- Who is this Rika? You never mentioned her.

  - Ah, Rika... - He smiled, looking away. - My teammate. An incredible ninja, Sarada. You'd be impressed to meet her.

  - Really? - Sarada laughed, adjusting her glasses. That way he talked... She could see where this was going.

  - Yes. Rika is a prodigy. She came from a civilian family, trained on her own before entering the Academy... and yet she's the best of all of us. Intelligent, practical, direct. I admire her sensible manner. Not to mention that she...

  - Hmm... I think there's some drool running down here. - Sarada joked, running her finger along the corner of his mouth.

  Shin pretended to bite her finger, but Sarada was quicker, pulling her hand back and hiding it inside her coat. They both laughed, until she asked in an amused tone:

  - So that's the Rika you like, isn't it?

  - Yes, Sarada. That's the one I like.

  Shin stood up and stretched, putting his arms around his waist. Standing on the branch, he glanced at the immensity of the forest around him. Then, with agility, he performed an acrobatic move and landed gently next to Sarada, leaning back against the thick trunk of the tree.

  Tall and strong, he pulled her effortlessly into the space between his legs, causing her back to rest against his chest. Sarada was startled to feel his hands on her waist and his scent, already so present on the coat he was wearing, enveloping her from all sides.

  She should have felt shyness, discomfort or even anger... but all that came was an unexpected warmth. A feeling of security that enveloped her completely.

  Then Shin's voice sounded behind her, low, almost a breath against the back of her neck, sending a subtle shiver down her spine:

  - You're amazing, Sarada. It's like a dream to meet you.

  Her face warmed and, without realizing it, she shrank further into his arms.

  - What are you talking about?

  - You're beautiful and affectionate like Anzu, and objective and perceptive like Rika - he squeezed her a little tighter, warming her in a firm, cozy embrace. - Boruto really is an idiot.

  Sarada felt her face catch fire. Her throat closed up before she could murmur, already dreading the answer:

  - Boruto? What's he got to do with it?

  Shin leaned in slightly, his lips almost touching her ear as he whispered:

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  - You like him, don't you?

  - Damn. - Why did this boy from who knows where have to be so intelligent and observant?

  Sarada's eyes widened and she straightened her glasses, feeling her lungs run out of air. Then she noticed when he touched her hair, gently pulling the strands away from the nape of her neck. Her body tensed, frozen between nervousness and latent desire.

  That's when she felt his lips brush against her skin.

  An intense shiver ran down her spine, stronger than she could bear.

  - Boruto is an idiot, Sarada. I'd give my life to have a girlfriend like you.

  The low, husky voice was accompanied by the warmth of his breath against her skin. He inhaled the scent of her hair, and Sarada almost forgot how to breathe. A small moan escaped unintentionally, making her body shudder.

  The truth was that this boy was... fascinating.

  Mysterious, intelligent, tall. Identical to Boruto, but so different at the same time. Beautiful, with those deep green eyes and a discreet smile.

  Sarada turned her face slightly to look at him.

  She felt torn between desire and dread, as her mind raced back to Boruto-her scandalous and impulsive teammate, sometimes brave and kind, sometimes a complete arrogant jerk. And there was someone so much like him, but at the same time so warm, delicate and caring, whispering that she was incredible, desirable, holding her in his arms as if she were precious.

  His chest rose and fell slowly.

  Sarada felt her gaze locked on his.

  Then that discreet smile appeared again, and her eyes went down to the boy's plump lips.

  She turned into a statue.

  Her heart was hammering in her chest, the air refusing to enter her lungs. Every cell in her body was screaming for his touch.

  Without thinking, he closed his eyes and opened his lips.

  Fear. Desire.

  But instead of a kiss, she felt a gentle touch on her cheek.

  Before she could react, Shin pulled away, leaning her gently against the thick trunk of the tree. Then, with an agile, almost mesmerizing movement, he descended the branches with the dexterity of a hunter, whispering:

  - I'm going on a prowl.

  The air escaped from Sarada's lungs like an avalanche.

  She threw her head back, slamming it against the tree. Oh, God. What was she doing? Was she really going to kiss a stranger? A boy she'd only known for a day?

  And if she liked Boruto... why was she so attracted to him?

  Her thoughts were spinning in circles.

  She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to sort out her emotions. She didn't know much, but she knew one thing for sure: every touch of that boy felt familiar. Her body liked being close to his too much.

  If only her mother would talk to her about these things...

  She wrapped herself tighter in her coat and returned her attention to the forest.

  They set off at dawn, after a simple meal of food pills and dried fruit. The group advanced in silence, and no one seemed inclined to talk, which made it easier for Sarada and Shin to keep their distance from each other, each immersed in their own thoughts.

  The journey through Waterfall Country continued throughout the day, and the scenery was breathtaking. Hanami, fascinated, let out little sighs of admiration - “Oh”, “Ah”, enchanted by the succession of crystal-clear waterfalls surrounded by flowers. Even in a hurry, the scenery made the journey surprisingly pleasant.

  It was after two in the afternoon when Captain Konohamaru finally gave the order to stop, after almost eight hours of uninterrupted running.

  - We've made good progress along the way, guys.

  - Wow, bro... I'm going to think long and hard about whether I really want to be a ninja - Hanami gasped, bent over with her hands on her knees and her tongue hanging out.

  The group burst into laughter, and Konohamaru laughed louder than anyone, with his hands on his waist.

  - I pushed it a bit, Hanami, but it was for a good reason,” he said, still amused. - Behind those trees is a beautiful clearing with a waterfall, shade and fruit trees. You'd love to take a bath there and relax. As we've come at a good pace, we have time for a break. Have you brought your bathing suits? Let's go!