Chapter 831: You have too much time...
Naruto shivered as he noticed Fujin's smile. He didn't doubt Fujin's words one bit! While he knew Fujin wouldn't harm him directly, he understood that what awaited him would be a training session more hellish than any he endured so far.
As he thought of what troubled him and how to say it, Naruto's energy unusually subdued and he slumped on the table. After a minute of silence, he finally spoke in a low voice, "It's just... I don't get it, you know? Sakura-chan... after everything we went through, after all that trouble to bring Granny Tsunade back to the village, she just... ignored me. I mean, I fought my heart out and gave everything I had! And who does she run to first? Sasuke. She hugs him, cries over him like he's the only one that matters."
Naruto stared absentmindedly at the table as he continued, "I know she doesn't see me like that. I've always known. But… I thought after everything, I'd at least get something. A 'thanks,' maybe. Or at least a smile. But nothing. Not a word, not even a look. Like I wasn't even there."
Ayame paused in her work, glancing at her father, who quietly continued wiping a bowl, both clearly listening but choosing to remain silent. Fujin didn't say anything either as he continued slurping the noodles.
Naruto sighed again and leaned back. "Whatever. It's not like I helped Sasuke just to get noticed. But... it'd be nice to feel like I mattered even a little."
Ayame smiled and said, "Of course you matter, Naruto. It's just that her mind was occupied by Sasuke because he had been sick for such a long time. I'm sure you felt relief on seeing him get up too, am I correct?"
Naruto replied with another long sigh, "You are… But still!"
He turned his eyes towards Fujin, who always seemed to have a good solution, and wondered, 'Could Fujin give me some tips to get closer to Sakura and make her forget about Sasuke? Hmm, he might. He seems to know everything. I should have asked him sooner!'
Expectations rose in Naruto's heart as he waited in anticipation for Fujin's response. To his surprise, Fujin asked, "You're done eating, correct?"