Harry Potter: Toji Potter

As Naruto and Sakura exited the Hokage's office, Sakura stumbled slightly, her face flushed a deep red as she sneaked side glances at Naruto.

He was taller, broader, and more refined—his once-spiky hair now long, reaching his waist, much like Jiraiya's. His sharp, confident blue eyes and the way he carried himself screamed power and control.

This isn't the same loudmouth idiot from before…

Naruto stretched his arms and grinned. "Man, that was a lot. Wanna grab some food, Sakura?"

Sakura blinked rapidly, forcing herself out of her daze. "U-Uh… sure! But you're paying!"

Naruto chuckled, catching the wink and nod from Harry before leaving.

Jiraiya gave him a thumbs up, which earned him a bonk on the head from Tsunade.

"Stop encouraging him, you pervy old fool!"

Jiraiya rubbed his head, laughing sheepishly as Naruto and Sakura left.

Meanwhile, Harry, Jiraiya, and Kakashi made their way to a quiet dango shop.

Sitting down at a secluded booth, they enjoyed their skewers in relative silence—until Kakashi finally spoke.

"So… let me get this straight," he said, voice deadly serious. "The Akatsuki are hunting the Tailed Beasts, and in doing so, they'll kill every Jinchūriki they capture?"

Harry nodded, his expression grim. "Yes. Extracting a Biju means certain death for its host."

Kakashi exhaled sharply. "That's… insane."

Jiraiya crossed his arms. "It's worse than that. If they gather all nine, they'll be able to revive the Ten-Tails—the original Biju."

Kakashi's single eye widened. "The Ten-Tails? I thought that was a myth."

"It's not," Harry said flatly. "Madara himself told Naruto everything. And if Madara was planning to become its Jinchūriki, then we have a serious problem."

Kakashi leaned back, processing everything.

"Who's leading them?"

Jiraiya's face darkened. "That's the worst part."

He sighed before continuing.

"It's my former student. Nagato. The one with the Rinnegan."

Kakashi's hands tightened into fists.

"So… a war is coming."

Harry nodded, his eyes cold.

"Yes. And we don't have much time."

The sun hung low in the sky, casting warm hues of orange and pink over the rooftops of Konoha. A gentle breeze rustled through the village, carrying the scent of fresh food from the bustling market streets.

Naruto walked beside Sakura, hands casually tucked into his pockets, his long golden hair swaying slightly with every step. He had changed so much over the past two years—taller, more confident, carrying himself with a quiet strength that made people naturally turn their heads.

Sakura had always known Naruto was strong. But now… there was something different about him. Something that made her stomach twist in a way she wasn't sure she liked—or rather, wasn't used to.

Get it together, Sakura! she scolded herself, shaking off the strange thoughts.

"Where do you wanna eat?" Naruto asked, stretching his arms above his head. "Ichiraku's is always my go-to, but I figured you might want something fancy."

Sakura snorted, crossing her arms. "So you're saying I have expensive tastes?"

Naruto grinned. "Nah, I just figured you'd get bored of watching me inhale bowl after bowl of ramen."

Sakura rolled her eyes but laughed anyway.

"Fine, fine. Ramen it is."

Naruto's grin widened. "Sweet!"

As they entered Ichiraku Ramen, Teuchi and Ayame greeted them warmly.

"Well, if it isn't our best customer!" Teuchi chuckled, placing two steaming bowls in front of them before Naruto even ordered. "On the house today—heard you've been working hard."

Naruto beamed. "Seriously?! You're the best, old man!"

Teuchi waved him off with a smile. "Just don't eat my entire stock."

Sakura giggled at the exchange, watching as Naruto eagerly grabbed his chopsticks and dug in.

At first, she just ate normally, stealing a glance at him every so often.

Then, without realizing it, she found herself watching him.

Not just the way he ate—though he was still a bit messy—but his expressions, his posture, the way his muscles moved beneath his cloak. He wasn't a clumsy, loud boy anymore. His movements were fluid, calculated. He had the aura of someone capable, dependable… strong.

When did he start looking so… mature?

She caught herself staring and quickly turned back to her food.

Focus, Sakura!

Naruto sighed in contentment, rubbing his stomach. "Man, I missed Ichiraku's."

Sakura smirked. "You were gone for a year, not a lifetime."

"Felt like a lifetime." He turned to her, resting his cheek on his fist. "By the way, how've you been? You seem stronger."

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Noticed, huh?"

"Of course I did," Naruto said, smiling softly. "I've always noticed."

Sakura blinked, feeling warmth creep up her neck.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked, trying to sound unimpressed.

Naruto shrugged. "Dunno. Just saying you've always been strong."

Sakura froze for a split second.

She had spent years chasing after Sasuke, feeling like she was never enough—too weak, too useless. But Naruto had always believed in her, even when she doubted herself.

And now… he wasn't just some goofy idiot saying it.

He was Naruto, the one who had stood up to Gaara, who had trained under Jiraiya, who had become a force of nature.

And he was looking at her with the same admiration he always had.

She quickly shoved a piece of pork into her mouth, hoping he wouldn't notice the pink dusting her cheeks.

After finishing their meal, they walked through the village streets. The sky had darkened, stars beginning to twinkle above them. The lanterns hanging from shop stalls cast a warm, golden glow over the streets.

Sakura sighed. "It's been a while since I just… walked through the village like this."

Naruto nodded. "Yeah. It's nice."

Sakura glanced at him, hesitating before speaking.

"Hey… I never really got to say it before, but…" She took a deep breath. "I'm glad you're back."

Naruto stopped walking for a second, surprised. Then, he gave her one of his brightest smiles.

"Me too."

Her heart skipped.

Damn it.

They continued walking, but Sakura found herself stealing glances at him more and more.

And for the first time, she didn't brush those thoughts away.

Maybe… just maybe…

She liked the idea of Naruto being more than just a teammate.

To Be Continued…