Spring returned gently.
With it came cherry blossoms—and something else.
Sakura stood in the early morning light, staring at the test in her hands, heart pounding so hard she thought she might collapse.
Naruto found her there.
He didn't need words.
He looked at her face, at the way her hands trembled, and understood.
"…Is it—?" His voice cracked.
She nodded.
For a long moment, Naruto said nothing.
Then he dropped to his knees in front of her and laughed—quietly, disbelieving, tears streaming freely.
"I'm going to be a father," he whispered.
Sakura knelt with him, resting her forehead against his. "We are."
He held her like the world might take her away if he didn't.
"I swear," he said fiercely, "I will build a world gentle enough for them."
Sakura closed her eyes.
"You already have."...my bad guys