As the days went by, I survived. That's what the Four did: we survived. I went back to my horses, my sacks of manure and my thoughts about Sasuke. A thousand times I wanted to cry, but I held back.
I dragged myself through Friday, clinging to the hope that everything would return to normal as soon as they announced the Selection and I wasn't among them. There were two vacancies for the Tea Village and a thousand prettier, more interesting, more gifted girls. I didn't need to worry.
I'd already fantasized it all in my head. Sasuke sneaking in at dawn, asking me to forgive him, telling me that he loved me and that he'd been a fool. Maybe even a marriage proposal. Or maybe it was too soon to think about it. For now, having him back was enough for me.
It was ten minutes before the Official Journal started, and we were already in place. It was impossible that my family alone wouldn't want to miss a second of the announcement.
Konan made popcorn as if we were going to watch a movie.
- I remember when Queen Kushina was chosen. Oh, I knew from the start that it would be her," she said nostalgically.
- Did you take part in the draw, Grandma? - Moegi asked.
- No, my sweet. Grandma was too young to enter. I was lucky because I got to stay with Grandpa - my mother patted my father's chest twice before snuggling up to him. My father put his arm around her shoulders and held her close. I could have taken a photo of that moment, but instead I made a silent request that my wedding would be like that one day.
- She was beautiful. The most beautiful," commented Konan, picking Moegi up from the carpet and sitting her on Pain's lap, who was in the armchair. Then she sat down next to me.
- She would have been a great queen if she'd had the time... - my father murmured regretfully.
Finally, the clock struck eight. The coat of arms of the Land of Fire appeared on the screen, accompanied by an instrumental version of the national anthem.
The Queen appeared shortly afterwards and made a brief statement about the war. The other messages were also short, conveying a light mood. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood. Perhaps the Selection was exciting for them too.
Finally, the master of ceremonies came on stage and announced the arrival of Orochimaru, who addressed the royal family.
- Good evening, Your Majesty," he greeted, bowing slightly to the Queen.
- "Orochimaru, it's always a pleasure to see you," she replied, and her light brown eyes sparkled with genuine excitement.
- Anxious about the announcement, Your Majesty?
- Oh, yes. Yesterday I was in the hall where the lottery was held and I saw some of the selected girls. They're all lovely.
Orochimaru arched an eyebrow, his green eyes sharp like those of an experienced journalist.
- So, does Your Majesty already know who they are?
- Just a few, just a few," replied the Queen, with an enigmatic smile.
- And have you shared this information with Your Highness? - he asked, turning to Naruto.
The prince smiled, trying to hide his nervousness.
- No, not at all. I'm going to meet them at the same time as the rest of the country.
Next to me, I felt Konan hold my hand, which was resting on the carpet, as if seeking support.
- "Your Majesty," Orochimaru called out, now addressing Princess Karin, who until then had been talking to Prince Suigetsu. She didn't hesitate to move away from her fiancé and walked elegantly towards the journalist.
- Any advice for those selected?
Karin smiled serenely. I was very young when Queen Kushina was murdered, but if the princess really did look like her, I understood perfectly why King Minato only had eyes for his chosen one.
- Enjoy your last night as normal girls," said the princess. - Tomorrow, your lives will change forever. And an old but valuable piece of advice: be yourselves.
- Wise words, my princess, wise words - praised Orochimaru.
He then turned to the camera, adopting a solemn tone.
- And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for has arrived. We're going to reveal the thirty-four young women chosen for the Selection! Please join me in congratulating the new representatives of the Land of Fire.
The national coat of arms returned to the screen, followed by Naruto's face in a small frame in the top right-hand corner. The intention was to capture his reactions as the photos of the selected girls appeared on the screen.
Orochimaru was holding some cards and was ready to announce the names of the girls who, according to the princess, would have their lives changed forever. The Selection was starting right then and there.
- Miss Mitsashi Tenten, from Key Village, Caste Three.
The image of a young brunette appeared on the screen. Chocolate brown hair and eyes. Maybe she was my age, but there was something about her that made her seem more mature. Naruto whispered something to Prince Suigetsu.
- Miss Hyuuga Hinata, from Nadeshikino Village, Caste Two.
A picture of a delicate girl appeared. Porcelain skin, refined posture. She looked like a real lady. Naruto perked up.
- Miss Yamanaka Ino, from the Tea Village, Caste Two.
The shout I let out made Konan startle and let go of my hand. My bucket of popcorn flew upwards as I grabbed the phone.
- Sakura, let go, it's not over yet! - My mother held my wrist while I tried to dial the Yamanaka's number with my other hand.
That's when I heard it.
- Miss Haruno Sakura, also from the Tea Village, Caste Four.
My gaze went back to the TV, stunned. There was my photo - taken shortly after I found out that Sasuke was going to propose. My face radiated happiness, hope... and love. A love that, to anyone, would seem to be directed towards Prince Naruto.
My mother shouted in my ear. Konan jumped up, scattering even more popcorn on the floor. Pain got excited and started practicing a dance with Moegi. My father smiled at me, an enigmatic smile, before being covered by an avalanche of kisses from my mother, who could hardly contain her excitement.
I, on the other hand, had completely lost any trace of Naruto's expression.
The phone rang.
And it kept ringing day after day.