"Tree of Crystal Petals"

A month had passed since Kiseki began his tireless efforts to unlock his chakra. Despite his determination, success remained out of reach. Each failed attempt only fueled his frustration, especially with less than two months remaining before the imminent attack of the Kyubi. The weight of this looming threat bore heavily on his young shoulders, making it difficult for him to focus on anything else.

However, amidst this tension, the Haruno family found a reason to celebrate. Their home had been blessed with the arrival of its newest member: baby Sakura Haruno. After spending several days in an incubator due to her delicate condition, Sakura had finally been discharged. Her presence brought a wave of joy that momentarily swept away lingering worries.

As soon as they entered the house, Kiseki was the first to hold his little sister. He cradled her carefully in his small arms and gazed at her tiny face. Her skin was soft, her cheeks round, and her eyes barely opened as she yawned. In that moment, a strange yet overwhelming warmth filled Kiseki's chest. Tears pricked his eyes as he realized just how much love he already felt for her.

"I'll protect you," Kiseki whispered, almost to himself, his voice trembling with emotion. He tightened his grip slightly, as if afraid she might slip away, while a quiet resolve began to burn within him. No matter what, he would keep her safe.

Mebuki and Kizashi stood nearby, watching the tender scene unfold. They couldn't help but smile at the sight of their son holding his baby sister so lovingly.

"She's in good hands," Kizashi remarked softly, earning an approving nod from Mebuki.

What made the occasion even more special was that it coincided with Kiseki's fourth birthday, a fact he had completely forgotten. His focus had been so consumed by his attempts to unlock his chakra and the pressure of the impending Kyubi attack that the thought of his own celebration hadn't even crossed his mind.

As they returned home, Kiseki remained entirely absorbed in caring for Sakura. He didn't notice when his father slipped away quietly. Kizashi had gone ahead to prepare a surprise: a blueberry cake, Kiseki's favorite, and a small but meaningful gift to commemorate not only his son's birthday but also Sakura's arrival into the family.

Just as they approached the front door, Kiseki paused and turned to his mother.

"Mom, can you open the door?" he asked.

But before Mebuki could respond, a loud and cheerful "Surprise!" rang out behind them.

Kiseki jumped in surprise and turned to see Kizashi standing in the doorway, holding a beautifully decorated cake. The vibrant blue frosting and carefully arranged blueberries made it clear that his father had put a lot of thought into it.

Unfortunately, Kizashi's booming voice startled Sakura, who immediately began to cry. Her tiny wails pierced the air, and Kiseki instinctively tried to soothe her.

"Kizashi!" Mebuki scolded, her expression shifting from amused to annoyed. "Why do you have to yell like that when you know she's so sensitive?"

Kizashi's smile faltered as he realized his mistake. His shoulders slumped under the weight of his wife's glare and his son's disapproving look.

"I didn't mean to…" Kizashi began, but Mebuki cut him off.

"Come with me to the basement," she said firmly, grabbing his arm. "We need to have a serious talk about how to raise a baby. It's not the same as raising a toddler."

"Yes, dear…" Kizashi murmured, casting a helpless glance at Kiseki as his wife dragged him away.

Before they disappeared, Kiseki shouted teasingly, "Mom, save me some of the scolding too, okay?"

"I'll try, sweetheart," Mebuki replied without missing a beat, her tone light but authoritative.

Left alone with Sakura, Kiseki focused all his attention on calming her. He gently rocked her in his arms, but her cries persisted. Thinking quickly, he placed her in her crib and began making silly faces. He puffed out his cheeks, crossed his eyes, and even made exaggerated noises. Slowly but surely, Sakura's sobs turned into soft giggles. Her tiny hands reached out for him, and Kiseki felt a surge of relief and pride.

When everyone returned to the table, the family gathered for a small but heartfelt celebration. Kizashi, now sporting a few light bruises from his earlier scolding, joined Mebuki, Kiseki, and Sakura. The cake sat in the center of the table, its candles flickering gently.

"Happy birthday, Kiseki!" Kizashi and Mebuki sang in unison.

Sakura, of course, had no idea what was happening. She simply stared in fascination at the glowing candles and the bright colors of the cake.

"Go on, son," Kizashi encouraged. "Blow out the candles and make a wish."

Kiseki closed his eyes, his thoughts briefly drifting to all the worries and uncertainties in his life. But when he heard Sakura's soft coos and felt the warmth of his family around him, his wish became clear.

"I wish moments like this could last forever," he thought. "May our happiness never fade."

After cutting and enjoying the cake, Kizashi handed Kiseki a small box.

"This is for you and Sakura," he said with a smile.

Kiseki opened the box to find two bracelets inside. One was made of silver, designed for him, while the other was crafted from a soft, baby-safe material for Sakura. Both bracelets featured small crystals. His had a pink, teardrop-shaped crystal with a hollow center, while Sakura's had a green, droplet-shaped crystal.

"What's this?" Kiseki asked curiously.

"They're special bracelets," Kizashi explained. "Yours represents your promise to protect Sakura, and hers symbolizes her connection to you. Even though she's small, she'll always be there for you in her own way."

Mebuki added warmly, "When the crystals touch, they form a complete bond—a reminder that you'll always be connected, no matter what."

Kiseki brought the bracelets together and watched in awe as the green droplet fit perfectly into the hollow of the pink teardrop. The completed symbol shimmered in the light, filling Kiseki with a sense of wonder and pride.

"Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Dad," Kiseki said, his voice filled with emotion.

In that moment, Kiseki felt a renewed sense of purpose. Looking at Sakura, he silently vowed that he would always protect her, no matter the challenges ahead.