Chapter Text
Two years in Sunagakure had been a challenge. The desert was relentless, the heat unforgiving, but Sakura had never been one to shy away from hard work. When Suna’s medical division invited her to join a three-year research program, she saw the opportunity for what it was—a chance to push the boundaries of medical ninjutsu and strengthen the ties between their villages. Leaving Konoha had been a bonus. Sasuke’s relentless talks of marriage had weighed on her, and she wasn’t about to let herself become an Uchiha broodmare. She had cared for him, once. But that life? It wasn’t hers.
Then, three months ago, Naruto’s wedding invitation arrived—no way was she missing this one. She had missed his inauguration last year, but maid of honor for Hinata? That was non-negotiable. Their bond had only grown stronger after the war, especially after saving Neji. So, she packed up her research notes, grabbed a train ticket, and headed home.
The moment she stepped onto familiar soil, Konoha welcomed her back with open arms. The scent of fresh earth, the towering faces of the seven Hokage carved into stone—it all grounded her in a way that Sunagakure never could. The village pulsed with life, rebuilt and thriving, its streets buzzing with the peace they had all fought to protect.
Wandering the streets, she spotted Ino wrangling a group of Genin at the academy. It was strange seeing her like that—stranger still realizing how natural they had slipped into these roles. Leaders, mentors, women shaped by war but standing firm in its wake.
Sasuke was engaged now. Karin. Feisty, red-haired, and—honestly? That revelation had not surprised her or unsettled her. She had expected to feel something—bitterness, regret, maybe even anger. But when Ino told her, oddly, she was happy for him. Shockingly happy. Whatever remnants of her past had lingered, they were gone now. Growth was a beautiful thing.
As they chatted, Sakura couldn’t help but notice how naturally everything fell into place, like no time had passed at all. Despite the time apart, their friendship was rock solid.
“It’s been way too long.” Ino grinned, brushing stray blonde strands from her face. “Mint Bar at eight? The girls are dying to see you.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
Sakura stepped into the Hokage’s office, she barely had a moment to take in the sight of the Hokage’s office before Naruto launched himself at her like an overenthusiastic puppy. He towered over her, his hair cropped shorter. Leadership had matured him, but his enthusiasm remained untamed. Hinata, standing nearby, giggled at his antics before welcoming Sakura back with warmth. The wedding was close, and excitement hung in the air.
“SAKURA!” he bellowed, lifting her clean off the ground.
“Easy there, Lord Seventh, I need my spine intact,” she grunted, though she couldn’t help but smile. Two years had passed in Suna, yet some things never changed.
Hinata giggled softly, radiating that unmistakable pre-wedding glow. “I’m so happy you made it back in time.”
Sakura handed them an envelope—a honeymoon package to a serene island at Hidden Village of Mist, she had once visited, drawn in by its therapeutic waters. Naruto, oblivious to his fiancée’s growing embarrassment, eagerly rattled on about alone time.
Their easy conversation carried on until duty called. Naruto returned to his mountain of paperwork, his expression comically defeated.
Then the door swung open.
Uchiha Sasuke strode in, his dark cloak sweeping the floor, his unruly dark locks now tied back loosely. He paused, catching sight of the cherry blossom—a disruption to the carefully constructed world he had built in her absence.
After the war, Sasuke sought forgiveness for his past wrongdoings, he had imagined Sakura as his matriarch, upholding his clan’s legacy. A year had passed since their quiet, inevitable parting. It wasn’t sudden—just an inevitable unraveling of a bond stretched too thin. She had waited, he had fought his demons, but some things, no matter how much they were willed into existence, but some wounds refused to heal. Karin had been his companion in rebuilding his clan, a decision born not of passion, but practicality.
“Sakura,” he said, measured and deliberate.
“Sasuke,” she returned, tone light, but eyes unreadable.
“Can we talk?”
She exhaled slowly, tilting her head as though considering. Then, with a smile that did nothing to soften the blow, she said, “I’ve got plans.”
A flicker of something passed in his gaze, but he masked it well.
Naruto coughed—a warning, or maybe just secondhand discomfort at the tension suffocating the Hokage’s office. Sasuke got the message. Without a word, he set down the mission scroll and turned to leave, stealing one last glance at the pink-haired kunoichi before disappearing through the door.
The door shut with a final click.
Sakura exhaled, feeling like she’d shed a layer of invisible weight. “Whew. That was easier than expected.” Over a year had passed since she had successfully avoided any run-ins with him, and frankly, she was on a winning streak.
Naruto and Hinata exchanged knowing glances.
The Hokage had his opinions about their breakup—he hadn’t voiced out loud, because, well... he wasn’t suicidal. It was inevitable, yet a little sad. He had rooted for them once upon a time, but Sasuke had battles beyond even his reach, and Sakura had spent far too long chasing after someone who didn’t chase back. Naruto had chosen to step back, hoping they’d both find clarity on their own.
Naruto shot her a look. He asked, genuinely concerned. “So… you good?”
“Yep,” she said easily. “Just tired from the trip.”
Hinata, ever perceptive, smoothly shifted the conversation. “Where are you staying, Sakura-chan?”
A valid question. After the war, her home had vanished, along with the carefully imagined future she had once clung to. Her parents? Off vacationing around the world like retired nobles.
“I thought about crashing at Ino’s place, but...”
“But you don’t want to be the third wheel?” Hinata guessed, her tone laced with amusement.
“Exactly,” Sakura laughed.
“You could stay with us,” Hinata suggested with the ease of someone inviting a friend to tea.
Sakura blinked. “At your place? The Hyuuga compound?”
“Yes!” Hinata nodded enthusiastically.
Sakura hesitated. “Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”
Naruto beamed, waving away the concern. “Are you kidding? There’s tons of space at the Hyuuga compound! Plus, it’ll be awesome having you around, Sakura-chan.”
“Alright then, how can I say no?”
Hinata smiled warmly. “It’s settled then!” Sakura grinned—until Hinata added, “Oh—by the way, we found someone for you to walk with at the wedding.”
Sakura perked up, intrigued. “Oh yeah? Who?”
Hinata’s smile turned mischievous. “Neji-niisan! He’s the best man, and since you’re the maid of honor...”
“Neji? Makes sense. He’s practically family to you guys,” Sakura blinked in mild surprise but not entirely shock. It made sense—Neji was an integral part of their lives now, having played a key role in getting Hinata and Naruto together. His survival had been nothing short of a miracle, inspiring everyone, including Sakura herself.
“I figured you’d be fine with it,” Hinata teased. “Niisan even asked if you’d be okay with it.”
Sakura smiled, recalling past interactions with the enigmatic Hyuuga. “Oh, did he now? Wonder what he thought I’d say?”
Hinata leaned in, her eyes twinkling. “It gets better. There’s a wedding party dance—it’s tradition—but don’t worry too much. He’ll teach you to waltz.”
Sakura let out a relieved sigh before suddenly stiffening.
Wait.
WALTZING?
WITH NEJI?
She shot upright in her seat, realization dawning upon her like a rogue kunai aimed at her peace of mind. “You’re telling me I have to train with him?” Dancing lessons with the stoic Hyuuga sounded both intriguing and nerve-wracking.
Hinata grinned, entirely too pleased with herself. “It’s part of your maid of honor duties. Niisan’s a natural at formal dances. You’ll do great!”
The Hyuugas were always ridiculously polished. And now she had to match up to their graceful standards? Well, at least she’d get an interesting experience out of it. “Great. Now I have to survive formal dance lessons with someone graceful by birth. Just wonderful,” Sakura groaned, mentally preparing herself for the mountain of etiquette she was about to climb.
Then another thought hit her. “Wait. Shouldn’t he be practicing with his fiancée? That Otsutsuki heiress he got engaged to a couple of summers ago?”
Hinata’s grin turned sad for just slighty. “Oh, that... That engagement’s over. They broke up half a year ago.”
Sakura nearly choked. “And when exactly were you planning to mention this?”
Hinata shrugged, all innocent sweetness. “I thought it’d make your dance training more fun.”
Sakura narrowed her eyes. “Hinata. Are you trying to set us up?”
Hinata beamed, entirely unrepentant. “Is it that obvious?”
“You’ve been talking about your cousin all day.”
Naruto, who had been watching the exchange, snickered from his desk, thoroughly entertained. “Hey, don’t look at me! I just do what my wife tells me.”
Sakura shot him a playful glare. “You’ve got your hands full being Hokage and now playing matchmaker too?”
Naruto leaned back, arms behind his head, grinning far too smugly. “Trust me—you haven’t seen anything yet.”
The cherry blossom sighed, shaking her head, but if she was honest? She was intrigued. Waltzing with Neji? The Hyuuga prodigy with impeccable posture and an elegance that practically oozed nobility? That sounded... well, surprisingly entertaining. The fact that the idea didn’t bother her was, in itself, mildly suspicious.
“See? Even Naruto-kun thinks it’s a good idea!”
Sakura gave them a long, knowing look. “I swear, you two are worse than matchmakers.”
Hinata winked. “I just thought... you two were great together before. Maybe it’s time to reconnect?”
Sakura frowned slightly, her mind flickering back to the serious yet charming Hyuuga. The man had always been someone she admired—the quiet force of their team, smart, steady, absolutely unreadable.
To Hinata, her cousin and Sakura balanced each other perfectly—Neji’s composed nature grounded Sakura’s lively spirit, and Sakura’s warmth softened Neji’s edges in ways few ever could. She had seen it before, the way he let down his guard around her. Maybe fate had missed a step. Maybe there was some misunderstanding to clear. Whatever it was, it bugged Hinata to see two people she cared missing out on something potentially amazing. If destiny wasn’t lending a hand, maybe she could give it a push.
“He’s been buried in missions lately; maybe you could bring him back to life a bit?” Hinata suggested cheerfully. “I always wondered if there might be more between you two. I never got why things changed.”
The matchmaking was so blatant it would have offended subtlety, but Sakura could admit... Hinata might have a point. There had been a time when talking to Neji had been effortless—quick-witted debates, teasing, that rare, elusive smirk when she managed to get the upper hand in an argument. Once upon a time, their friendship had been effortless, and then... it hadn’t.
So why had they drifted apart?
Sakura sighed, a touch of nostalgia blooming in her chest. “I don’t know why we lost touch either. But are you sure this is a good idea? He just broke off his engagement.”
Hinata shrugged, smiling. “Sometimes healing comes from opening up to new possibilities. Maybe it’s time for you two to reconnect and see where it goes.”
Sakura exhaled, her fingers drumming absentmindedly against her thigh. “Maybe you’re right,” she admitted, shaking her head with a small smirk. “Thanks for caring—even if your matchmaking skills need a little work.”
Hinata grinned brightly. “Oh! Speaking of matchmaking—we still need to pick out your dress!”
Sakura stiffened. “W-wait—!”
Too late. The Hyuuga had already grabbed her arm.
Naruto leaned back in his chair, letting out a low chuckle as he watched the two kunoichi disappear through the office doors. Being Hokage was no joke—constant meetings and a mountain of paperwork.
He reached for his mission reports but paused, tapping his fingers against the desk absentmindedly. A year ago, Sakura had let Sasuke go, which had surprised him—but now? Now, he got it.
She had grown. They all had.
And then there was Neji. His girl’s matchmaking scheme for his best friends caught his interest.
Naruto had come to admire him more over the years. The Hyuuga had changed—slightly, but enough that Naruto noticed. He was less rigid, a little more open, but still carried that sharp wisdom and unshakable composure.
The more Naruto thought about it, the more it made sense. He stretched his arms above his head and eyed the door where the girls had vanished.
Sakura needed someone steady and calm. Someone who challenged her, who didn’t run from her but met it head-on. Someone like Neji. If anyone could keep up with his pinkette, it was definitely the guy who survived a near-death experience and came back with even sharper reflexes.
He smirked, amused at how much he liked this. Who would’ve thought he’d be rooting for such an unlikely pair?
Something told him this wedding was about to get a lot more interesting.
Sakura and Hinata stepped into the town’s most prestigious bridal boutique, where only the elite shopped for their big days. The place screamed elegance—crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over luxurious fabrics, and soft music wrapped them in an air of sophisticated charm. The Hokage’s upcoming wedding demanded nothing less than perfection, befitting his newfound status and the esteemed clan he was marrying into.
A senior stylist led them to a private dressing suite reserved for the Hyuuga family, where three gowns were elegantly displayed—centered among them was the breathtaking wedding dress in soft gold, its shimmering rhinestones catching the light in mesmerizing patterns.
Sakura barely had time to admire the craftsmanship before the bridal consultant handed her a lovely lavender bridesmaid dress. But Hinata, always full of surprises, produced another custom gown in deep burgundy with Sakura’s name neatly written on the hanger.
“Try both on!” she encouraged, eyes twinkling with a quiet scheme of her own.
First, Sakura slipped into the lavender dress, stepping out with an elegance that made her feel effortlessly radiant. The halterneck flattered her shoulders, and a pair of gold heels—courtesy of an assistant—completed the look.
Hinata clapped her hands, delighted by how stunning Sakura appeared. “It suits you so well! You look beautiful.”
Sakura grinned, doing a small twirl. The dress fit like a dream, and she felt just as good as she looked.
But then came the burgundy dress.
The moment she stepped out, she hesitated, biting her lip at the daring slit that revealed more leg than she was used to. “So, uh… what do you think of this one?” she asked, testing Hinata’s reaction.
Hinata’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “It’s bold but beautiful—just like you. Don’t worry about showing a little skin!”
Sakura had to admit, the dress hugged her curves in all the right ways, its rich crimson color making her feel both glamorous and a little vulnerable. The neckline dipped lower than expected, teasing just a bit of cleavage—not scandalous, but enough to turn heads.
The bridal stylist chimed in, “Hinata-sama is right. This dress has a subtle allure. Haruno-sensei look striking, really.”
Encouraged, Sakura twirled in front of the mirror, confidence growing with each spin. She felt dazzling. Thankful for Hinata’s unwavering support through gown shopping, she finally changed back into her own clothes—only to spot two impeccably tailored men’s suits hanging beside her rack.
Hinata followed her line of sight, an innocent glint in her eyes. “Those suits are for Neji-niisan. We picked them out to match Naruto-kun’s a while back. He looked great in them.”
Sakura blinked. Neji?
Her mind betrayed her, conjuring images of the Hyuuga prodigy in both suits—the crisp white radiating quiet sophistication, the black tuxedo carrying an undeniable, effortless charm. He’d always carried himself with a regal air, but somehow, picturing him dressed to perfection made her stomach do an unfamiliar flip.
Hinata giggled, as if sensing the shift in her expression. “That day was… interesting.”
Neji, ever the dutiful cousin and best man, had been roped into trying on groomsman suits while Naruto finalized his own wedding attire. Convenient timing, really. Hinata hadn’t thought much of it at the time—until she saw how effortlessly he commanded attention.
The boutique had been filled with refined selections—each suit seemingly tailored for a man of prestige. And though he wasn’t the groom, Neji had stolen the spotlight without trying. Freshly single after his breakup, he had—quite unintentionally—become Konoha’s most eligible bachelor overnight.
Watching him try on tuxedos had been a rare privilege. The store’s staff certainly thought so. The moment he slipped into the black suit, they swarmed like enchanted moths drawn to his composed aura. Hands lingered a little too long on his toned frame, fingers strayed dangerously close to inappropriate territories during measurements. The kind of service that was thorough—perhaps too thorough.
Sakura could almost picture it—Neji, standing there, enduring the unwanted attention with a carefully neutral expression while his pale eyes flickered in silent pleas for rescue. A flicker of something—something she hadn’t quite accounted for—settled deep within her before she could rationalize it away. Her fingers curled slightly, a barely-there twitch of tension. The boutique was warm, but suddenly, it felt too warm.
The staff practically blushed when they heard his name—either it was his aura or those abs that had them all worked up.
And that realization struck her before she had time to brace for it.
Her fingers curled slightly before she realized it.
She wasn’t indifferent to the attention the man received.
She was bothered by it.
And that—well, that was an entirely new problem.