Kamikiri?"

  "They may be suspicious, but they won't expect an attack of this magnitude." Dosu finally looked up, meeting Zaku's gaze. "Just be ready for the signal."

  "And if it doesn't come?" Zaku asked, voicing the fear that had been gnawing at both of them.

  Dosu was silent for a long moment. "Then we adapt. We're shinobi of Sound. We follow orders, but we're not mindless tools."

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Zaku nodded, understanding the unspoken message. Their loyalty was to Orochimaru, but self-preservation wasn't treachery.

  "Be careful out there today," Zaku said finally. "That Nara kid isn't as lazy as he pretends to be, and the Sand girl nearly took my arms off."

  "I'm aware," Dosu replied, standing and adjusting his sound gauntlet one final time. "One way or another, today will be... memorable."

  Kiba adjusted his hood, Akamaru barking excitedly from atop his head. Beside him, Shino stood perfectly still, his hands tucked into his pockets, sunglasses hiding any emotion his eyes might betray.

  "You two ready for your big match?" Kurenai asked, her red eyes appraising her students with unmistakable pride.

  "Hell yeah!" Kiba exclaimed, pumping his fist. "Sakura and Sasuke won't know what hit them!"

  "I believe our strategies are sound," Shino replied more reservedly. "Why? Because we have trained specifically to counter their individual abilities."

  Kurenai smiled, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "I want you both to know how proud I am of you. Making it to the finals in your first year as genin is extraordinary."

  Kiba's confident grin faltered slightly. "Even though Hinata didn't make it through?"

  "Hinata has grown tremendously as well," Kurenai assured him. "Her match with Naruto showed real skill and determination. But today is about you two." She squeezed their shoulders. "No matter what happens out there, remember that becoming a chunin isn't just about winning—it's about demonstrating good judgment, leadership, and tactical awareness."

  "We are prepared to showcase those qualities," Shino stated. "Why? Because you have trained us well, Kurenai-sensei."

  "Just wait until you see what we've got planned!" Kiba added, Akamaru yipping in agreement. "We're going to wipe the floor with them!"

  Kurenai laughed softly. "I have no doubt you'll give them a challenge worthy of the finals. Now, shall we head to the arena? I believe the rest of your classmates will be arriving soon."

  As they walked together through the streets of Konoha, Kurenai couldn't help but feel a swell of emotion. Watching her students grow from uncertain academy graduates to confident shinobi ready to compete on one of the most prestigious stages in the ninja world filled her with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. Whatever happened today, she knew they would continue to make her proud.

  "This is such a drag," Shikamaru muttered, slouching against the wall of the Yamanaka flower shop. "Why do we have to get there so early? The matches don't start for another hour."

  Ino rolled her eyes as she arranged a small bouquet of flowers. "Because we need to present ourselves properly, obviously! And we need to wish everyone luck before they go in."

  Chouji sat nearby, munching on chips with less enthusiasm than usual. Ino paused in her work to glance at him sympathetically.

  "I still can't believe I lost to Shino," Chouji sighed, looking down at his half-eaten bag of chips. "One moment I had him on the ropes, and the next..."

  "His kikaichu drained your chakra," Shikamaru finished for him. "It was a bad matchup. Doesn't mean you're not a good shinobi."

  "Exactly!" Ino declared, tying a ribbon around her completed bouquet. "Besides, now you'll get to sit with Karin in the stands."

  Chouji's cheeks reddened visibly. "R-really? Karin's going to be there?"

  "Of course she is," Ino replied, setting the bouquet aside and dusting off her hands. "She wants to support Naruto, and since Hinata will be with her clan..."

  "This isn't some matchmaking scheme of yours, is it?" Shikamaru asked suspiciously.

  Ino placed a hand over her heart in mock offense. "Me? I would never!" At Shikamaru's raised eyebrow, she relented. "Okay, maybe a little. But they'd be cute together!"

  "Troublesome woman," Shikamaru muttered, but there was a hint of fondness in his voice.

  Chouji had already perked up considerably, brushing chip crumbs from his clothes. "Do I look okay? Should I bring her some snacks?"

  "You look fine," Ino assured him, grabbing her own gear. "And bring whatever snacks you want. Just make sure you're actually watching our matches!"

  "Good luck out there," Chouji said earnestly. "Both of you."

  Shikamaru straightened up from the wall with a sigh. "Let's just get this over with. The sooner it starts, the sooner I can come back and watch clouds."

  "That's the spirit," Ino deadpanned, leading the way out of the flower shop. "Stunning enthusiasm, truly inspiring."

  The atmosphere in the Sand siblings' temporary quarters was tense. Temari paced the room, periodically checking out the window as if expecting to see someone approaching.

  "He should have been here by now," she muttered, adjusting her fan for the third time that morning.

  Kankuro sat cross-legged on the floor, carefully checking over his puppets. Crow was laid out beside him, while his newer creation, Raven, remained carefully wrapped except for the parts he was inspecting.

  "Maybe he changed his mind," Kankuro suggested, his voice unnaturally flat.

  Temari shot him a warning look. "Don't say things like that. Father wouldn't change the plan without telling us."

  "Wouldn't he?" Kankuro challenged, looking up from his work. "He's kept plenty from us before."

  "That's different," Temari insisted, though uncertainty crept into her voice. "This is too important."

  Gaara stood by the window, arms crossed, seemingly indifferent to his siblings' conversation. But his eyes tracked their movements, taking in every word.

  "Important to who?" Kankuro asked, rewrapping Raven with terse movements. "To Suna? Or to him?"

  "Careful, Kankuro," Temari warned, glancing nervously at Gaara.

  "What does it matter now?" Kankuro snapped, rising to his feet. "We're hours away from potentially starting a war with Konoha. A war we might not win."

  "You doubt our strength?" Gaara asked, speaking for the first time that morning. His voice was soft but carried an unmistakable threat.

  Instead of cowering as he typically would, Kankuro met his younger brother's gaze. "I doubt the wisdom of attacking an ally on their home turf when they're at their strongest and most vigilant."

  Gaara's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Your fear makes you weak. I will crush anyone who stands in my way, Leaf or otherwise."

  "And that's exactly the problem!" Kankuro shot back, surprising both his siblings with his boldness. "You think only about crushing and killing, never about the consequences!"

  Sand began to swirl around Gaara's feet, a dangerous sign. "Watch your tongue, or I'll—"

  "You'll what? Kill me? Your own brother?" Kankuro challenged, though his hands trembled slightly. "Go ahead, if that's all you know how to do."

  A heavy silence fell over the room. Temari looked between her brothers, torn between intervening and staying out of the potential crossfire.

  After what seemed like an eternity, Gaara turned away. "We have a mission. Be ready to fulfill your part." He walked to the door and left without another word.

  Temari released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "Are you insane?" she hissed at Kankuro. "He could have killed you!"

  Kankuro sank back to the floor, the adrenaline leaving him shaky. "But he didn't," he replied quietly. "Did you see? He hesitated."

  Temari had no response to that. After a moment, she moved to follow Gaara. "We should go. It's almost time."

  Kankuro nodded, gathering his puppets. As Temari left, he paused in the empty room, looking at the door where Gaara had exited.

  "I'm sorry," he whispered to the empty air. "I should have been a better brother to you, Gaara. Maybe then things would be different."

  With that, he shouldered his puppets and followed his siblings out into the bright Konoha morning.

  The Hyuga compound was abuzz with activity as clan members prepared to attend the finals. Among them, Team Gai had gathered to support Neji before his match.

  "You're going to do great, Neji!" Tenten encouraged, her usual array of scrolls already secured at her waist.

  "Indeed!" Lee agreed enthusiastically. "Your flames of youth will burn brightly today!"

  Neji nodded stoically, his Byakugan-bearing eyes betraying no emotion. "I am prepared."

  A small figure approached them, her dark hair and pale eyes marking her as another Hyuga. Hanabi Hyuga, Hinata's younger sister, bowed formally to Neji.

  "Good luck in your match, Neji-niisan," she said politely, though her expression seemed downcast.

  "Is something troubling you, Hanabi-sama?" Neji inquired, noting her demeanor.

  Hanabi hesitated, then admitted, "Father is attending with Hinata-neesan. They will both be watching your match."

  Neji understood immediately. "And you feel overlooked."

  Hanabi didn't respond, but her silence was confirmation enough.

  "It is your fate," Neji stated matter-of-factly. "As it is Hinata-sama's fate to be the heir, and mine to serve the main branch. We cannot fight against what is predetermined."

  Tenten groaned audibly. "Not the fate speech again."

  Lee's smile became slightly forced. "Neji, my eternal rival, I thought we had discussed this perspective..."

  Neji remained unmoved. "It is the truth. We each have our place."

  "That's a load of—" Tenten began, but was interrupted by the arrival of Inari, who ran up to them with excitement written across his face.

  "Neji-san! Tenten-san! Lee-san!" the boy called out. "I've been looking everywhere for you! Sasuke-sensei said I should watch your matches closely to learn about different fighting styles."

  Lee beamed at this. "Excellent! With hard work and dedication, one can overcome any obstacle!"

  "Unless it's predetermined by fate," Tenten muttered under her breath, earning a sharp look from Neji.

  Hanabi seemed to be considering Inari's words, her expression thoughtful. "My father says bloodline limits are what make true shinobi powerful."

  "Your father's not always right," Tenten said boldly, then quickly added, "With all due respect to Hiashi-sama, of course."

  Neji looked as if he wanted to reprimand her, but instead turned to address the group. "It's nearly time. We should proceed to the arena."

  As they began walking, Lee fell into step beside Neji. "You know," he said quietly, "for someone who believes so strongly in fate, you train remarkably hard to improve yourself."

  Neji didn't respond, but the slight furrow in his brow suggested the comment had struck home.

  In a room near the arena, Haku sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed in meditation. His long hair was pulled back in a practical style, and his battle attire—though still elegant—was clearly designed for functionality.

  The door slid open, revealing Mei Terumi, the Mizukage, followed by Zabuza Momochi. Haku's eyes opened immediately, and he rose to greet them with a respectful bow.

  "Mizukage-sama, Zabuza-sama."

  Mei smiled warmly. "How are you feeling, Haku? Ready for your matches?"

  "Yes, Mizukage-sama. I will not disappoint you or Mist."

  Zabuza grunted in approval. "You'd better not. Not after all the training we've put in."

  Mei produced a package wrapped in delicate paper. "I brought you something for today," she said, offering it to Haku.

  Haku accepted it with another bow and carefully unwrapped it. Inside was an exquisite kimono, clearly feminine in design with delicate floral patterns and a soft pink color scheme.

  "It's beautiful, Mizukage-sama," Haku said sincerely, running his fingers over the fine silk.

  Zabuza made a choking sound. "You can't be serious," he growled at Mei. "He can't wear that to the finals!"

  Mei pouted. "Why not? Haku would look lovely in it."

  "Because," Zabuza said through gritted teeth, "we're trying to show that Mist is no longer the 'Bloody Mist.' That we're strong but respectable." He gestured at the kimono. "This doesn't send that message."

  "I think it sends a wonderful message," Mei countered, her smile never wavering though a dangerous aura began to surround her. "That we value beauty and strength equally."

  "People will still talk," Zabuza argued, unmoved by the threatening aura. "They'll say we're soft."

  "Let them talk," Mei replied sweetly, though her eyes narrowed. "I'll show them how 'soft' I am when I melt their faces off."

  Haku cleared his throat politely. "Perhaps I could wear it after the tournament? For the celebration?"

  Mei brightened immediately. "What a wonderful compromise! Yes, save it for afterward."

  Zabuza rolled his eyes but seemed satisfied.

  "Just focus on your match for now," he told Haku. "That Sand kid is powerful, and the Nine-Tails container is unpredictable."

  "I've prepared for both," Haku assured him.

  Mei placed a gentle hand on Haku's shoulder. "We're proud of you, Haku. You represent the future of Mist—a future where bloodlines are celebrated rather than persecuted."

  "I won't let you down," Haku promised solemnly.

  "We know," Zabuza said gruffly, but there was unmistakable pride in his voice. "Now let's go. It's almost time."

  Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of Sakura's bedroom, casting a warm glow across the room. She stood before her mirror, making final adjustments to her outfit with practiced precision.

  First came the black shorts, comfortably fitting over her thick, powerful thighs. Next, she slipped into her red qipao dress, the fabric specially reinforced to withstand the rigors of combat while still maintaining its elegant appearance. The Uchiha clan symbol emblazoned on the back caught the light, the white and red fan a proud declaration of her relationship with Sasuke.

  She pulled on her gloves, flexing her fingers to ensure they fit properly over her slightly clawed hands. The gloves were a necessity—both for protecting her hands during combat and for maintaining a more human appearance when needed.

  Her heels came next. Many kunoichi avoided such impractical footwear, but for Sakura, the elevated shoes helped compensate for the altered structure of her rabbit-like feet, distributing her weight more comfortably. They also added to her already impressive jumping capability.

  The kunai leg holster was secured in place with practiced efficiency. She checked that each weapon slid out smoothly, ready for immediate use if needed.

  Finally, she carefully inserted the Uchiha fan earrings into her long pink ears. The earrings had been Sasuke's first gift to her—a subtle but meaningful acknowledgment of their relationship long before they had officially become a couple.

  She gave her reflection a critical once-over, her pink rabbit ears twitching slightly as she turned to examine herself from different angles. Her tail, now a normal part of her appearance, peeked out just above the hemline of her dress, the fluffy white contrasting with the red fabric.

  A knock at the door interrupted her inspection.

  "Sakura?" her mother called. "Are you ready? We should leave soon if we want good seats."

  "Coming!" Sakura replied, giving her reflection one final nod of approval.

  She found both her parents waiting in the living room, dressed in their best clothes for the occasion. Her father, Kizashi, grinned broadly when he saw her, his unusual pink hair—which Sakura had inherited—styled in its typical star shape.

  "There's our finalist!" he exclaimed proudly. "Ready to show everyone what the Haruno family is made of?"

  "Don't pressure her, dear," Mebuki chided gently, though her own eyes shone with unmistakable pride. She stepped forward to adjust Sakura's collar slightly. "You look beautiful, sweetheart."

  "Thanks, Mom," Sakura replied, feeling a sudden rush of emotion. Just a year ago, she had been an ordinary academy student with a crush on Sasuke. Now she was competing in the chunin exam finals, her body transformed by rabbit essence, fighting alongside the boy she had admired for so long.

  "We're so proud of you," Mebuki continued, her voice softening. "No matter what happens today."

  "You've already accomplished more than most shinobi do in their entire careers," Kizashi added, his usual joviality tempered by sincere admiration. "Making it to the finals in your first year as a genin!"

  Sakura smiled, touched by their unwavering support. "I couldn't have done it without you both," she said honestly. "All those extra training sessions, the special diet to accommodate my changes, the alterations to my clothes..."

  "That's what parents do," Mebuki said simply. "We'll be cheering you from the stands."

  "Loudly," Kizashi promised with a wink. "Probably embarrassingly so."

  "Dad!" Sakura protested, though she was laughing.

  "You'd better get going," Mebuki said, checking the time. "Sasuke is probably waiting for you."

  Sakura nodded, suddenly feeling butterflies in her stomach. This was it—the day they'd been training for. A chance to prove themselves not just to their village but to representatives from across the shinobi world.

  She hugged both her parents tightly, then headed for the door. "I'll make you proud," she promised.

  "You already have," her father replied as she stepped outside.

  Sure enough, Sasuke was waiting for her just a few houses down, immaculate in his dark blue outfit with the Uchiha crest prominently displayed. His face remained characteristically stoic, but his eyes softened visibly when he spotted her.

  "Ready?" he asked simply as she approached.

  Sakura nodded, reaching out to take his hand. "Ready."

  Together, they began walking toward the arena, their fingers intertwined. The streets of Konoha were already filling with spectators heading to the same destination, many turning to point or stare at the striking pair—the last loyal Uchiha and the pink-haired rabbit girl who had captured his heart.

  Sakura's ears twitched slightly, picking up snippets of conversation from the crowd.

  "—say they're both favorites to make chunin—"

  "—heard the Uchiha killed someone in the preliminaries—"

  "—weird to see him holding hands with anyone, especially—"

  She tuned them out, focusing instead on the warmth of Sasuke's hand in hers and the steady rhythm of their steps as they approached the arena together.

  Whatever challenges awaited them inside, they would face them as they had faced everything else since becoming Team 7—together.