Word spread fast.
Not officially—but shinobi noticed things.
How Naruto waited for Sakura after meetings.
How Sakura scolded him like always—but smiled softer.
How they stood closer than necessary.
Some were happy.
Others… weren't.
"You're distracted."
Sasuke's voice was calm, but sharp.
Naruto glanced over. "Huh?"
"You're protecting her too much," Sasuke continued. "That makes you predictable."
Sakura stiffened. Naruto frowned. "She's my partner."
"And your weakness," Sasuke said bluntly.
Naruto stepped forward, chakra flaring just slightly. "Say that again."
Sakura placed a hand on Naruto's arm. "Stop."
She met Sasuke's gaze evenly. "If loving someone is a weakness, then you never learned anything."
For a moment, Sasuke said nothing.
Then he turned away. "Just don't let it get you killed."
But Sakura noticed the way his fist clenched.
Jealousy? Regret?
Maybe both.