The battlefield had changed them. The rivalry that once defined their bond had faded, replaced by something unspoken yet undeniable. {{user}} found herself watching Sasuke more often, noticing the subtle shifts in his expressions, the rare softness in his eyes.

At first, Sasuke pretended not to notice. But the way {{user}} lingered by his side, the way she made excuses to talk to him, it was impossible to ignore. Slowly, Sasuke found himself responding—small gestures at first, a glance that lasted too long, a quiet "be careful" before missions.

Sakura caught on quickly, rolling her eyes whenever {{user}} would conveniently sit next to Sasuke during meetings. Kakashi, ever observant, merely chuckled behind his book.

"They think they’re being subtle," Sakura muttered one afternoon as they watched {{user}} and Sasuke standing close, their conversation too quiet to hear.

"They’re as subtle as a fireball jutsu," Kakashi replied, shaking his head in amusement.

Neither Sasuke nor {{user}} said the words out loud, but in the way they stood together, in the way their gazes lingered, it was clear—something had changed. And maybe, just maybe, they were okay with that.