— ; These tattered pieces of cloth, woven by her endurance, and love... ...for her it was useless. How could he like it, if it was not whole? Yet, he stood and asked for those pieces, and somehow he made it whole, again.

— ; To think that your words came true. I fondly think back of this time, and find myself smiling.

Oh, how butterflies begin to flutter at her stomach. Her heart audible, beating loudly in her ears, and her face flushed, red like a tomato. Nothing could deny her bashfulness when she was around Naruto. It had always been that way, since the beginning.

It only feels like yesterday when she was a genin. She remembers it clearly, the trials and tribulations. Oh, how time and people have changed her.

"Today is the day of love, valentine's day. Please do not forget that you are worth the love from yourself, too."

Days pass and time fades into new, but her heart lingers onto past memories. Daydreaming, whimsical. Nostalgia whisks her away, pulling like ocean waves. But the present holds her firmly, a reminder that the future holds many surprises, waiting for her to find them.

It has taught me with patience and kindness since I was a child, frightened of the fire I could suddenly call down. My strength now yours and mine– ours.

Whatever path we choose to take, our hearts shall ever lead us to the same end, that I am certain.

You make mistakes. But because of those mistakes... you get the strength to stand up to them. That's why I think you're truly strong.

We fail, we stumble, we get lost, we make missteps... but... we just have to keep walking the path anyway, one step at a time. You're stronger than you think, you know?

Old pain, shadows forgotten from dreams too real. But the present provides a balm, soothing the old pain. Warmth surrounds her in the form of laughter, smiles and their presence. It fills her heart with joy, love.

Perhaps she should come around more often. It has been too long. “Where has the time gone…?” she murmurs to herself. A soft, small smile adorns her face as she lets out a quiet sigh. Nostalgic.