[Laughs. Because even after all these years, Naruto is still Naruto, and he's still so dumb.
But still, she believes in him. Absolutely believes that he'll achieve his goal some day. How could he not? He's Naruto, the village's most surprising ninja.]
[And she has no idea how to finish that thought (she knows, on some level, that it's perfectly irrational but she just can't shake that feeling) so she just trails off.]
Hey, Sakura-chan.
Dunno if I’ve told you lately but.
You’re pretty damn amazing.
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[Sakura is supremely touched. She doesn't even know what to say to that, except:]
Thank you.
[And then, just because it's okay to throw him a bone once in a while:]
You're not so bad, either.
[Just a little bit teasing, but the sentiment behind her words--she means every inch of it.]
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[So not expecting that but here’s for a quick recovery.]
Pfft! Of course I’m not! I’ve been telling people that for years! I’m still gonna be the best ninja this village has ever seen!
[60% bluster, 40% actual belief, these days. But priorities change.]
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… hey. I meant it though. You’re gonna give Tsunade obaa-chan a run for her money.
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But still, she believes in him. Absolutely believes that he'll achieve his goal some day. How could he not? He's Naruto, the village's most surprising ninja.]
I know you meant it.
I did too, you know. I'm glad you're my friend.
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Ditto.
[-is heartfelt, nonetheless. A pause then.]
Hey, Sakura-chan?
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Wanna learn how to make the Rasengan?
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Are you serious?
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Why wouldn’t I be?
[Duh Sakura!]
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[Actually, she's not sure why he wouldn't be. Naruto doesn't offer things he doesn't mean to deliver on, and he's never been selfish.
She just... always thought of it as his technique. It would almost feel like stealing his legacy.]
If you wanted to teach me, I mean...
[Flustered.]
Are you really sure?
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Hey, I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t wanna teach you!
I'd love to teach you- that...
Um.
If you wanna learn it that is? I mean, I think you're strong enough anyway but it could come in handy sometime. You never know!
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[Wrong.]
It's your technique, Naruto. I wouldn't want...
[And she has no idea how to finish that thought (she knows, on some level, that it's perfectly irrational but she just can't shake that feeling) so she just trails off.]
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It’s not really my technique, Sakura-chan. If you could use it someday to help yourself, or to protect someone else...
[Softly.]
Who cares whose technique it is, if it can help? And maybe we could... trade.
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[My, she's a little slow on the uptake, there.]
Oh. Trade. Right.
[That idea, somehow, makes this more palatable. Sakura feels less like she's taking, that way.
A pause, and then:]
... Okay.
What do you want me to teach you in exchange?
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[Oh, he’s so grinning now.]
This’ll be great, Sakura-chan!
[And damn near bouncing.]
Uh- I… I dunno. Something! Something-- Oh, hey! Could you teach me some of that medical jutsu? Something like that!
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