The Third Hokage: First Move Send Danzō to Prison

It was a day off.

In Konoha's bustling commercial district, a new café had just opened: Kunai & Latte.

Inside, the place was relatively quiet.

Near the window, a blushing boy and girl sat across from each other.

Each had a latte on the table.

They were Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura, and between them hung a delicate, awkward silence.

This wasn't the start of some high school rom-com in ninja form. Rather...

Flying Thunder God really needs math?

No wonder Naruto's been struggling with it for so long.

Honestly, Sasuke was starting to feel like giving up himself.

He had gone to Orochimaru for help, but every time he asked a question, the answer only made him more confused.

Eventually, Orochimaru sighed deeply, voice dripping with disappointment. "Sasuke-kun, your academic foundation is just too weak. You really need to start from the basics. I have experiments to run. I'll be leaving now."

After that, even when Sasuke asked again, Orochimaru didn't bother answering.

Sasuke, once Konoha's top student, hadn't expected to find himself in such a pitiful state.

After giving it some thought, he realized there was only one person who could help him now Sakura.

Sure, she wasn't much use in battle objectively the weakest in their team but when it came to academics, no one could touch her. Even the teachers couldn't compare.

So, when you're asking for help, you ask humbly. That's why Sasuke invited her here, and even brought a gift as a token of thanks.

But... how should he bring it up?

Besides, Sakura had been busy lately, learning medical ninjutsu under Lady Tsunade. She might not have time for tutoring...

Sasuke, who was proud by nature, pondered in silence.

Inside the café, perhaps to break the heavy quiet, the barista turned on the stereo. Soft music began to play.

"The dandelion's promise — so clear —

Endless stories shared with you, my dear..."

Sakura sat with her head lowered, cheeks flushed. The picture of a shy schoolgirl.

Just yesterday after class, Sasuke had asked her to meet him at this newly opened café.

She'd been stunned at first, but quickly came to her senses and agreed on the spot.

She even ran off to get special permission from Lady Tsunade, who patted her on the shoulder with a knowing smile. "Good luck, Sakura."

It felt like the heavens were finally smiling on her. Years of one-sided love might just be coming to fruition today.

And the gift Sasuke brought who else could it be for, if not her?

Take that, Ino-Pig! Eat my dust!

Ninja High is amazing! Romantic school comedies are amazing!

Sakura's inner monologue was screaming with glee.

Outside the window, people came and went.

But neither the boy nor the girl said a word.

The music drifted on.

"I can't quite tell — are you my friend,

Or the love I never said?"

Finally, Sasuke gathered his courage. He reached behind him and pulled out the gift box, clearing his throat.

"Sakura... I..."

"I do!" she shouted.

Her voice echoed through the quiet café.

Her cheeks burned a deep red, ears turning pink to match.

Every eye in the café turned to look.

Sasuke blinked in surprise.

"Then... I'll be counting on you for tutoring."

He gently pushed the box toward her.

"This is a thank-you gift."

Sakura froze, her whole body suddenly stiff like a wind-up doll, squeaking as she sat back down.

"Uh... right." Sasuke frowned slightly, looking genuinely troubled. "The math involved in Flying Thunder God for calculating coordinates... I just don't get it. Orochimaru said my academic foundation is trash."

So... that's what this is about.

Sakura scratched her head awkwardly. "Ha... haha. No problem!"

She wanted to say more, but her excitement deflated like a balloon.

She opened the gift box. Inside was a set of scrolls bearing the Uchiha clan emblem.

Sasuke pulled out a notebook, its pages crammed with red-ink corrections.

"These are notes from the Fourth Hokage when he was a kid. I don't get why the derivations work like this at all."

Sakura looked at the proud genius sitting before her now frowning over math problems like a lost child and couldn't help but find it endearing.

She took a deep breath, picked up her pen, and said brightly:

"Let's start with the basics."

Her voice regained its usual spark.

"But there's one condition—"

Sasuke looked up in surprise.

Sakura's cheeks blushed again as she looked away.

"Take me to a movie next weekend."

"No problem. I can take you every week for a month if you want."

Sasuke agreed instantly. A movie ticket costs what, like a few coins? Was Sakura really that strapped for cash?

Suddenly, a loud thud came from outside the window.

Naruto had fallen off a utility pole and was now clinging to the window ledge in a panic.

"You bastard, Sasuke! You're on a date with Sakura?!"

"I object!"

His face was squished against the glass, startling both of them.

"Naruto, what the hell?!" Sakura shouted, furious. You're ruining my moment!

"It's not a date, you idiot," Sasuke snapped. "We're studying. Don't get in the way of my growth."

Naruto stormed into the café and sat beside Sasuke, arms crossed. "Then I'm joining too! I want tutoring!"

A little further down the street, behind a mailbox, Hinata Hyuga hid quietly.

She clutched a box of pastries she had just bought, cheeks glowing pink, eyes fixed on Naruto's antics with bashful affection.

"Those kids... They're Kakashi's students, right?"

Asuma entered the café, an unlit cigarette between his lips, holding Kurenai's hand.

He immediately spotted the commotion in the corner.

Kurenai tugged on his hand with a gentle smile. "Don't be so nosy about the younger generation."

They chose a corner seat. Asuma pulled out a lighter but put it away sheepishly under Kurenai's watchful eye.

The music had changed to another mellow track.

"So hazy, it feels like another lifetime —

Regret I never said it out loud..."

Asuma raised an eyebrow after placing their order.

"Don't know where the old man finds these songs. He claims he wrote them himself."

Kurenai listened carefully. "Not bad, though. The Hokage's pretty talented."

"'Talented' might not be the word. It's more like... he's changed. A lot."

Asuma took a sip of his coffee, his tone mixed with wonder.

"Ever since that day, he's been... different."

Kurenai rested her chin on her hand, eyes soft. "But it's a good kind of change, right?"

"That's true." Asuma nodded, then nudged her gently. "Isn't that your student over there?"

Kurenai followed his gaze and finally noticed Hinata peeking shyly from the corner.

She sighed. "I just wish she had a little more courage."

Asuma tucked his cigarette behind his ear. "Then give her a push."

Kurenai thought for a moment, then smiled. "Maybe I'll offer her some life advice that isn't just about training."

…

After a long day of tutoring, Sasuke parted ways with Sakura and Naruto and headed home alone.

He still practiced the formulas in the air with his hand as he walked.

He had to admit he'd underestimated Sakura.

She really did know her stuff. The problems that had stumped him completely were clear as day once she explained them.

Up on a distant utility pole, a soft sigh echoed through the air.

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