Naruto took a deep breath, finally giving up on his futile attempts to "cool down."
He resignedly realized that when facing Satsuki, he would probably never be able to truly "calm down."
His arm, supporting Satsuki's back, unconsciously tightened a little, and his steps became more resolute.
He already knew what he was going to say later.
If that's the case... then he would follow his heart.
He could feel Satsuki's breathing behind him become even and long, as if she was drowsy from exhaustion and a sense of security.
This complete trust made Naruto's heart a mess.
He slightly adjusted the way he carried her, allowing her to rest more comfortably, then walked with steady and firm steps towards the place he had already decided upon as suitable for their talk.
As for what to say later... perhaps, there was no need for too much complex thought or rehearsal; simply telling her his truest thoughts, honestly, would be enough.
——————
At the desolate main gate of the Uchiha Clan Compound.
Naruto carefully lowered Satsuki from his back.
As her feet touched the ground again, and the reassuring warmth and presence behind her suddenly moved away, a visible look of disappointment immediately appeared on Satsuki's face.
But, what came next... was the crucial moment!
Satsuki clenched her slightly trembling fists, summoning the greatest courage of her life—she no longer wanted to maintain this vague, unsettling relationship that made her constantly worry!
Today, she had to say everything in her heart!
She absolutely had to become that... unique, definite kind of relationship with Naruto!
Of course, that deepest fear that had always prevented her from confessing struck again—what if Naruto refused?
This thought appeared for only an instant before Satsuki fiercely suppressed it with an even stronger determination!
Refuse?
She wouldn't give him that option... If Naruto dared to refuse... she would become stronger at all costs!
Strong enough to overpower him!
Even if it meant using force, kidnapping, or any other means... she would definitely make him into that kind of relationship!
She would make it so he could only see her!
Just as she was about to pour out the long-suppressed emotion that was almost burning her chest—
"Satsuki..."
Naruto spoke first.
His voice carried clear apology and belated remorse.
"I'm sorry... it was a really bad idea to use sparring as a way to do this, wasn't it? Forcing you to fight and all..."
Satsuki didn't expect Naruto to apologize first; she was stunned for a moment and instinctively responded to his words, her voice still a little hoarse.
"Mm... I... I don't like attacking Naruto..."
This was her true feeling; every time an attack landed on Naruto, her heart would feel pain before her body did.
Naruto looked at her bowed head and continued sincerely, "I'm sorry. But... I was really a bit scared.
Seeing you become unlike yourself—cooking like that, and exaggerating so much, even using poetry to praise me..."
"I actually... don't dislike it.
I was just very worried.
I kept thinking, did I do something to make you uneasy? Or... did you encounter some huge trouble that you couldn't even tell me?"
Hearing Naruto's words, Satsuki suddenly looked up, her cheeks still very red, but she vigorously shook her head in denial.
"No way! Naruto hasn't done anything to trouble me, or make me uneasy! Not at all!"
She took a deep breath, exhaling all her hesitation, her voice trembling slightly with excitement.
"The reason I became strange... became unlike myself... there's only one!"
Satsuki's voice unconsciously grew louder, carrying a sense of desperate resolve.
And Naruto also noticed—perhaps, what he and Satsuki... wanted to express at this moment was the same thing!
His heart also involuntarily began to accelerate, his blue eyes gazing at her unblinkingly.
"Because... I... I... lo..."
The last word caught in Satsuki's throat, making her so nervous she almost suffocated, all her strength concentrated on the syllable about to burst forth—
Just at this most crucial moment, Naruto suddenly reached out, his palm gently covering Satsuki's tightly clenched, slightly trembling hand, interrupting her full-hearted confession.
"Mm, I know.
Thank you, Satsuki.
Thank you... for being willing to tell me something so important."
He slightly tightened his grip, enclosing her fist in his palm.
"I'm really happy," his lips curved into an incredibly sincere, touched smile, "Really.
I can say... this is one of the happiest moments of my life."
Satsuki's most important words were interrupted mid-sentence; she stood there blankly, her mind empty due to extreme tension and the sudden interruption, only subconsciously listening to Naruto's warm words, her heart still pounding wildly in her chest.
Naruto looked at her somewhat bewildered and helpless expression, his gaze becoming even more determined.
"Therefore," he continued, with a sense of solemn promise, "such important words... let me say them.
I will personally tell Satsuki my truest thoughts."
"...This is the most important thing for both of us, right?
Precisely because it's so important, I don't want to make it a hasty, childish promise.
It deserves to be treated more solemnly."
Satsuki's heart fluttered slightly, not understanding what Naruto wanted to say.
"So..." Naruto leaned forward slightly, and in a pleading tone, he carefully asked, "Can I... temporarily 'preserve' Satsuki's precious feelings?"
"...Preserve?"
Satsuki murmured, repeating the word, her eyes full of confusion.
It wasn't direct agreement, nor cruel rejection; this vague answer left her completely baffled, and a hint of unease arose in her heart.
"Mm," Naruto nodded emphatically, "I want to wait until we both truly grow up, become outstanding, trustworthy Jonin who can stand on our own—until then, we will solemnly, in a way that will absolutely not be disturbed by anyone, face to face..."
His voice was filled with anticipation and promise for the future.
"Turn the word 'love' into a special, firm title that belongs only to the two of us.
Not like now, a word spoken with panic and impulse."
"So," Naruto's tone became more formal.
"Before that day comes—"
"Please allow me, as Uzumaki Naruto, to ask you one thing."
He looked deeply into Satsuki's black eyes, which still held confusion and unease, and spoke clearly, word by word.
"On the path to that future we both anticipate—"
"Please let me be your only one!"
-------------------------------
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