And the road of flowers is so long

As time passed and the festival approached, Akina became increasingly nervous. This soon became apparent to the boys around her. "You shouldn't be so afraid," said Itachi, sitting next to her on the couch in the living room, trying to reassure her. "Aren't you nervous? You'll be the center of attention. All those reporters, interviews," she said, but from the expression on Uchiha's face, she could tell that he didn't care. "Well, I'm going to go shoot some guns," she sighed, getting up and realizing that none of her team shared her concerns. However, archery wasn't as good as it used to be today. "You should calm down. Worrying about nothing will do you any good," she heard Uchiha's voice behind her. She turned around. He was sitting on a bench under a tree, playing with a kunai. "It's easy for you to say. How many other civilians do you think are part of the clan teams besides me?" she asked. He remained silent. He had nothing to say, and he understood what she was getting at. "Exactly, not at all." The girl continued without waiting for an answer. "I'm the only ordinary mortal who participates in this. So you won't be the only one in the spotlight. And if you think I'm thrilled about it, you shouldn't think so." She drew the bowstring and then felt his hands on her waist, and she almost let go of the bowstring, risking injury. He pulled her towards him, then took her by the shoulders and forced her to lean against his body. She felt the contours of his strong torso and couldn't help but freeze. "Don't slouch and don't strain so much. And don't worry about missing," he advised, lifting the bow slightly, taking hold of its shaft, wrapping his fingers around her palm. The girl fired and hit the nine. "You see, it's not bad," he said, and she felt him smile. "Try again." She looked uncertainly over her shoulder at him. "Don't look at me, look at the target and don't worry," he said. The girl had no choice but to follow his advice. As a result, she hit the bullseye. "Now try it yourself," said Itachi, stepping away from her. A couple more shots, and she'd make it. Uchiha-senpai's advice was helpful, and his presence, along with Neji's, gave her confidence. However, she couldn't rely on it during the competition, as neither of them would be there. After practicing for a while, she approached the bench under the tree where Itachi was sitting and took a seat next to him for a break. "Well, you see, everything works out when you don't bother your head with extraneous thoughts," Uchiha Sr. concluded. "That doesn't change the fact that the festival will start soon," the girl said, sighing heavily. Itachi realized that nothing would change as long as she thought about it, and decided to change the subject. "Listen, the day those targets were set up, and when you broke into my room in the evening and found me in an inappropriate state... "He said, nodding towards the targets. The guy paused meaningfully, watching her face turn red with embarrassment. "I'm not going to discuss your charms with you," she said as sternly as possible, standing up from the bench, ready to leave. Itachi almost laughed at the sight of her serious, flushed face. "That's not what I'm talking about. I wanted to ask you why you came." Although, if you want, we can talk about my charms too," he said with a grin, his eyes mocking her. Akina gave him a withering look that clearly said what she wanted to do to him, and that he wouldn't like it in any case. She abruptly stood up from the bench, turned around, and walked away, muttering under her breath. Itachi watched her go, smiling. "Better to be angry with me than to worry about me," he thought. Despite everything, the opening of the festival took place in Konoha a few days later. Many guests came from all over the Land of Fire and from neighboring countries. First, there was supposed to be a throne speech by the Hokage, then a memorial service in memory of those who died during the last war, then entertainment events. After the speech, everyone returned home to put on mourning clothes. After changing her clothes, Akina went downstairs and saw guys in black kimonos sitting at a table. There was a platter of sushi in the center of the table, and instead of the traditional sakazuki for a memorial service, each young man had a chawan with green tea. "Are you dressed up like old people?" — the girl was indignantly surprised. "We decided to honor the memory of those who died in the World War. It doesn't hurt for you to join too," Itachi replied, giving her a stern look. "In an hour, the whole village will gather at the obelisk. That's where you're reminded. By the way, Itachi, this outfit suits you very well," Akina replied, heading for the exit. Uchiha, having taken a sip of tea at that moment, suddenly coughed. Sasuke, sitting next to him, patted him on the back. The girl's "compliment" sounded like an unconscious mockery, and Itachi understood it immediately. "Where are you going?" My brother asked sternly. "Are you going to the obelisk without flowers?" the girl asked. She entered the garden of her house and confidently walked towards a huge bush of white lilies. The large, elongated buds with small dark specks exuded a subtle, sweet fragrance. She cut as many flowers as she needed and returned to the manor house. The memorial ceremony, conducted by priests from the Temple of Fire, was relatively calm. Some attendees wiped away a few tears, while others openly cried, remembering the loss of loved ones or friends. After that, everyone returned home. Akina went upstairs to her room. She didn't want to go to a crowded square in a summer uniform with the notorious Uchiha clan emblem, which had caused her so many problems. She sat on the bed and looked at the clothes for a long time, examining the emblem on the T-shirt. The girl remembered over and over again how she had already worn the exact same one once, and what had come of it, shuddering inwardly. Suddenly, she remembered a favorite poem that she knew by heart and that always calmed her down. "I wish I could be that bee right now," she thought with a sad sigh. Preoccupied with her gloomy thoughts, she almost screamed when she heard an irritated knock on the door. "Aki, what are you stuck there for? You can do it quickly," she heard Yasuharu's annoyed voice from behind the door. "I'm on my way," Akina replied reluctantly. Strangely enough, they arrived at the square where all the participants in the sports competition were supposed to be on time. Morino Ibiki, the organizer of the competition, was about to announce the list of participants and the sports they were participating in. Akina noticed a group of young men and a young woman wearing a blue and white uniform with the emblem of the Hyuga clan. As if sensing her gaze, Neji looked towards a group of young men wearing blue and black uniforms with the emblem of the Uchiha clan, only to encounter the cold stare of Uchiha Senior. After the solemn approval of Tsunade's list, everyone dispersed throughout the square. Some went to the amusement rides, others to the food stalls, and still others to the souvenir booths. As Akina and her teammates walked through the square, she kept casting wary glances around her. She sensed the presence of stares and mockery. Although some people openly looked at her with disdain. Sasuke noticed this in time and, approaching the girl, put his hand on her waist in a showy gesture. "Don't pay attention, they're just jealous of you," he said loudly enough for everyone to hear. The girl blushed with embarrassment and looked at Uchiha Jr. with a frightened expression. Sasuke took her hand, and they caught up with the rest of their teammates, who had fallen behind. Soon, they were noticed by journalists who were scurrying between the teams. The flashes of cameras blinded them. "Mr. Itachi, please, a few words for our newspaper," was heard from the crowd of journalists. A perky girl with a dictaphone made her way to the guy. "This is your team's first participation in the clan competition. How do you rate your chances of winning?" she asked. "I don't think it's advisable to think ahead. You'll see everything if you attend the competition," Itachi replied calmly, with a slight smile. "Your team includes not only Shinobi, but also a civilian girl. Won't this be a hindrance to the opportunity to take a higher place?" she asked an obviously tricky question. "I think Akina will surprise you," Itachi replied, smiling, as if he had been expecting something like this. Akinu was blinded by the flashes of the cameras. She involuntarily backed up, but Haku stopped her, hiding her behind him. She occasionally observed the elder Uchiha. He was calm, confident, and possessed a strong leadership charisma. It was as if he could anticipate every question the reporter asked, never missing a beat in his responses. "Do you believe in her that much?" the journalist chuckled. "I believe in each of my team," said Itachi confidently. "Thank you very much, Mr. Itachi," she said. "Mr. Itachi, can we take a photo of your team?" asked one of the photographers. The guys lined up on either side of their leader. Akina huddled in the corner, pulling her navy blue baseball cap down over her face to hide her expression. "Would you stop shaking? You've got 'I'm panicking' written all over your face," said Yasuharu, standing nearby. "No, no. Put the girl in the center. She's the star of the team," said the photographer, and Haru, taking his sister by the waist, carefully handed her over to Itachi. She felt her knees buckle, and then his hands were on her shoulders, comforting her. "Don't worry, it's not a big deal," he whispered softly in her ear. The cameras clicked and the flashes flashed. "Now, if you don't mind, with the girl, Mr. Itachi," another photographer continued. The others dispersed, leaving them alone. He pulled her closer, still holding her by the shoulders. “Girl, smile, you’re not at a funeral,” another photographer chuckled. Akina took a few deep breaths to calm herself and tried to smile. However, when she felt Itachi's hand glide from her shoulder to her back in a slow, caressing motion, causing her to shudder, she almost jumped. Finally, the photo session came to an end, and she hurriedly stepped away from him. As she made her way through the shopping stalls, she couldn't help but marvel at the variety of items on display. From sweets and delicious food to beautiful souvenirs and accessories, there was something for everyone. As she strolled through the store, the vendors were eager to sell her their wares. However, as she passed by an accessory stand, she caught a glimpse of a small metal snowflake pendant hanging from a long leather cord, and her thoughts immediately turned to Haku. In all the time they had known each other, she had never given him a gift. A strange feeling washed over her. She wanted him to have something to remember her by, as if he were about to leave. After pushing away her strange, disturbing thoughts, she finally bought the pendant. Suddenly, her friends appeared and hung on her like ornaments on a Christmas tree. "Akina, you look great." This uniform suits you very well. Well, just like Uchiha Akina,— Asemi grinned. "Fuck off,— the girl muttered unhappily. Asemi laughed. "What are you wearing to the rout today"— asked Yuki. Akina was quite dejected when she remembered this. A lot of rich and noble people had come to the anniversary sports festival, and Tsunade, in order to stir up interest in the event, decided that it would be a good idea to have a personal conversation with the participants, which would be a great way to entertain the distinguished guests. Naturally, the presence of certain clan teams was mandatory, including the Uchiha clan team. Akina tried to get out of it, but the Hokage's orders were unwavering: their team had to be present in full force. "So, what color is the dress?" "Are the shoes high-heeled or low-heeled?" "What's the hairstyle?" They bombarded her with questions. The most remarkable thing is that she only found out about the style and color of the dress at the final fitting. The design and color scheme of the entire team's clothing were discussed only with the team captain. She hadn't yet thought about her hairstyle or anything else. A bad feeling persisted within her. "You'll see and find out," she replied evasively. "You're a pain," her friends complained. "I can't wait to see how handsome the boys will be today. I can't wait..." said Ryoko, blushing with embarrassment. "Yes," said the others dreamily. Akina did not share their enthusiasm. She saw Yasuharu walking towards them, looking around. "He's probably looking for me. He's going to reprimand me again. I'm getting away from the group and all that," she realized. When he saw her, he actually headed towards her. The girls, preoccupied with their fantasies, didn't notice his quiet approach. "Girls," he said in a velvety tone, flashing an emerald gaze that caused everyone to be stunned, "allow me to steal the star of our team from you." "Yes, please," they said in unison, not taking their eyes off him, clouded with pleasure. "Judging by their faces blooming like a scarlet rose, they would give him anything," Akina thought, watching what was happening. "She ran away again," her brother replied critically as they walked through the streets of Konoha together. "Am I supposed to tail you? Can I have my own interests?" Akina was indignant. "No," Yasuharu replied decisively. The girl gave the young man an angry look. As she turned the corner and entered the alley, she saw the rest of her team. Itachi looked around and, spotting a tea shop, suggested that they all go to the cafe. Everyone agreed. As soon as the elder Uchiha entered the establishment, a young ash-haired woman, slightly older than him, threw her arms around his neck. "Itachi, it's been a long time," she said. "Good to see you, Shinko," he replied, smiling warmly at his former teammate. The guys went deeper into the cafe and took an empty table. "You're here again, and you're not alone again," Shinko replied, giving Akina a meaningful look. "No, it's not what you think," Uchiha replied, following her gaze, then looked into his friend's dark, probing eyes. "You've never been good at lying, Uchiha," she concluded. "I don't understand what you're talking about," Itachi protested. "Stop being a show-off. You've chosen an easier path. Unlike Izumi, she doesn't need to be persuaded to leave the path of a shinobi," said Shinko sternly, confident in her own opinion. Heavy memories reflected in the sadness in Itachi's black eyes, and his friend noticed it, approaching him and embracing him again. "I just want you to be happy, finally. And the path to happiness is a hard road, especially for someone like you," she said quietly. They exchanged a few more words, and he joined his team at the table. Akina was pleasantly surprised to find that the teahouse was not only a place to drink tea, but also a place to buy it. After a good rest, they returned home. The girl hesitated at the door of Haku's room, but then, taking a deep breath as if she were about to dive into the water, she knocked and entered after his permission. The boy was lying on the bed, his long, unkempt hair spread out on the pillow. "Akina, is something wrong?" he was alarmed, getting up. "And why does something have to happen?" the girl replied a little irritably, sitting down on the edge of his bed. "I'm sorry, he said, a little embarrassed, running his fingers through his heavy long hair. Haku looked at he"r questioningly, as if waiting for an explanation. She silently handed him the pendant. The guy looked at the slightly swinging small pendant in Akina's hands in surprise and a little discouraged for a while. "Is that for me???" after a short pause, he finally clarified. "Well, who else," she said, sitting behind him and helping him tie the shoelace, wrapping it around his neck a couple of times. Akina did not see how the guy's face turned a slight blush. When she was done, she put her arm around his shoulders and rested her head on his shoulder, touching his chin. "Do you know what it means when a girl gives a guy gifts?" he said softly, smiling slightly. "It means that a girl likes to give gifts," Akina replied, not understanding his hint or skillfully pretending that she did not understand. Her gaze slowly swept over his face: fair skin, thin eyebrows, large, dark brown eyes with a moist sheen, framed by a fan of thick black lashes, and sensual, light coral-colored lips. "He really does look like a girl," she thought more than once, staring at Haku like that. The slight thinness of his figure, his relatively short stature for a man, and his glossy, long hair only added to the resemblance. Akina stood up and, walking around him, looked at her handiwork. "Like I thought, it looks great," she said, sitting down in front of him and touching the pendant with her fingers. The guy froze. There was something special about this moment and her light touch. She met his eyes, and he swallowed nervously. Her gaze drifted over his soft features again, stopping on his slightly parted lips. "Thank you," Haku said quietly, smiling warmly. The girl pulled away, giving him a calm smile, as if there had never been a spark between them. Or maybe he was just imagining things, and nothing extraordinary had actually happened. "Come get dressed before the rout at our place. Anyway, Mom won't let anyone out alive without face control and a dress code," Akina suggested. The guy chuckled, remembering Mrs. Fumi's strictness in preparing for a crucial event. "Okay," he had no choice but to agree. The girl left his room.