- Miss Tenten? Miss Ino? Miss Sakura?
My surprise came when she handed me a suitcase full of at least twelve letters. Counting and recounting, I realized that they were all addressed to me. Four were from members of my family, one from Izumi, but the other seven... The other seven were from girls eliminated from the selection. I recognized the names immediately. In a hurry and without any shame, I opened all the letters.
- Lyanna from Mountain Village, Azula from Flame Village, Katara from Breeze Village, Toph from Border Village, Bulma from Sky Village, Fuu from Wing Village... - had all written to me, and they all said the same thing, in slightly different words.
"We're rooting for you, Haruno Sakura."
I went up to my room, but the girls started looking at the bundle of letters too much, so I decided I'd read the ones from my family in privacy. I threw myself on the soft bed and, with trembling hands, opened Konan's letter first.
Dear Sakura,
I can't wait for Friday to arrive. I can't believe you're going to talk to Orochimaru. I miss you so much. It's not just your presence, but also, you're singing around the house.
I definitely didn't feel lucky. Orochimaru would make sure to finish us all off the next day.
How's the competition going? Have you made many friends? I want to know everything. Love and miss you,
Konan Haruno.
I smiled as I read Konan's words and, as if the letter were a hug, I hugged her before picking up Pain's letter.
Dear little sister, who stole my position as an only child,
I miss you; I miss you so much. I think it's about time you got back. I've heard that half the girls who have come home are already engaged to the children of mayors and celebrities. Don't worry, someone will want you if Naruto doesn't.
Moegi wants you to marry the son of that singer you love, but I can never remember her name. I told you she doesn't have children, but you know her niece, don't you?
I love you. We all do. Come back soon, or take us to the castle, but I want to see you.
Love, from your brother.
Then I realized that the eliminated girls were being targeted by the rich. I didn't know that being just the "shadow" of a prince made someone so coveted. I walked around the room, my eyes fixed on the drawing Moegi had sent me, but my mind was far away, thinking about Naruto. I missed him so much.
My mind started working, looking for a way to talk to him. I didn't think twice. I tore out a blank part of the drawing and, in hurried handwriting, I wrote:
I need to see you.
Sakura.
When I left the room, I found a butler straightening his suit.
- Excuse me?
He bowed.
- Yes, miss?
- Could you give this to the prince for me? - I asked, holding out my folded note.
- Of course, miss!
He took the note with visible haste, his fingers almost trembling, and went on his way with renewed energy. I walked through the corridors, which seemed more adorned than my entire house. The wallpaper, the gilded mirrors, the huge vases of fresh, vibrant flowers. The carpets were luxurious, impeccable, and the windows reflected the light with an almost dazzling clarity. The paintings on the walls were enchanting.
I walked a few steps further and came across a portrait of the royal family. It looked old. Naruto, still young, was smaller than Queen Tsunade. Now, it was he who looked smaller in comparison to her.
Since I had arrived at the Palace, I had only seen them together at dinners or during official broadcasts. On the day of my meeting with Naruto, I saw Karin accompanied by Suigetsu. From what he had said, they used to spend a lot of time together.
- Sakura?
I turned immediately when I heard my name. Naruto was hurrying down the stairs from the girls' dormitories, coming towards me. It was as if I was seeing him for the first time.
He had his jacket off, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up. His blue tie was loose around his neck, and his hair, which was normally pulled back, swayed with the movement. The contrast with the formal, impeccable prince I had seen the day before was striking. Now he looked younger, more regal.
I felt a chill run down my spine. He approached me and, with unexpected speed, grabbed my wrists, watching me carefully.
- The maids said you'd left the room. Is everything all right?
- I'm... I'm fine, Naruto.
The prince let out a sigh of relief, something I hadn't noticed he was holding in.
- I'm glad. When I got your note, I thought you were ill or that something had happened to your family.
- No, everything's fine. I'm sorry. I knew it was a stupid idea, but I didn't know if you'd be at dinner and I wanted to see you first.
- And for what? - he kept watching me intently, his brow furrowed, as if he was looking for some sign that something was wrong.
- Just to see you.
He stopped, staring into my eyes, visibly surprised, not knowing how to react.
- You just wanted to see me?
I shook my head, relaxed.
- How about a walk in the garden?
- Aren't you busy now? I just wanted to see you briefly... I know it's hard without the Queen and...
- Come on, let Karin play at being queen for a bit, she loves it.
He held out his arm and I took it, laughing.
- You're annoying!
- And annoying. Don't forget, I'm boring.
- Oh, my prince is so boring, so unbearable.
- It hurts my heart," I said, pretending to be hurt.
- What heart?
Naruto let out an exaggerated sigh, as if he was exhausted. I was so involved in our exchange that I didn't notice the whispering until three girls were almost in front of us. Karui, Pakura and Tenten were passing by, on their way to their rooms.
- Ladies," greeted Naruto, inclining his head slightly.
The girls bowed and continued on their way. I turned my head to watch them go up the stairs. Tenten and Pakura looked curious, and I knew that, in a few minutes, everyone in the palace would be aware of my little escapade with Naruto. Karui's eyes, on the other hand, were fixed on me like two beacons. I was sure she would take it as a personal offense, but honestly, I didn't care one bit.
- Did you study before you came here? - asked the prince, as we walked to the garden.