Shopping was a perfectly normal thing for ordinary girls.
However, for Sakura, it was a very difficult thing.
After all, she was already a married woman. More importantly, her husband, Sasuke, was never by her side, making shopping an almost impossible activity.
In the past, she often went shopping with Ino and the others. But ever since they got married as well, no one accompanied her anymore.
She had even forgotten how long it had been since she last went shopping.
Coming out with Kaien today, she initially thought it would just be a casual stroll—to show him the changes in Konoha over the past few years.
However, after walking through two streets, Sakura began to enjoy the atmosphere. Gradually, she started chatting more actively with Kaien beside her.
"Look, look, that place has been renovated. It's changed a lot!"
Sakura stretched out her hand, pointing at the newly built structures lining the street.
"Under Kakashi-sensei's leadership, our technology has been developing rapidly. Many technological products have appeared—televisions, telephones, cars, trains… all of these are the crystallization of scientific research."
Her tone carried a hint of pride.
"That's true," Kaien nodded in agreement.
Although these things couldn't compare to the technology of his previous world, they were still impressive.
"Now that technology has developed so much, have hospitals become more convenient too?" Kaien suddenly asked.
"Of course." Sakura smiled. "You have no idea how exhausted I used to be. Now it's much easier. Otherwise, do you think I'd have time to go shopping with you today?"
She continued, "There are many machines assisting treatment now, and the world is much more peaceful. Unless someone gets injured on a mission, I'm not really needed."
"Then Sister Sakura must be quite idle these days," Kaien said. "What do you usually do for fun?"
If he wanted to make a move, he had to start with her hobbies.
A trace of sadness flashed across Sakura's face.
"Nothing much," she replied softly. "I just watch TV at home."
Childhood hobbies needed to be shared with friends. After marriage, things one enjoyed needed to be shared with a loved one.
But now, she had no one to share with.
Even if she saw something interesting on TV, there was no one to talk to about it.
Noticing the gloom on her face, Kaien glanced at a nearby stall selling red bean steamed buns and quickly walked over.
He didn't understand modern TV shows very well, but he remembered Sakura's old preferences.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Sakura called out in confusion when she saw him suddenly leave.
Soon, Kaien returned with a small bowl of red bean steamed buns. He handed it to her with a grin.
"Sister Sakura, try this."
Sakura looked down at the bowl, her eyes flashing with surprise.
"I remember you loved eating this," Kaien said with a smile.
Her heart fluttered.
Even Sasuke didn't remember she liked red bean steamed buns—yet Kaien remembered clearly.
More importantly, she had never told him.
Sakura paused briefly, then took a bite.
The soft, sweet taste spread across her tongue, making her close her eyes unconsciously as she savored it.
"It's really good," she said after a moment, smiling.
"Of course it is," Kaien replied confidently.
"Let's keep shopping," Sakura said, setting the bowl aside and wiping her mouth.
"Sister Sakura, let's go to the mall and buy some clothes," Kaien suggested.
"Alright," she nodded.
Inside the mall, Kaien followed Sakura closely.
"Sister Sakura, try this outfit—it'll definitely suit you."
He picked out a white shirt paired with a black skirt, perfectly matching her style.
"Mmm, it does look nice," Sakura nodded.
"Hehe, Sister Sakura, what about these shoes?"
"And this one too!"
"Sister Sakura—"
"..."
Kaien accompanied Sakura around the mall, selecting outfit after outfit for her.
Every time she changed clothes, he praised her without hesitation.
He praised her so much that Sakura felt light-headed, her face glowing with radiant smiles.
She had never imagined that the first man to praise her like this in a mall would be Kaien.
She became completely immersed in the atmosphere, forgetting all her worries.
By the time they left the mall, the sky outside had already darkened.
"Kaien, thank you."
Holding her shopping bags, Sakura turned to him with a bright smile.
"Sister Sakura, why are you thanking me?" Kaien scratched his head, looking puzzled.
"It's nothing," she said softly. "It's getting late. I should go home."
"Sister Sakura…" Kaien hesitated. His mission still hadn't made any progress.
Only a few hours remained.
"Chirp!!!"
An eagle's cry rang out.
Sakura looked up and saw a huge eagle flying overhead. She raised her arm, and the eagle landed, dropping a note into her hand.
Her expression changed as she read it.
"Sister Sakura, what's wrong?" Kaien asked.
"It's nothing," she replied with a forced smile, putting the note away.
"Sister Sakura—"
"Kaien," Sakura interrupted him, her eyes slightly unfocused. "I'm feeling a bit down… can you accompany me for a drink?"
"Uh…" Kaien froze for a moment, then nodded rapidly. "Of course! Of course I can!"
He had been worrying about how to keep her around. Now that she suggested it herself, how could he refuse?
More importantly—it was drinking.
Drinking while Sakura was in a bad mood.
Once she got drunk…
Wouldn't those steamed buns be free to touch?
"There's a shop over there. Let's go there," Sakura said, smoothing her hair and trying to regain her composure.
"Alright, Sister Sakura. Wait for me." Kaien quickly followed after her.