CH-4. Love, Bonds and Friendship

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Sakura, the object of Naruto's affection, stood before him, furious.

"Naruto, what are you doing? Why are you attacking my boyfriend, Sasuke?!"

Naruto felt like disappea. Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he quickly stood up, pointing at Sasuke.

"No, no! Sakura, this is wrong. Sasuke was never interested in women before! He doesn't even like you!"

Though Naruto could be clumsy, he wasn't dumb. He knew he liked Sakura, but Sakura liked Sasuke, who never seemed interested in anyone. Now, something was definitely wrong with Sasu.

Meanwhile, Sasuke wasn't focusing on Naruto or the Nine-Tails' chakra. He had already gained immense power and didn't feel the need to test it further. To him, defeating Naruto was no longer a goal. His new objective was winning the heart of the beautiful girl before him.

Without hesitation, Sasuke pulled Sakura into his arms again, gently rubbing his nose against her soft, delicate face.

Naruto's blood boiled. His eyes turned red with a mix of rage and jealousy, but he felt helpless.

"Sasuke..." Naruto muttered, frustration building inside him.

Sakura, initially shy and flustered, was quick to adapt to Sasuke's confident demeanor. It was her first time being in love, but Sasuke's boldness made her feel comfortable.

"You two are going too far!" Naruto yelled, his voice filled with anger and hurt. He had never felt so low.

Naruto knew he couldn't defeat Sasuke. Besides, it was clear that Sakura didn't mind Sasuke's touch, whether it was his hand on her legs or his lips brushing against her skin. She was willing, and Naruto realized he was nothing more than a spectator. He had no right to interfere.

Ashamed of his earlier outburst, Naruto turned to leave, but Sasuke stopped him.

"Wait."

Sakura blinked in confusion, "Why are you stopping him, Sasuke? Naruto's been so rude!"

Sasuke shrugg "I feel bad for him. He's pitiful. I'll forgive his actions and even share this bowl of ramen."

Sasuke had bought three bowls of ramen earlier, but after eating one, he was too full to finish the other. Instead of letting it go to waste, he decided to offer it to Naruto.

"Naruto's life has been rough enough. There's no need for me to kick him while he's down. As long as he understands that Sakura is mine now and stops chasing her, I'm happy to still call him a friend."

Sakura's heart melted. "Sasuke, you're so kind," she said, touched by his willingness to forgive Naruto. Sasuke's actions reaffirmed her belief that he was the right man for her.

Naruto, on the other hand, felt his heart breaking. He couldn't bear watching Sasuke's hand gently caressing Sakura's smooth, snow-white legs. His stomach grumbled in hunger, but his heart was bleeding.

He knew Sakura had always liked Sasuke. That's why, in the past, he had seen Sasuke as a rival. Naruto had never given up on Sakura, always hoping that one day she would choose him over Sasuke. But now, watching Sasuke and Sakura together, he realized that dream might never come true.

'Is this still the same Sasuke?' Naruto thought. This Sasuke was so different—suddenly affectionate and caring, whereas before he was distant and cold. Still, everything about Sasuke's superiority and arrogance remained unchanged.

"I don't want your ramen," Naruto finally muttered. His pride wouldn't let him accept it, no matter how hungry he was.

Sasuke sighed, "I bought an extra bowl, and it's going to go to waste if you don't take it. But more importantly, Naruto, you need to understand. Sakura and I are serious. I'm going to protect her and make her happy. You've always known that Sakura never liked you. But you kept hoping. Maybe you won't get her in this life, but love isn't about possession. Sometimes, you have to let go."

Naruto stared at Sasuke, stunned. Sasuke had never spoken to him like this before. It was the first time in years that Sasuke had shared so much with him.

"Maybe blessing someone in silence is a form of love too," Sasuke continued. "Naruto, if you can wish us happiness, that would show your true strength and character."

Naruto was deeply moved. Despite all the pain, he wasn't a bad person, and Sasuke's words reached him.

Seeing Naruto's tears welling up, Sakura tried to comfort him. "Just eat it, Naruto. It'll get cold soon."

Finally, Naruto gave in. He sat beside Sasuke, picked up the bowl, and began slurping the ramen. Whether it was the spiciness of the ramen or the bitterness of his heartbreak, tears streamed down his face, falling into the bowl. As a man, he wiped them away quickly, not wanting Sasuke or Saku.

Sasuke watched Sakura with affection. "Sakura, are you full?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Sakura's cheeks flushed at Sasuke's tender concern. His feelings were sincere, and she could sense the care behind his actions. She had always liked Sasuke, but now, with him openly showing his affection, her happiness only grew.

Sasuke, too, had always admired Sakura and Hinata before he traveled to this world. He had feelings for both girls, though he knew winning over Hinata would be much more challenging. Hinata had always loved Naruto, and Sasuke knew he couldn't easily take her heart.

Unless, of course, he used his Mangekyō Sharingan to manipulate her. But that wasn't Sasuke's way. He had fantasized about forcing himself on the girls back when he was an otaku, but now, standing in the real world, things felt different. Time, the wind, the night air—it was all so real.

When Sasuke held Sakura earlier, her tears of happiness and nervousness touched his heart. Despite the fact that this world was based on an anime, Sasuke realized his feelings were very real.

This was not just anime.

Sakura was a living person. She has feelings, joys, sorrows, and pain. How could Sasuke bear to hurt her?

So, as a time traveler, Sasuke will naturally desire Hinata Hyuga. However, Sasuke will not use despicable means. He will do it like he did with Sakura—by making Hinata truly fall in love with him and then willingly give him everything as an innocent girl.

And Sasuke will protect them. Sasuke was also a kind-hearted person. He will do what he wants with the beauties he likes, but he will also care for them and take care of them.

The same goes for Naruto. Seeing how pitiful Naruto was just now, Sasuke would also feel sympathy for him. He would comfort Naruto and help him accept the fact that he and Sakura were together, turning Naruto's envy and jealousy into sincere blessings.

After all, even in the original series, Uzumaki Naruto never truly loved Sakura. He was destined not to have her. It's better for him to sincerely wish them well and become good friends with Sasuke and Sakura, just like in the original series.

Naruto is an anime filled with bonds of brotherhood. Sometimes, brotherhood is far more precious than love, and it can stir people's hearts even more.