Inside one of the major branches of the Future Generation Corporation.
Two girls were walking through one of the departments—specifically, the women's clothing section.
Ino's eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked at the clothes scattered here and there. Who would have thought she'd ever get a chance like this? Entering even a small branch of Future Generation had always felt like a dream—let alone one as massive as this.
"You mean this is your first time here??"
Sakura seemed entirely familiar with the place, acting as if she knew it like the back of her hand. In contrast, Ino appeared completely lost, not even sure what she was looking at.
"Well, of course there's a huge difference between a wealthy family like yours and mine, which holds no recognition whatsoever."
As Ino continued to glance around, her eyes suddenly stopped on a particular outfit. She froze in place and stared at it.
It consisted of a short white jacket that barely covered the chest and left the midriff exposed, highlighting her alluring curves, and a pair of black jeans adorned with golden chains. Ino stared at the outfit, clearly enchanted by it.
"Do you like it?" Sakura asked as she stood next to her, smiling.
"It's beautiful. Do you think it would suit me?" Ino looked at Sakura with hopeful eyes.
"Why don't you try it on?"
"Alright! Wait for me a moment!"
Ino quickly grabbed the outfit and dashed into a small, square-shaped room designated for changing.
Sakura stood in front of the room, waiting for Ino to come out.
"What do you think?" Ino posed with one hand on her waist, looking at Sakura.
"It fits you perfectly! Let's buy it!" Sakura replied enthusiastically. It looked stunning on her—even Ino herself blushed slightly at Sakura's compliment.
This kind of clothing had only ever been a dream for Ino. She had never thought she would actually have the chance to own something like it.
"F-For su—…" Ino began to speak excitedly, but when her eyes dropped to the price tag, she froze completely.
Sakura, puzzled by her sudden silence, asked with concern, "Is something wrong, Ino?"
"I-It's…"
"It's what?"
"This outfit costs 300,000!!" Ino looked at Sakura with a horrified expression, as if she couldn't comprehend such an amount of money.
In fact, 300,000 was the combined allowance for both her and her brother Deidara—for two entire years.
"So what? I have 500,000 on me—that's just my monthly allowance. It's not that expensive, really. And if I run out, I can just ask my mom for more," Sakura replied innocently with a gentle smile.
"Hah... Hah... That's what you call cheap??"
Ino felt like she was in a completely different world from this pampered rich girl.
---
Minutes later, the two girls exited the store as darkness began to fall.
"Where's your house? Mine's close by—I can walk," Sakura said as she looked at Ino, who was licking a sweet candy every few seconds.
"Ah, my house? I live just over there," Ino pointed ahead toward a medium-sized home.
It was beautiful, radiating a calm, peaceful atmosphere.
"Well then, I should—"
Sakura was about to leave when Ino suddenly grabbed her hand. Surprised, Sakura turned quietly, her eyes hidden beneath the shadow of her pink hair, while Ino, too, kept her head lowered, her eyes concealed in the shade.
"C-Can you stay with me tonight?" Ino's voice trembled with a deep sense of loneliness.
"W-What…?!"
Sakura couldn't comprehend what Ino was saying. She didn't know anything about Ino's situation—had no idea what that fragile flower, pretending to be strong, was going through.
"I know it's a crazy request… we've only just met today and don't really know each other… but please, Sakura," Ino clung to Sakura's shirt, gently gripping it.
Sakura closed her eyes calmly and said, "Alright, but let me go home first to shower and change. My clothes are filthy from the rain."
Just remembering the rain made her recall the kiss she had shared with Naruto. She covered her mouth with both hands as her cheeks turned bright red, and all the words she meant to say completely vanished.
"It's fine—you can wear my clothes, and you can wash yours at my place and wear them to school tomorrow."
Sakura wasn't in a position to argue. She took her bag, unzipped it, pulled out her phone, and scrolled through the contacts until she reached a specific number.
"Hello, Okaa-chan."
"..."
"Yes, I'm fine. Don't worry."
"..."
"Sure, I'll send it to you through the messaging app."
"..."
"Yes. Also, I'll be spending the night at a friend's place."
"..."
"Don't worry, everything's fine."
"... ..."
"Yes, I've got my phone with me, and I have some money too. And don't forget, I'm strong—no one can take me down easily."
"..."
"Okay. Thank you, Okaa-chan. Good night. I love you."
Sakura ended the call and let out a deep breath.
"Huh? Huh?? What did she say??" Ino looked at her eagerly.
"She agreed. She said it's fine if I stay at your place."
"That's amazing!!"
Ino instantly grabbed Sakura's hand and dragged her toward the house, shouting excitedly, "We're having a sleepover! A sleepover! A sleepover!!"
"Calm down, Ino!! Are you a child or what?!" Sakura followed her, laughing as she was pulled forward.
"I've always wanted to have a sleepover!!" Ino said joyfully, her cheeks flushed.
Sakura could hardly believe this was the same girl from just hours ago—the one who was arguing and constantly complaining.
She smiled, sensing the genuineness in Ino's emotions. If she was angry, she let it out. If she was happy, she showed it. If something excited her, she voiced it without hesitation—even if it seemed childish.
And for some unknown reason, that honesty made Sakura happy too. She was just glad that Ino was smiling—at least for now.
---
Night had fallen, and Scarlet and I had just left the studio after reshooting several scenes the director wasn't satisfied with. Of course, that "acting ecstasy" skill seemed to have completely vanished—I couldn't feel it again.
The director said that was normal, and that it was a skill requiring time and great effort to master, let alone polish.
"I'm exhausted… Acting is way more tiring than an actual fight," I sighed, stretching my arm above my head.
"That was just a four-minute song. What would you say about people filming full-length movies or drama series?" Scarlet smiled as she looked at me.
"They must have unbelievable patience to deal with someone like that director. He won't stop whining every time you mess something up."
"Well, he is a top-tier director, so it makes sense. He's doing his best to bring out your full potential."
"I know, okay? I get that," I said with slight irritation, pouting a little.
"If you keep acting like this, you'll never become popular, Naruto–kun," Scarlet giggled softly.
"Well, I've got more important things to worry about than being popular."
"You talk like an adult, but you're just a high school kid. Don't be so arrogant, you little brat," she said, grabbing my cheeks and pulling them hard.
"Ow! That hurts! Stop it already!" I yelled, swatting her hands away from my face.
Scarlet stepped back and began running as she laughed, and I chased after her.
It was strange to think that this girl was the same person as calm, kind Ella–chan. Scarlet seemed like the complete opposite of her.
Almost like a totally different person.
Acting ecstasy!!
The thought hit me, and I suddenly stopped chasing her. Could it be… that she's subconsciously mastered it?
Could that explain how she can change her personality and even her voice so expertly? Was it thanks to acting ecstasy?
I became so immersed in my thoughts that I completely tuned out Scarlet's voice as she called for me. My mind was fully occupied with that idea.
This made Scarlet slightly annoyed. She walked up to me, raising her voice, "Hey! Naruto–kun, are you even here?!"
I snapped out of it and looked at her—her face was suddenly way too close to mine. Why did she get this close?
I closed my eyes and stepped back a couple of paces. What happened earlier is over. We're just cousins who stand by each other's side. That's all I need to think about.
"Hmm, looks like you've gone back to being a kid again," Scarlet said mischievously, leaning her body forward slowly.
This made her undergarments clearly visible, and I instantly turned my gaze away in panic.
"Ella–chan, stop doing that!" I shouted in embarrassment, cheeks turning red. Even though I knew her well, it was still embarrassing!
Poor Uncle Yukiteru… What did he do in life to deserve such a shameless daughter?
Scarlet burst into laughter, straightened her back, and looked away as she said, "I'm glad you're still the same. You haven't changed."
I looked back at her, confirming she had stopped messing around, and said quietly, "Of course I haven't changed. And besides… there's no reason for me to."
Scarlet smiled and started walking again. "Yeah, yeah. You'll always be a kid. Come on, let's go home, Naruto–kun."
"I'm right behind you," I said, slipping my hands into my pants pockets, walking carefully so she wouldn't pull another prank.
---
Scene Eleven
A Shattered Doll
Several months ago
The junior high exams were approaching for our story's protagonists at that time.
One day, heavy rain had flooded the roads entirely. Due to the downpour, all of Konoha had come to a halt—except for the police. Only a madman would dare go out on a day like that.
And someone was mad enough to do just that.
At the Haruno clan's traditional Japanese-style mansion…
Four figures sat together—Sakura and her family.
"We'll begin investigating the Uchiha clan. It's difficult, but not impossible—especially today. Sasori, you're our most capable agent. You've won many martial arts awards, and I trust your skills," Sakura's father said calmly.
"Yes, Otou–sama," answered Oma Sasori coldly.
He wasn't someone who could express emotions. Even if he tried, his heart simply wasn't one that could hold any sort of feeling anymore.
"Onii–chan, will you be okay? Do you want me to come with you?" Sakura asked, worried, her eyes fixed on him.
"You can't, my dear Sakura," Sasori said, patting her head with an expressionless face.
He couldn't help it—he just wasn't capable of giving any form of affection.
Sakura pouted and looked away, clearly annoyed.
Sasori stood up and left the room after bowing to both his parents.
But Sakura followed him all the way to the front door and kept watching him from behind. Sasori knew she was there. He knew she was following—but he couldn't do anything about it.
He stared into the distance, expressionless. He didn't want to talk too long—any more emotion might break her. He knew how delicate and fragile his sister's heart was. The smallest things could make her sad.
He turned to face his little sister, approached her, and gently placed his hands on her cheeks. Resting his forehead against hers, he whispered, "Dear one, it's just a small mission. It won't take more than a few days. I won't be far. Tonight is the perfect chance to slip past the giant wall separating the Uchiha from Konoha. There's no other way."
"Will you come back? Fast? As soon as you can?" Sakura closed her eyes anxiously, gripping his hand tightly. Her heart screamed that a disaster would happen if she let go.
"I'll come back, no matter how long it takes. I promise I'll return, my dear."
He didn't know what to say. He simply spoke the words his mind told him. His heart wasn't equipped for things like this.
But Sakura already knew… she knew he didn't mean what he said. She couldn't name what emotion she saw in him, but she knew he was trying to comfort her.
With resentment, she let go of his hand and turned away, her eyelids slowly growing damp.
"You better come back! Or I'll never forgive you," she said before storming off.
She had no idea she would never see him again. If she had, she would've said something kinder—something that would push him to return and lift his fighting spirit.
If she had known, she would've gone with him, faced that deadly adventure by his side—even if it meant dying.
If she had known… she would've never let him go.
____
Sasori headed slowly toward the Uchiha district. He walked calmly, like any ordinary person. Though the streets were empty, he simply stayed on the road, the torrential rain drenching him.
But in the shadows... eyes watched him.
Those eyes radiated an overwhelming aura of evil and darkness—their intentions anything but good.
Sasori felt them. He knew he was being watched, yet he kept walking as though unaware.
He continued until he turned into a narrow alley. After walking a few steps, he suddenly stopped and turned, waiting for the owner of those eyes to show themselves.
A figure stepped slowly into the alley from the opposite end.
Sharp, wicked eyes.
A black suit with a white shirt, slightly open at the chest.
Boots.
On his neck—a red cloud emblem.
Sasori didn't recognize its meaning, but it was the mark of a highly secretive organization: Akatsuki. No one knew their identities or anything else about them.
The man had his hands in his pockets and stared coldly at Sasori.
Sasori instinctively sensed danger. Sweat trickled from his brow as he stepped back. Just from looking at this man… he could feel it.
An unbeatable enemy.
That's what every fiber in his body told him. Fighting would be pointless.
Escape…?
He glanced behind him. The way out was clear—there didn't seem to be anyone else besides this man.
He let out a small breath. Just as he was about to turn and flee, the man in the suit spoke in a cold voice:
"His Grace has chosen you. Will you die here… or help us bring a new dawn to the world?"
Sasori didn't understand a word. It was so sudden, he couldn't even process it.
"His Grace has chosen you to be among the elite of this world. You are fortunate. Just follow me—and we'll create a new dawn together."
"What are you talking about…?"
"That's all you need to know right now. Come with me, and I'll explain everything. Refuse… and die here."
Sasori's eyes sharpened. He turned and bolted at full speed.
He didn't care what that man meant—fighting him was impossible. The only option… was to run.
The man in the black suit didn't move. He simply watched Sasori flee.
"Foolish boy."
He closed his eyes, then slowly began walking after Sasori, calmly following his trail.
Sasori ran with all his might, fear gripping his heart. His thoughts turned to his little sister, waiting for him at home.
"Onii–chan, will you be okay? Should I come with you?"
(I have to get back to her… Sakura's waiting for me…)
Just as he whispered those words to himself—
BANG!
A gunshot rang out.
He had been hit in the leg. His body collapsed hard against the ground.
He began to crawl, looking back—only to see the suited man still walking slowly toward him, silent and cold, as if none of this mattered.
"You thought it through now? Sorry for shooting, but the choice isn't yours. Obey us… or die here."
Sasori ignored him, still crawling, trying to escape.
BANG!
Another shot.
His hand this time.
Sasori could no longer move.
"Well? Will you die… or join us?"
Sasori remained silent. The man wasn't angry—he was unfazed, his patience unaffected.
Time dragged on in silence… until the man finally reached into his shirt pocket and pulled something out.
"Name: Haruno Sasori. Age: 21. University student in law. Blood type: A+. Eldest son of the main Haruno household. Has a younger sister in junior high."
Even Sasori—known for being unreadable—was stunned.
Not because his own information had been revealed… but because they had accessed data about his little sister.
"Leave my sister out of this!! She has nothing to do with what you want!" he shouted, his voice full of raw fury.
The emotionless doll… had finally cracked.
"So? Have you changed your mind?"
"Damn you!! If you lay a finger on her, I'll never forgive you!!"
The man sighed, pulled out his gun again, and aimed at Sasori.
"Looks like you're useless to us. Death will be your release."
The scene shifted skyward as three bullets were fired.
---
Scene Eleven
A Shattered Doll (End)
---
#To_Be_Continued.