Chapter 183: The Only One
Naruto took a deep breath, finally abandoning those futile "cooling down" attempts. He resignedly realized that facing Satsuki, he would probably never truly be able to "calm down."
His arms carrying Satsuki unconsciously tightened somewhat, his steps becoming more resolute. He already knew what he should say later.
If that's the case... then just follow his heart.
He could feel Satsuki's breathing behind him becoming even and prolonged, as if drowsiness was setting in from exhaustion and peace of mind. This complete trust made Naruto's heart turn to mush.
He slightly adjusted his posture carrying her, letting her rest more comfortably, then with steady and determined steps, headed toward that place he'd already decided on—suitable for talking.
As for what to say later... perhaps he didn't need too much complex thinking and rehearsal. Just honestly telling her his most genuine thoughts would be enough.
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At the quiet entrance to the Uchiha compound.
Naruto carefully lowered Satsuki from his back. Her feet touching ground again, that reassuring warmth and scent suddenly distancing, Satsuki's face immediately showed visible disappointment.
But next... was the crucial moment! Satsuki clenched her slightly trembling fists, mustering the greatest courage of her life—she didn't want to maintain this vague, anxiety-inducing relationship anymore!
She absolutely had to say everything in her heart today! She had to become that kind of... unique, clear relationship with Naruto!
Of course, that deepest fear that always prevented her from confessing struck again—what if Naruto rejected her?
This thought only appeared for an instant before Satsuki ruthlessly suppressed it with even stronger determination!
Rejection? She wouldn't give him that option... If Naruto dared refuse... she would spare no cost to become stronger! Strong enough to overwhelm him! Even if she had to use force, tie him up, use any means... she would definitely make him that kind of relationship! Make his eyes only see her!
Just as she was preparing to pour out that long-suppressed emotion almost burning her chest—
"Satsuki..."
Naruto spoke first. His voice carried obvious apology and belated regret.
"I'm sorry... though using sparring as a method was really terrible, wasn't it? Forcing you to fight..."
Satsuki hadn't expected Naruto to apologize first. She froze, instinctively following his words to respond, her voice still slightly hoarse. "Yes... I... I don't like attacking Naruto..."
This was her honest truth. Every time her attack landed on Naruto, her heart felt pain before her body did.
Naruto looked at her lowered head and continued sincerely: "Sorry. But... I really was a bit scared. Seeing you become unlike yourself—cooking turning out like that, praising so exaggeratedly, even using poetry to praise me..."
"I actually... don't hate it. Just very worried. I was thinking, did I do something that made you feel uneasy? Or... did you encounter some huge trouble you couldn't even tell me about?"
Hearing these words, Satsuki's head shot up. Though her cheeks were still very red, she vigorously shook her head in denial.
"Never! Naruto hasn't done anything troublesome or that makes me feel uneasy! Not at all!"
She took a deep breath, exhaling all hesitation, her voice trembling slightly from emotion.
"What made me strange... what made me unlike myself... there's only one reason!"
Satsuki's voice unconsciously grew louder and louder, carrying a resolute determination to burn bridges. And Naruto noticed—perhaps he and Satsuki... were about to express the same thing! His heartbeat involuntarily began accelerating, blue eyes staring at her without blinking.
"Because... I... I... li—"
That final word stuck in Satsuki's throat, making her so nervous she almost suffocated, all her strength concentrated on that syllable about to burst forth—
At this most crucial moment, Naruto suddenly reached out his hand, palm gently covering Satsuki's tightly clenched, slightly trembling hand, interrupting her all-out confession.
"Yes, I know. Thank you, Satsuki. Thank you... for being willing to tell me something so important."
He slightly tightened his palm, wrapping her fist in his hand.
"I'm really happy," the corners of his mouth lifted, showing an incredibly sincere, moved smile. "Really. I can say... this is one of the happiest moments of my life."
Her most important words interrupted midway, Satsuki stood dazedly in place, her brain blank from extreme tension and the sudden interruption, only instinctively listening to Naruto's words flowing like warm currents, her heart still pounding wildly in her chest.
Naruto looked at her somewhat confused yet helpless appearance, his eyes becoming even more determined.
"Therefore," he continued with a solemn sense of promise, "such important words... let me say them instead. I'll personally tell you my heart's most genuine thoughts."
"...This is the most important thing for both of us, right? Precisely because it's so important, I don't want to use it to make a hasty, childish promise. It deserves to be treated more solemnly."
Satsuki's heart lifted slightly, not understanding what Naruto wanted to say.
"So..." Naruto leaned forward slightly, using a pleading tone, carefully asking: "Can you let me... temporarily 'save' this precious feeling of Satsuki's?"
"...Save?"
Satsuki murmured in repetition, her eyes full of confusion. Not direct acceptance, nor cruel rejection—this vague answer left her completely at a loss, a trace of unease rising in her heart.
"Yes," Naruto nodded forcefully. "I want to wait until we've both truly grown up, become capable, excellent, trustworthy jonin—when that time comes, we can solemnly, in a way that absolutely won't be disturbed by anyone, face to face..."
His voice was full of longing and promise for the future.
"Transform the word 'like' into the most special, most steadfast title belonging only to the two of us. Not like now, words spoken with panic and impulse."
"So," Naruto's tone became more formal. "Before that day arrives—"
"Please allow me, as 'Uzumaki Naruto,' to request something from you."
He looked deeply into those dark eyes still carrying confusion and unease, saying clearly word by word:
"On the path toward that future we both anticipate together—" "Please let me become your only one!"
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