Anything for you that's the reason I exist

by Gravenimage

He will do anything just make her happy just to see her smile at him. Now she will do anything just to make him happy just to see him smile at her. From Naru/Hina Sasu/Saku to Naru/Saku Sasu/Hina after ch 450 lemons included you've been warned.

1. New beginning for Konoha

Chapter 1 New beginning for Konoha: a painful sacrifice that will hurt forever

Disclaimer: you know the drill people I don't own Naruto I only like writing fanfiction of the series.

'' this means thoughts.

Bold letters Kyuubi speaking or inner Sakura

Italics are flashbacks

Authors Notes: to all the readers this is yet another story I have been thinking and pondering in writing for a very long time, the truth is I've been waiting for the fight between Naruto and Pain to end. Now where the manga is going I have finally decided to write it, this is obviously happening after chapter 450 so expect a lot of spoilers. Obviously everything happening is NOT how it's going to happen in the official manga because I don't have a clue of what will happen next, because hey I'm not Masashi Kishimoto duh. So please review if you like the story but I will say if you people like my "Taming two hearts or breaking one story" then you will like this story. A warning to all of you the main couples in this story will be very unlikely of me, but you will know in future chapters what I have in mind. I already have ideas for the upcoming chapters, so without saying another word enjoy the story and this chapter. Also chapter 16 of am I worthy to love you will come out soon so the story is NOT on hiatus people.

The village hidden in the leaves Konoha has definitely been through a lot lately, they are a lot of things to prove this point. First the village was attacked by the leader of Akatsuki Pain or more precise Nagato, the village suffered a number of casualties' from both civilian and ninja population alike worst than any war the village has ever been in history. Secondly the village was destroyed by the same man who wields the ultimate dojutsu the rinnegan using a powerful attack, but just as the village was beginning to lose hope a ray of light appeared to save the village from its extinction. Uzumaki Naruto was the one who saved the village, returning from his sage training with Fukasaku. He finally meet Pain face to face the same person responsible for killing his teacher Jiraiya, had a personal score to settle with him plus the way the village destroyed and demolished he was filled with anger to fulfilled his revenge.

Every villager who were either wounded or not they witnessed what probably was the most epic fight ever in ninja history, the one and only Uzumaki Naruto container of the Kyuubi fought against Pain with a powerful will. Just like that they watched as Naruto defeated all of Pain's bodies until he was facing the last two of his bodies between them was his close friend and teammate Haruno Sakura who was very impressed at his new strength, one was God realm Pain and the other hungry ghost realm. For once Naruto he was going to be defeated even if he didn't wanted to admitted, giving up was never in his dictionary. However hungry ghost realms special ability to drain chakra have him at the brink of defeat, athough Naruto thought of a plan by giving all of his sage chakra. Eventually hungry ghost realm couldn't control the sage chakra and he was eventually turned into a toad, being defeated in the end which the god realm Pain was the only one standing. Naruto didn't have any strength left to fight, he fought with everything he had, but the god realm Pain was strong and he managed to stop the blond.

Naruto didn't want to believe it but it happened, after all the training he went through to get strong he was defeated by Pain nailed on the ground by a couple of chakra rods. And just before he thought he failed in protecting his village and his friends someone came to saved him, his savior was none other than Hyuga Hinata who stopped Pain from taking him. At first he was scare why would she get in the way and try to fight him, he told her to get out of the way but to his futile attempt the Hyuga heiress didn't do such a thing. He was completely shocked when Hinata told him her heartwarming confession, that all this time she wanted to be with him to walk talked and walked the same path with him. Then his eyes widened as he heard three words that he never thought someone will tell him, she told him she loves him and she wasn't afraid to die protecting him. It was at that moment that he opened his eyes to reality, it made sense to all this time why her behavior around him was blushing and fainting it was quite obvious and he had to find out in the last moment.

He was tormented and angry seeing Hinata charging at Pain using her gentle fist, but god realm Pain blew her off with his technique shinra tensei. He screamed in agony as Pain stabbed her with one of his chakra rods, unleashing his anger and awakening the power of the nine tails fox sealed within. Once again he has turned into the four tails demon he attacked Pain without mercy, during the fight Pain had no choice but to flee the destroyed village while the four tailed Kyuubi Naruto followed him with revenge burning deep within. As anger grew his tails grow and eventually he turned into its eight tail form, Pain was left with no choice but to use his strongest technique on him chibaku tensei. But the eight tail beast was too powerful defeating his technique which shocked Pain a lot, while inside his mind Naruto was struggling with himself to find the answer to Pain's question about hatred and peace. In the end he couldn't find peace but he was ready to sell his soul to the Kyuubi, just as he was ready to peel off the seal that keeps the demon fox seal he was saved from making the biggest mistake in his entire life.

The one and only fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato appeared and stopped him from taking the seal off, after that he told him everything including the big secret that he was Naruto's father. Naruto punched his stomach with anger and sorrow, demanding to know why he would seal the Kyuubi in his own son. Minato could only apologize to his son for doing such a thing, among that he told him that the Kyuubi was being controlled the day it attacked the village by a masked stranger from Akatsuki. Before leaving the fourth redid the seal in Naruto's stomach, returning him back to normal and ready to face god realm Pain in one final decisive match. In the end Naruto managed to defeat the last Pain body, after using his sage chakra to trace the chakra from Pain using one of his chakra rods he finally found the location to the real Pain's hideout while his body was attacking Konoha. He finally met the real Pain Nagato face to face he wanted to know his actions, while he was filled with hatred from everything he did to the village and Jiraiya.

Nagato told him his past and everything that happened to him, the death of his parents at the hands of ninjas from Konoha and the death of his best friend Yahiko by his own hand by mistake. Nagato didn't believe in Jiraiya his formal teacher words that someday peace will come and people will understand each other. However Naruto proved him wrong and made him believe in Jiraiya's vision and dream, by using the first book he ever wrote which was title" The legend of the gutsy ninja" after Nagato heard the name of the main character he finally understood what Jiraiya was trying to tell him. The main characters name is Naruto and from that moment on Nagato chose to believe in him with last bit of strength and chakra left he used a technique to revive all of the people that he killed when he invaded Konoha. As the seventh Pain Nagato had the powers to control life and death, which he used this technique to bring back everyone from Konoga as a sign that he believe in Naruto.

Everyone in the village was indeed revived thanks to Nagato from Shizune to Kakashi, Nagato's friend and partner Konan also believe in him the same way Nagato did. As a token of that trust she gave him two flowers made of paper, Naruto kindly took her gift and the blue haired woman left with both bodies of her two friends which Yahiko was god realm Pain. Before she left she told him that she was going to help him along with the hidden rain village, he smiled as she finally left with the bodies of her two friends leaving Akatsuki as well to never return again. Naruto returned to Konoha completely exhausted, before collapsing he was caught by Kakashi who was very proud of him. He did the impossible defeating the man who killed Jiraiya and the man who possessed the strongest dojutsu ever, returning to Konoha he was greeted by the whole village with thunderous applause and cheers. To say he was shocked was a statement, but he couldn't help but cry as the same village who used to hate him were now cheering for him for saving them calling him hero.

He was greeted by the young generation which they were so happy and excited to finally meet the great hero of Konoha, Sakura welcomed him with a punch to his face some things wouldn't change. However what shocked him so much was that Sakura the same girl he has love for as long as he remembers has hugged him. It was tearful hug but she holds him tenderly and she told him a soft thank you. He was happy while his heart was beating so fast, he took her hug gladly as he hugged her back whether the thank you she told him was for saving the village or for coming back alive or even for both. Everyone watched at the beautiful scene with smile in their faces to even shock or amusing grins, members of the rookie nine saw the hug and they just smile even Hinata felt happy. She eventually though even if she confessed her feelings to Naruto she wasn't expecting the blond to return her feelings back. One would think that peace has finally returned to Konoha and the fight was finally over, but they never realized that it was just the beginning of things to come.

An emergency meeting was called by the fire country's council, the fire lord and the Konoha council to decide the next course of action. Eventually the war hawk Danzou stated the next topic which was who was going to be the Rokudaime Hokage, since the Godaime Tsunade was in a coma for using all of her chakra to saved the villagers when Pain destroyed the village. Nara Shikaku who was present in the meeting nominated Kakashi, the fire lord and the fire country council was please to hear that. After all Kakashi was an exceptional ninja with great skills, son of Hatake Sokumo formally known as the white fang and student of the fourth Hokage. However Danzou protested against his decision and nominated himself to be the Rokudaime, he blame Konoha's weak state of rule because of the diseased Sandaime Hiruzen Sarutobi way of thinking and his teachings. The invasion on the village between Orochimaru and the sand village to Uchiha Sasuke's defection from Konoha, to the attack by Pain he blame it all of the Sandaime and his students. The fire lord understanding Danzou's point of view decided to name him the Rokudaime Hokage which brought an evil grin on the war hawk's mummified face.

Shikaku didn't like the idea of Danzou becoming Hokage, he asked the fire lord and the council to humbly think this through knowing that putting the war hawk as the new hokage it will be like sending Konoha to its eternal doom. However the fire lord and his council made the decision final and there was no need to argue about it anymore, while Danzou was grinning evilly in his mind finally claiming victory. With him As Hokage his new regime will begin and a new age for the leaf village will now begin, he will make his laws absolute and he have will total complete control of the government within Konoha. Soon he will spread the forces of Konoha to the other hidden villages and expand the territory to divide and conquer Konoha will rule the five elemental countries with an iron fist. And he will rule mighty and tall no one getting in his way, he will reign supreme over everything like a king claiming his possession the whole land.

Soon the word was spread throughout the village about the meeting and about the new Hokage, a lot of people were outrage by this revelation and most of them were the ones loyal to Tsunade. Naruto among them was very upset how they could put such an evil and power hungry man as the village leader, Danzou was responsible for the death of Yahiko and the reason why Nagato became Pain meaning that it was his fault that Konoha was destroyed. Not to mention that he has come to hate the war hawk and he wasn't the only one, but almost the entire ninja population who were loyal to Tsunade hate him a lot. Things become worst as Konoha received a visit from ninjas of the hidden cloud village, they send a message about the meeting between the five kages to handle the threat of Akatsuki. The other news they brought was the sudden capture of the Raikage's brother and jinchurikki Kirabi at the hands of Akatsuki, but the worst part was that they told that the one who captured him was none other than Uchiha Sasuke.

Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi didn't take the news well they just couldn't believe that their friend and teammate has joined Akatsuki the same organization responsible for the destruction of Konoha. Naruto didn't said a word after finding out about his best friend, he refuse to talk to no one not even Sakura which infuriated her a lot since he always talk to her whenever something bother him. However the ninja population wasn't going to stand around and do nothing while a mad man was about to take control of the power of the village, every single ninja who was loyal to the Godaime arrive at a secret meeting held by Shikaku to overthrown Danzou from the position of Hokage. Naruto along with the members of the Konoha eleven join the revolutionary movement, everyone that join the rebel movement was for the sake of the village and its safety.

A week after Danzou was nominated as the Rokudaime Hokage on a dark night, before Danzou gave his new laws and rule to the village or even to start the reconstruction of the village the movement was made by the Tsunade's loyal followers. Civilians as well as Konoha ninjas genins, chunins and jounins alike along with the ANBU who were loyal to Tsunade attack the village with one purpose only, to get rid of Danzou and his soon to be dictatorship. Unfortunately for them Danzou has suspected that the people were going to rise against him and he has send his ROOT forces to handle them, the conflict was fierce and unpredictable. They were a lot of casualties from both sides it seems that the battle was in favor of Danzou until they had help from someone they didn't expect to see. Uchiha Sasuke arrived at Konoha and was shocked to see the village destroyed, however he was grinning in satisfaction when he heard who the new Hokage was. The same man who was responsible for making his brother killed the Uchiha clan and the one who caused his pain and Itachi's pain, he gladly helped the Tsunade loyalist fighting alongside the happy Naruto and Sakura.

Thanks to everyone's efforts the battle was over, Danzou was capture and executed along with the remaining members of ROOT. The other two elders from the council Homura and Koharu were sent to prison for keeping the secret of the Uchiha clan massacre because Sasuke told them everything, they all felt shocked and terrified to learn the horrible truth that Itachi was never a traitor to begin with because he was only obeying orders from the council from the start. In three days the battle was over and the conflict ended, Sasuke chose to stay with Konoha and help the village in any way he could. Of course Sasuke pay the prize for the consequences of his actions, first before heading out to Konoha Madara suspected that Sasuke was going to betray him and he wasn't happy. He ended up killing his team, Juugo, Karin and Suigetsu were killed by the powerful Uchiha but Sasuke manage to escape heading to Konoha on his own.

After the conflict between Danzou and the Tsunade loyalist ended the fire lord found out about the battle, he couldn't risk losing the village of Konoha since the village itself helps him gain lots of capital so he chose a new Rokudaime Hokage. Which just like Shikaku personally pick Hatake Kakash at first the copy ninja was shocked to be nominated for such a position, but none the less he took the offer with gratitude and became the new Hokage. Everyone cheered and celebrated for their new Hokage including his formal genin team, as for Sasuke he was arrested and sent to an ANBU prison. Even if he helped the village to defeat Danzou he was still a traitor, they still needed to figure out what to do with him. The first order Kakashi made was to begin the reconstruction of the village immediately, which everyone agreed they were going to rebuild the village and it was going to look better than ever.

The revolution between Danzou and his supporters and the Tsunade loyalist was written in the history books of Konoha, the conflict which only lasted three days was known as the leaf civil war. Everyone contributed with reconstruction of the village, even those who belonged to the Konoha eleven. Although Naruto didn't like the idea that Sasuke was locked away in a cage he was still happy to help everyone with rebuild, he was grateful to help the villagers the same people who have acknowledge his existence and think of him as a hero.

(Time skip: three months later after the leaf civil war)

Konoha was finally rebuild thanks to everyone's support, among them were their allies from the hidden sand village and waterfall village. Gaara had no trouble helping Konoha with funds to help rebuild the village after everything Konoha has done for him, especially Naruto saving him from himself and being capture by Akatsuki. Although the Kazekage was shocked when he found out that Konoha was destroyed by the leader of Akatsuki, he wasn't surprise finding out that Naruto defeated him he always knew he was a strong ninja. Waterfall help with the funds without a second thought, the leader Shibuki had Naruto to thank after everything he and his team did for his village. Even other countries started giving funds to help with the leaf village rebuild, tea country, wave country, spring country, demon country, bird country, among others more have given them their support to help with the rebuild. In just three months Konoha was rebuild even better than before, the Hokage monument have made the face of Kakashi the Rokudaime next to Tsunade's face.

Tsunade was still in a coma and she was still resting soundly at the hospital no one didn't know when she was going to wake up, not even the best medics could tell like Shizune and Sakura, as for Sasuke he was still in the ANBU prison heavily guarded. Kakashi said that he will remain in prison until he starts showing a good behavior that he has change for the better, most likely he was going to stay in jail for a year. Of course the Uchiha always had visitors every once in a while Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi visited him to see how he was doing. The village was not happy that their Hokage has ordered such a light sentence to the Uchiha traitor, when the most appropriate sentence should be execution. Konoha was not the only village that was not happy with the Hokage's decision, cloud was upset especially the Raikage. He has find out about Sasuke's fate and he didn't like it one bit, this was the same man that capture his brother and put his life at risk knowing what would happen to a jinchurikki if the Bijuu is extracted.

Even if his brother Kirabi returned to the cloud village safe and sound, he still wanted justice for Sasuke's actions. Kakashi has ensured him that Sasuke was going to be constantly watched by ANBU twenty four seven, and if he plans to leave the village again he was going to be executed on the spot. The Raikage was still not satisfied with the Hokage's decision, but nevertheless he accepted his offer after all he wanted to have a new start with the hidden leaf village. After what happened with the Hyuga clan incident years ago, he wanted to help Konoha because he knew that the last Raikage made the order to kidnap the heiress of the clan. He even offered the Hokage a treaty to form an alliance between leaf and cloud, which Kakashi accepted to have one in the future. Another important subject that was brought during the past moths was the meeting of the five kages requested by the Raikage, the meeting was about to take action against Akatsuki.

Kakashi requested to send large groups of ANBU to have them scatter and start finding them they already know that they all have different lairs throughout the five countries. He also stated that they clearly have the advantage against the organization, since they have taken out most of their members including the leader Pain meaning that only a couple were left. Also another advantage is that thanks to Jiraiya's last effort they knew that the location to the Akatsuki main base was in the hidden rain village, according to the information he received from a group of ANBU he send the village itself was empty and it seems that the people were move out to another place. In conclusion the five kages agreed to the Hokage's idea to send group of their ANBU and start finding the remaining members of Akatsuki, one way or the other they organization must be stop at all cost.

After three months the village has gotten back to normal, the villagers resume their daily activities the merchants and other business owners continued running their business and the ninjas resumed their ninja activities in doing missions. A certain blond has left Ichiraku's wearing his casual village clothes and he was now walking the streets of the village smiling, the villagers that passed him by smile at him while saying hello. Every single person that saw him they always smile and will say a polite hello, Uzumaki Naruto was feeling so happy he wasn't used to this kind of treatment compare to the kind of treatment he received from the villagers when he was a child. How the tables have turned, now the entire village worshiped him after he saved Konoha from Pain. He blushed from the embarrassment he wasn't used to all of this attention, now he was getting so much respect and credit he was practically more famous than the Hokage. Sometimes it made him cry, how hard he fought and trained to get the acknowledgement from the villagers and now he has finally done it. They have acknowledged him for who he was not for what he carries, not as a jinchurikki but a human being he was one of their own a ninja of Konoha.

Then he remembered something important months ago when he was fighting Pain, the words that came from the mouth of Hyuga Hinata.

"I used to always cry and give up….I nearly went the wrong way…but you, you showed the right way I was always chasing you…..wanting to overtake you….I just wanted to walk with you….I wanted to be with you. You changed me….your smile saved me! So I'm not afraid to die protecting you!! Because I—love you…"

Those words really wake him from being so dense and stupid, how he couldn't notice before it made so much sense. Why Hinata's face was always turning red whenever he was near, why she always fainted when he was so close to her. Then he remembered the small things that she did for him which he consider big efforts from her part, when she was willing to show him the answers from her test not caring if she get caught and failed the test when they took the first part of the chunin exams. Then when she gave him the ointment at the third test after he beat KIba, she was so shy to even give him the ointment. Then the time when she told him those conforming words before his match against Neji at the finals of the chunin exams. To think all this time she care so much for him and yet he never notice, was he this blind and stupid?

Even when he was still in the academy she still care for him and watched over him whenever he was training hard to become a strong ninja and beat Sasuke, he was the reason why she has become so strong and confident. It didn't surprise him at all, she was another person that he has change for the better it was his gift after all. He remembers how angry he was when Pain hit her with shinra tensei knocking her out, and then when he stabbed her he felt so much anger that eventually he turned into the six tailed Kyuubi. The he remembered one of the most wonderful moments in his entire life, when he returned to the village after he defeated Nagato. He was greeted by the whole population of the village cheering for him, the children went happily at him seeing that he was all right he has become their hero just like his father when he gave his life to sealed the Kyuubi in him. He smiled with a blush striking his cheeks when Sakura came to him and punched his face, then the most shocking thing happened that he never thought in his entire life that it was actually going to happen.

When Haruno Sakura hugged him, for the first time ever

"…Thank you"

Her words were still ringing in his head those two words coming from her meant so much. Her tone expressed so much concern like she was worried sick about him he never thought he would be so close to the pink haired kunoichi without getting his butt kicked by her. But having her in his arms was the greatest thing he has ever experienced in his entire life her touch was so gentle and delicate like an angel, her smell was amazing yet intoxicating it was the scent of sweet cherry blossoms. He was shocked at first but he smiled warmly having the girl that he has held deep feelings for since he was little, he felt his heart beating fast like it was about to burst from his chest it was a very amazing feeling. The hug was for only a couple of seconds but to him, it was like an eternity he would like to experience that moment over and over again.

He sighed now the only way he will experience that happening again is through his dreams, no chance in hell that he will try to hug Sakura she will beat the living crap out of him. The chances of Sakura hugging him again were a million to one, back then it was such a lucky an happy moment for him. After that and the leaf civil war she started acting like her usual self, always hanging with him whenever she had the time talking to him it was the usual routine which he loves very much because he has always love having her besides him. So he did the only thing he has always done which he was always good at, he hide his deep feelings for Sakura and move on just like he has always done. It was enough having her with him, talking to him, laughing with him, walking with him because to him she was her closest friend and teammate.

He smiled happily seeing Sakura heading to him wearing her casual village clothes, he noticed that she was holding a basket with a red and white handkerchief covering the top.

"Hey Sakura-chan"

The pink haired chunin smiled seeing her blond haired teammate." hey Naruto."

"So where were you?"

"I just got back from seeing Sasuke-kun." replied Sakura.

Naruto stood quiet, he should feel happy that his pink haired friend was visiting his best friend but he couldn't help but to feel hurt and betrayed. He felt like he was back to the past, to the days where Sasuke was the big hero and Sakura was his number one fan girl. For a moment he still felt like he was the weakling nobody who was second best next to the Uchiha, after all the things he and Sakura have been through it seems she was still interested in Sasuke more than him. Life has always been cruel to Naruto, even after he became a hero from saving Konoha it seems he couldn't get the full approval of the pink haired medic nin. He even thought that maybe he never matter to Sakura and she has always thought about Sasuke, it seems the Uchiha will be the one in her heart forever.

"So Naruto are you ready to go?" asked Sakura looking at him he noticed he had a far off look on his face." Naruto did you hear me I said if you're ready to go to visit Shikamaru?"

Naruto was still in deep thought not paying attention to his pink haired teammate, until she hit him on his arm causing him to snapped back to reality." huh what? What's going on?"

Sakura frowned while crossing her arms getting upset." Naruto you weren't paying attention to me I said if you're ready to visit Shikamaru with me? Remember you promise we were going to visit him."

"Shikamaru, oh that's right he's still recovering from his broken leg okay let's go." the blond replied coolly.

Sakura has known Naruto so well that she could clearly see when something was bothering him, and right now something was really bothering him however she ignore it for now and started walking with her blond teammate.

"So what's on the basket?"

Sakura smiled gazing at the basket." I made some fruit salad for Shikamaru I hope he likes it."

Naruto sweat dropped' I hope it's not poisoned I don't want Shikamaru to die' of course he knew about Sakura's unique cooking skills.

They started walking the streets while the villagers passing by started smiling at their hero while waving at him, once again Naruto made a nervous smile while blushing from embarrassment it was going to take a while of getting used to being treated like a hero. Sakura saw his expression and smile it was funny to see him embarrassed when he has earned it after saving the village, he has become into someone special to the villagers he was now precious to them. She could still remember it like it was yesterday, when Pain attacked Konoha when he used shinra tensei to destroy the entire village. She saw the whole destruction when she was saved by Katsuyu, it was like living a nightmare so much destruction before her eyes. The only thing she could do is to screamed for Naruto to come back and save them from Pain, and her prayers were answer when he returned stronger than ever.

She remembers when a member of the Hyuga clan told her of Naruto's skills and she was so impressed with his growth in strength, she knew he has become strong thought hard work as it always been. She became worried when Hinata was hurt trying to protect Narutoeven if she knew that Hinata did it because she loves him which she took it as a powerful painful blow to her heart, then she was worried sick for him when he has transformed into the six tailed Kyuubi beast. She was amazed how she was able to keep her cool in such a drastic and desperate measure, but she manage to calm down and not freaked out. She was truly happy and relief when Katsuyu told her that he defeated Pain after meeting the real Pain Nagato. Which lead her to one of the most wonderful moments in her life, when Naruto returned to the village and was welcome back with loud cheering from the villagers she went to him desperate to see him again wanting to see him all right.

As soon she saw him she acted on her instincts and punched his head it was all done by her usual impulse when it comes to Naruto, but then she slowly took her right hand around his head and pulled him closer to her wanting to feel his body proving that he was real and not some dream. Tears have formed at the corner of her eyes but she refuse to let them fall, there were so many thing she wanted to tell him but the only thing that came out of her words were two words. Thank you she said it because he saved the village because he has returned to her safe and sound. By now she had a shade of pink on her cheeks, before she realize she was blushing she decided to bring a topic that wanted to talk to him since they started walking to Shikamaru's house.

"So Naruto want to talk about what's bothering you?"

"Huh" the blond asked confuse looking at her not having a clue what she was talking about." what do you mean Sakura-chan?"

"When I asked you the first time if you were ready to see Shikamaru you didn't pay attention to me, you look like you were spacing out for a moment." she gazed at him wanting to hear his explanation she knew something was wrong with him, but she wants to hear it from his end.

Naruto quickly replied." I don't know what you're talking about Sakura-chan I'm fine." he gave her his fox grin.

"You're lying." she replied as quickly as he did, she was now looking at him seriously although on the inside she was worry because she wanted to know what was wrong." you have never lie to me before, I know something is bothering you so why you don't want to talk about it?"

The blond had to groan mentally in annoyance no matter what he do he couldn't escape from Sakura, she knew him too well she was probably the only person in the village who knew him better than anyone. He scratched the back of his head." nothing is wrong with me Sakura-chan I'm really fine."

He continued walking on when Sakura grabbed his sleeve and made him looked at her, her jade eyes show anger she was not going to take no for an answer." tell me what's wrong now or I will hit you!"

Naruto gulped he knew better than making Sakura upset, however sometimes some things were meant to never be told and he didn't felt like telling her because he knew she wasn't going to understand. He finally saw that Shikamaru house was not too far from their location, he could see it in the distance.

"Hey look Sakura-chan there's Shikamaru's house let's go!" he was praying in his mind that it was enough to escape from being hit by the pink haired chunin.

Sakura for a moment was staring at him upset, she felt like punching him but she let it go because they were really near the Nara residence." fine let's get going but Naruto, you will tell me what's bothering you."

She walked ahead of him not making eye contact with him he felt relief that he was save from her wrath and not getting punch at. Sakura was upset with him and worst of all she felt hurt and betrayed, Naruto has never lied to her before and he has never kept things from her. They were very close friends always talking about their problems and ways to solve them, but now Naruto didn't wanted to open up to her. It really made her angry that he wasn't talking his problem with her like they usually do, that's what good friends do but he wasn't telling her it hurt her making her think if he has lost his trust in her.

They arrived at the front door and Sakura knocked gently on the door, they waited for a minute when the door slid open revealing Yoshino Shikamaru's mother. "oh why hello Sakura and Naruto what a pleasant surprise to see you."

"Hello Yoshino-san we're here to see Shikamaru is he available?" she asked smiling although she saw that Naruto was having that space out expression on his face again.

The older woman nodded." yes he is." she gaze at the direction of the living room." Shikamaru get your lazy ass from the couch you have visitors!" she yelled while the two teens sweat dropped art the woman's outburst.

"Whatever let them in." came the voice from the living room which was obviously Shikamaru.

"Please go right in." she said sweetly and kindly unlike how she called out her son.

Naruto was a little afraid at the older Nara he knew women could get very scary sometimes, Tsunade was one those women and Sakura too Shikamaru's mother was no different. Sakura was looking like she could read her mind and it didn't surprise her that Yoshino was like that around the house, when the truth is that the woman should wear the pants in the house. This is exactly how she envisioned herself when she gets marry, very aggressive but kind and gentle at the same time. She took a look at the blond and suddenly she slightly blush thinking something that she never thought it was possible, the image of Naruto and her together living in a house like they were married. She quickly erased that thought from her head she must be delirious, she followed Naruto to the living room.

They saw Shikamaru wearing regular clothes, a simple white shirt with long browns pants and bare feet. He looked like he was very bore next to him he had a clutch so he can move around since his leg is still broken after the village got destroyed by Pain. The young jounin was watching some television although he has channel surf and he hasn't found anything good, which it explained why he looked like he was very bore.

"Hey Shikamaru!" Naruto said smiling at his friend.

The Nara couldn't help but smile at his two friends, he felt so happy to have some company since everyone else was busy doing missions. These were actually the times he wish he was all right and doing missions like the rest.

"Hey you two thanks for dropping by, you don't know how bore I've been being here is so troublesome."

"Either it was being in your home or the hospital and you were complaining because you were bored out of your mind, I have already checked the latest X rays and your leg is healing properly as it should I believe another month and it will all be healed you'll be able to walk again." Sakura said.

"But it sucks being here there's nothing good at the television, I have to always sit here or being in my room and it's always the same with my mom nagging me all the time the troublesome woman."

"I heard that Shikamaru!" came Yoshino's voice from the kitchen.

Shikamaru sighed while muttering troublesome and Sakura showed him her basket." here Shikamaru I made some fruit salad hope you like it!"

The Nara took the basket while putting in the small table next to him, he was sweat dropping.' I hope it's not poisoned I don't want to die.'

Naruto grinned at his friend and he could tell that he was bore he smile." hey Shikamaru how about we play some Chogi?"

"Thanks Naruto but no thanks I will beat you in seconds."

"That may be true but I think it's better than sitting around and channel surfing until you're bored out of your mind." replied the blond.

"Naruto is right you should go outside more often and get some fresh air, why don't you hang out with Chouji or Ino?" asked Sakura.

"Chouji must be with his dad eating in some restaurant and Ino is training with her dad, she asked him to teach her how to become an interrogator she's been more interested in learning to use her family jutsu in the interrogation department."

"That's good I know she will do good Ino was always the kind of person who once she sets her mind on something she will finish it to the end." Sakura said smiling thinking of her best friend.

"So you're going to stay here seated in the couch that is so boring." Naruto said.

"Nah I will visit Asuma sensei's grave later so I won't be here for too long, besides I will die of boredom if I stay the rest of the day here with my mom since dad left on a mission." the lazy genius sighed." sometimes I wish I could be stronger for the sake of the village and my friends, I feel like I haven't contributed enough on the village since I broke my leg."

"Oh come on Shikamaru you have help a lot and you're strong too." Naruto said with a smile.

"Easy for you to say Naruto you're super strong and you're also the hero of the village, you have done plenty to help everyone."

"What are you talking about? Shikamaru you are strong don't you remember the civil war? You were the one who came up with the awesome battle strategy to fight Danzou's men." the blond replied.

"He's right Shikamaru if it weren't for you strategy we could've lost the civil war and Danzou would still be alive today ruling as the Rokudaime instead of Kakashi sensei." Sakura said.

"That's what I'm talking about I'm only smart but not strong like Naruto or even Sasuke, I just don't have what it takes to be heavy fighter like the others even Chouji has shown that he can be strong."

"Having strength it's no big deal. " Naruto said getting the attention of the two ninjas because he said it in a serious tone." Shikamaru to me you are the strongest ninja I have ever known, you can easily come up with a strategy to defeat the enemy just by watching his moves at a first glance. I can't do that I have to keep watching and watching until I can finally come up with a battle plan of my own, I always act recklessly and act stupid sometimes I'm just not a quick thinker like you although I wish I was. So to me being very smart it's the same thing of being very strong because the brain is also a muscle right?" he finished giving his fox grin.

The two teens were shocked at his comment but nevertheless they were happy, Sakura smiled sweetly at him she had to turn head away a little so he didn't notice the small blush that stroke her cheeks while her heart skipped a beat. Shikamaru notice her blush and smirked, he was very amaze at his friends comment and all of the sudden he felt like his confidence was back on track.

"Naruto….you….you're right I can't believe I was thinking like that, I'm smarter than thinking of troublesome nonsense like that I guess the boredom was getting to me it was messing with my head thanks."

"No problem Shikamaru there is a reason why you're a jounin right? don't ever feel or think that you're not strong enough because it's all lie everyone has their own special abilities, you have the brains Sakura-chan has her medical skills I have my hyper active attitude and Sasuke has his emo attitude." he chuckle at the last part.

Sakura scolded her friend by giving him a friendly slap to the back of his head." don't call Sasuke-kun that Naruto!"

Naruto just gave his fox grin while on the inside he was hurt, his heart felt like breaking. Sakura acted like she was still a twelve year old fan girl, although she didn't sounded harsh or cold like her old fan girl self her voice had a tone of playfulness in. She was just kidding knowing that Naruto will always have some kind of rivalry with the Uchiha since they were best of friends, Naruto was still grinning and Shikamaru was able to tell that he was hurt by Sakura's act and comment however he kept quiet.

"Well Shikamaru we better get going get well and I hope you enjoy the fruit salad I made it myself, so help yourself as much as you like." Sakura said smiling feeling proud that she made the wonderful fruit salad.

"Sure." the Nara said with a sweat dropped' if I have a death wish.'

Naruto was also sweat dropping.' I feel sorry for Shikamaru these are the times I'm happy that Sakura-chan doesn't make me food aside for those food pills.' He remembered when he was learning the wind element rasengan and he had to eat the disgusting mud balls she made for him, but he ate them because they were supposed to be good for him. But he couldn't say no to her because he knows that she made the effort to give him something, and he didn't care how bad it tasted she made them for him and only him.

"See you later Shikamaru." Sakura said leaving the living room.

"Yeah bye Shikamaru." Naruto said following the pink haired chunin.

"Yeah so long." he said as he heard door was closed meaning that they left, he was staring at the basket with the fruit salad." hey mom could you come over here for a minute?"

"What is it?" asked Yoshino as she entered the living room.

Shikamaru smirked showing her the basket" Sakura made me a fruit salad want some?"

Naruto and Sakura were walking silently they haven't said a word, Sakura staring at him with a smile because he was able to make Shikamaru feel better about himself. It was always his gift to make other people better he was the kind of person who would do anything for his friends. Of course she knew he treasures friendship more than anyone, with his past but then again she was also like him she love all of her friends. Then as she gazes at her blond teammate she noticed that he had that expression in his face again, he looked like he was spacing out like he was thinking hard about something. This was her chance to finally know what was wrong with him, she just needed to know what had him so much in though and she knew she won't be able to live with herself in he doesn't open up to her like he usually does.

"So Naruto where are we going?" she asked coolly snapping him from his thinking.

"I don't know I'm just following you where you're going." he gave a goofy grin.

Sakura sighed." you dummy fine let's go somewhere a little more private."

Naruto looked back at her with the expression that said what was she up to? This was actually the first time she has made such request. She like being with him, when there were a lot of people passing by but this something was up, which means she was expecting him that he will tell her his problem. As far as he knows Sakura she will continued bothering until he tells her his problem, looks like he wasn't going to escape from her this time. They finally reached a beautiful clearing with a forest and a couple of benches they got seated in one of the benches enjoying the beautiful view before them.

"So how's Sasuke?" Naruto decided to be the first to start conversation feeling a little nervous.

"He's doing fine but he's very bore being locked in a cell for who knows how long I just hope he doesn't loses his senses." there was some concern in her voice and Naruto notice it.

"Kakashi sensei did say if he behaves properly then he might lighten his sentence to a year if Sasuke behaves like a good boy then he'll be out in no time."

"I hope you're right." she smiled at him.

Silence fell on them they just didn't know what other topic to bring Naruto was in deep thought while Sakura was getting inpatient. She wanted to ask him about his problem, she was going to ask him whether he like it or not it's not all right to be bother by something without talking about it with your friend.

"So Naruto…." she started.

"It seems like yesterday it happened" the blond replied.

"Huh…"

"When Nagato attacked the village…"

Sakura eyes softened at the horrible memory while looking at the sunny view" yes it has…"

"A lot of things happened on that day and even with all the horrible things that happened, there was one thing that really shocked me it was when you hugged me Sakura-chan…"

The pink haired kunoichi's eyes widened as she felt a blush striking her cheeks at the memory, which it was one of her happiest moments ever she tried not to stutter" what about it?"

"I guess I find it funny I never thought you would hug me, I mean I was expecting the punch but not the hug" he chuckle that was the happiest moment in his entire life.

Sakura was still blushing making sure Naruto didn't gaze at her because she was feeling so embarrassed." well I was worried about you, after all you were fighting the ninja who was responsible for Jiraiya-sama's death and he was probably the strongest ninja alive who considered himself a god so yeah I was that worried."

Naruto smiled as he was only looking at the view." Sakura-chan you don't know how happy I was when you hugged me I felt so alive, I always wanted to know how it will feel to be hugged by you and it was such an amazing feeling."

"R….re….really" she stuttered while her blushing was getting worst.

"I was the happiest person ever I guess you do care that much about me but I'm glad you hugged me Sakura-chan…" he was smiling brightly.' even if it will be the last time she will hug me but I will treasure that memory for the rest of my life.'

Sakura was still blushing not even daring to look at the blond, she felt her hear skipped a beat not knowing what to say. She would never believe it but she thought it was some kind of dream. Was this what it was bothering him so much did he finally made his choice? The choice to finally come clean and confessed to her even if she was not upset or ashamed of the thought, if there was one thing Haruno Sakura knew is that she's proud and stubborn as hell. She has had years to think and question her own feelings between Sasuke and Naruto, she has finally made her choice and she knew who the one she truly wants was. The one person who stood by her side all this time and was there for her through good times and bad, the one person who understood her and did whatever things necessary to make her smile. The person who sacrificed his own happiness for her own by making a promise of the lifetime to bring back their third teammate to the village.

He was the person sitting next to her the loudmouth blond knucklehead, who has captured her heart without her noticing. She even was in deep denial that she will like him that way, now she knew she loves him after she got over the Uchiha. However her happiness had to end because she knew there was someone else who was after the heart of Naruto, someone who like him way before her and someone who almost died trying to protect him. A person who never hit him or even insult him treating him like crap because she used to think that he was inferior to her and Sasuke, the same person who hasn't done anything to claim him even after she confessed her feelings to him. Sakura knew who she was thinking about the kind and gentle Hinata, whose feelings for Naruto were very strong and delicate. She knew it she deserve Naruto more than her, she has been trying so hard to be worthy to have him but she failed according to her. No matter what she did she just couldn't be the one to have the heart of Uzumaki Naruto.

Naruto didn't want to dare to look at Sakura he was going to do something he thought he would never, he has always thought about other before himself. He has always dedicated himself to make Sakura happy it was always focusing with making her happy her happiness was his top priority. But now he was going to think for himself for once and he wasn't going to back down now, even if Sakura if he knew that Sakura likes Sasuke he just needed to tell her how he feels about her. He has always hide his feelings pretending that it didn't bother him when it really did, she was the only girl he truly likes and he just needed to get this off his chest for good. With only keeping his gaze on the view, he smile it was now or never.

"Sakura-chan…"

"Yes…" she said that by now her heart was beating so fast and her cheeks were all rosy resembling the color of her hair because she was embarrassed.

He finally took the chance to look at her." there's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while now…"

Sakura tried to control her breathing and calm herself, this never happened to her before but this time it was so different. It's like she could read his mind, she knew it he was finally going to confessed to her. At one time she will think he was wasting his time making a complete fool of himself, because she was going to like him like that back when she was twelve. But now she didn't wanted this moment to end, but as much as she wants to hear this she couldn't accept it so she needed to stop him from confessing his feelings.

"Naruto, can I ask you something?"

Although he was interrupted he just smiled at his teammate." sure Sakura-chan."

Sakura paused for a moment feeling her heart aching" about Hinata?"

The blond gazed at her surprise not expecting to her to bring the Hyuga heiress in their conversation." what about her?"

"You know the truth about her….that she loves you" she paused using every bit of her strength not to shed any tears.

Naruto was in deep thought remembering her confession it was a painful memory that he wanted to forget. When he saw her charging at Pain only to get blown away by his shinra tensei, he saw her getting stabbed by one of his chakra rods seeing the blood falling. The painful sight is what we brought him over the edge turning into the six tailed Kyuubi, and the choice of removing the seal if it wasn't for his father to help him.

He slowly nodded to his pink haired teammate." yes I do…."

Sakura looked at him from the corner of her eye and she could tell that this was a delicate topic to talk about, but she needed to talk about this." do you feel the same way too?" her voice broke a little.

Naruto gazed at the ground and he didn't know what to say, sure he was shocked when he heard Hinata's confession and he had three moths to think about it. He was so busy with helping rebuilding the village and doing missions that he completely forgot about that, he knew he likes Hinata but he only as a friend he didn't had any of those romantic feelings which were only for Sakura. He has always like Sakura no matter what even if she will always like Sasuke, he will continue to fight for her happiness because to him a simple thank you from her matters more than a hug or a kiss.

"Sakura-chan I…..I don't know I really don't know what to say about Hinata, I mean I was shocked when she said all those things to me I never expected her to like me like that but I guess it made sense when she will faint when I was near and her face turning red and I actually thought she was weird or something I'm so stupid."

"Do you like her Naruto?" she asked this time with a firm tone she was going to be strong and control her tears.

Naruto finally gazed at her only to find Sakura staring at him deeply like her eyes was piercing through his soul, how he loved those beautiful jade eyes of hers." Sakura-chan I…I don't feel that way about Hinata I'm very grateful and flatter that she feels that way about me but I only care for her as my friend nothing else, I know it's going to kill me to say that to her but I don't want to hurt her feelings even if I haven't seen her in months."

Sakura stood quiet thinking about his words, part of her was happy that he felt that way that he didn't love Hinata back but another part of her was hurt and upset. She knew the only reason Naruto didn't like her it's because he has never spend so much time with her than he has with her. He didn't knew Hinata well like he knew her, sometimes she wonder if it will be completely different if Hinata ended up being in the same genin team with Naruto. Of course it will be different Naruto would be spending more time with Hinata than her because they will be in the same team, he will eventually fall in love with her. She was about to do something that was probably the most unselfish she has ever done, because in her heart she knew the simple truth.

That she didn't deserve to have the heart of Uzumaki Naruto.

Naruto got worry seeing that his pink haired teammate was now glaring at him" Sakura-chan what's wrong? You seem to be angry what did I do?"

"You don't like Hinata Naruto?" she asked faking that she was angry with him." why?"

Naruto tried not to be afraid seeing Sakura this angry would mean that she was going to pound his face, he was in no mood to be in the hospital because he has always hated the place it will depend on his answer. But he needed to be honest in fact he has always being honest with Sakura through good times and bad, he has never lie to her before except when it comes to hiding his feelings for her. He has never being selfish in his entire life because he simply didn't know the meaning of the word it was always his friends and the village first before himself, he has always thought about Sakura's happiness before his own because to him her smile was enough to have something from her love. But today he was going to think about himself he has been hiding this since he was little since he first saw her, all these powerful feeling he's been hiding so well in his heart he was going to release them today.

He gazed at her finally gathering the courage to finally tell her he didn't care if she didn't felt that way because he knew that she will always love Sasuke" no Sakura-chan I don't like Hinata like that but I…." he didn't finished his sentence because Sakura got up from the bench turning her back to him.

"You fool…" her voice broke again" how dare you?! Hinata almost lost her life trying to protect you and you don't feel that way about her!"

"But Sakura-chan I…."

She cut him off." I love Sasuke-kun! I will always love him I will always like you as a friend Naruto nothing more just give up because you and me it will never happen get it through your head already!" she felt her heart breaking saying the cold comment, even if she wanted to hear him saying those three words coming out his mouth.

"Sakura-chan….." Naruto was shocked while hurt he knew he never stood a chance, he knew she was going to reject him but this it was too much for him." I….I understand Sakura-chan but don't forget that you're my friend and the only thing that matters to me the most is your happiness because I….." he trailed off now he didn't wanted to say those three words anymore because it hurts him so much.

By now Sakura had tears falling from her eyes it has taken every bit of her strength to say that big lie to him, while she felt her heart breaking knowing that she hurt his feelings in the process. The pain was unbearable she couldn't take it anymore, without saying another word she left running not caring where she was going.

Naruto was too shocked to react to go after Sakura, it was true that she has hurt his feelings dozens of times but this time she has really broken his heart into a million pieces. But he didn't care no matter how many times she was going to hurt his feelings he was never going to stop loving her, because he was too stubborn to give up his feelings for Sakura they were too strong to get rid of. He didn't say a word he walked out leaving the place, but he never notice that there was someone who has watched the whole thing.

Sakura stopped after running for a while, her exhaustion finally caught up to her she has never run so fast before. She prayed that Naruto didn't follow her because she couldn't let him see her like this her whole face was covered in tears. She has never cried this much before since Sasuke left the village, she remembers the most important words in her life Yamato's words back when they were at the heaven and earth bridge.

"It's not the size of the effort that counts….what matters are your feelings for Naruto……Sakura I can tell just by looking at you……in reality you…….."

'I love him' she thought letting more tears fall' I love him so much….it hurts…why did I have to be so blind about it? How could I even deny these strong feelings for him for so long? Why couldn't I see it sooner? I hate myself for not noticing sooner…….Naruto….'

(Time skip)

Naruto was walking the streets while his heart was breaking with every second, today he has experience a horrible pain. It was the pain of heart break and rejection. Now when it comes to him and Sakura, he was already used to being rejected by her when it came to ask her on a date but this was different. Today she has crossed the line with him. She literally has grabbed his heart and smashed it to the ground with her harsh confession. Yet why he was so shocked and surprised? He has always known that she loves Sasuke, he has come to terms with it but he couldn't let it go. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't let her go, his feelings for his cherry blossom teammate were strong and pure. What he feels for her was true love. No one or nothing could've made him think otherwise, but the pain still hurt him a lot. He got used to rejection so he got used to stay quiet instead of shedding tears. He could clearly remember Sakura's cold words before she shut him down forever.

"I love Sasuke-kun! I will always love him! I will always like you as a friend Naruto nothing more just give up because you and me it will never happen get it through your head already!"

'Just give up…' the blond thought as he silently walked the streets of the newly build Konoha.

Giving up was impossible indeed. To Uzumaki Naruto giving up was never in his dictionary, he just didn't know the word at all. Because not giving up was the reason why he was here today, why he has become such a strong ninja and a hero who saved Konoha from Pain's evil grasp. Not giving up he has always defy the odds and that's why he has always accomplished the impossible. Even fulfilling his lifelong dream in becoming Hokage that was his goal he was going to become Hokage no matter what just like his father. However even Uzumaki Naruto knew that sometimes things were just impossible no matter how much he defies the odds. That was to conquer the heart of Haruno Sakura because it was already conquered by the Uchiha traitor. As a friend who loves her very much Sakura's happiness meant everything to him. It was the reason why he has always pushed himself to the limit, the reason why he gave her the famous promise of the life time. It was for her to make her happy by reuniting her with Sasuke. If he wasn't going to be her boyfriend then he will be her most loyal friend ever. He will continue to fight hard for her happiness, just to see that wonderful smile on her face will be enough for him.

'Sakura-chan I knew from the beginning that I was never going to have your heart, but I will be the one to continue making you smile because I will do anything for you that that is the reason I exist.'

He tried to give smile thinking about the good things. The reconstruction of the village the death of Danzou and the end of the organization ROOTS, Kakashi becoming the new sixth Hokage and the return of his friend Sasuke. He sighed he didn't fulfilled his promise of the life time to Sakura but it didn't matter to her. She told him that it was all right, that all of his efforts and all the pain he endure was plenty enough for her. He remembered when she told him that she smiled warmly at him. How he loves that wonderful smile of hers, every time she gave him that smile he felt all of his problems vanishing. It was the reason why he would do anything in his strength just to keep that smile in her face. As long as he still has her friendship it was enough for him.

As he walked ahead in the streets he noticed someone in the distance holding a bag. He recognized the person very well it was Hinata wearing her regular chunin attire. The Hyuga heiress was smiling carrying the bag she was always the kind of person who was smiling all the times even if she was shy and not too talkative. He smiled at her he started thinking about all the little things she did for him. When she gave him her test paper during the chunin exams, her words before he went to fight Neji at the finals of the chunin exams and her biggest effort yet her confession, he started thinking about every word he remember before transforming into the Kyuubi. He knew she has meant every word because she was willing to die for him, for his sake and safety. He smiled as he went to her, he was finally behind her but she was still unaware of his presence.

"Hey Hinata!" he said in his usual cheery tone.

"EEEKK!!!" the poor teen was startle as she was holding her heart from leaving her chest because she was really startled.

The blond scratched the back of his head" sorry Hinata I didn't mean to startle you…"

The Hyuga heiress finally calm herself still holding the bag as she was now gazing at the objection of her affections, her blond crush. She blushed deeply even after confessing her feelings to him she still couldn't stopped blushing near him or even faint. She didn't fainted when she confessed to him because she was facing the enemy Pain, the atmosphere was different and Naruto was in danger. In that moment she finally gathered the courage to finally tell him her feelings for him. She didn't regretted that day she wanted to protect him from his enemies the people who were after him or rather the power sealed in him. She has been told about Akatsuki and their goal to collect the tailed beasts known as the Bijuu. She has figure out that Naruto was the container of the nine tails fox Kyuubi that was the reason why he was hated so much when he was a child. Ever since she found out about Naruto's dark secret she wanted to approach him more and be there for him; however her timid personality kept her from getting closer to the blond. If it wasn't for her being so shy she would've been there for him through good times and bad but she failed miserably.

She smiled at him the blush on her cheeks was still present" hello….N….Na….Naruto-kun how are you?"

"I'm doing fine I was just walking going to nowhere in particular until I saw you" he gave his fox grin.

Hinata was still blushing slightly" I…I was just on my way to visit Kurenai sensei and her baby, I bought the baby some clothes…" she took a quick glance at the bag she was holding.

"Oh you did?!" he was grinning completely forgetting that Kurenai actually had a son with Asuma before he died at the hands of Akatsuki.

The Hyuga heiress nodded" I've been very busy lately I've been helping her with the baby since Shikamaru-kun is still injure about his broken leg Shino-kun and Kiba-kun are helping too every once in a while."

"That's great I'm glad you're helping her after everything that has happened…"

Hinata nodded before a small silence fell on the two teens, Naruto gazed back at her knowing that he had to talk to her about something. Hinata wanted to ask him if he wanted to go with her to visit Kurenai, but her as usual her shy nature was getting the best of her.

"Hinata…" Naruto started.

"Yes Naruto-kun?"

"I'm sorry…."

"For what?"

"I mean I'm sorry about what happened to you when Pain attacked the village…" his cerulean eyes softened at the memory.

Hinata shook her head remembering the day she confessed her feelings to the blond" don't be Naruto-kun it wasn't your fault I chose to protect you with my life I….." she blushed hard this was the first time she was talking to him about her confession.

"No I just want to say sorry to you for not being with you when you got injured, I just completely forgot about you when I returned to the village after defeating Nagato I didn't went to look for you or even to asked if you were all right I'm sorry…."

"It's all right Naruto-kun I wasn't expecting you to see me so suddenly, I mean a lot of things happened after you got back to the village."

"Yeah too many things happened, Sasuke becoming a member of Akatsuki, granny being in a coma and Danzou becoming Hokage which lead to the civil war. No wonder I forgot to checked on you Hinata I'm really am sorry for it…"

"Naruto-kun I said it's all right you don't have to apologize I'm not upset with you, but anyway would…you like to accompany me to visit Kurenai sensei?" she finished with a blush she couldn't believe she actually gathered the courage to asked him.

The blond smiled at her" sure I guess I don't have nowhere in particular to go."

The Hyuga heiress nodded" okay let's get going."

Naruto nodded and they left together while Hinata was still blushing thinking that this was like a date, it felt like a dream come true to her.

(Time skip: apartment district)

Hinata knocked on one of the front door of the apartment district, Naruto noticed that the complex looked a little expensive. It definitely looked more expensive than the complex where his apartment. The door opened to revealed Kurenai wearing a regular red dress with brown sandals.

The red eyed woman smiled seeing the two teens" Hinata and Naruto how nice of you to drop by."

"Hey Kurenai" Naruto said smiling.

"Kurenai sensei I came to give you the clothes for the baby" Hinata showed her the shopping bag.

Kurenai smiled" so you did buy it after all I wasn't expecting you to do it, you didn't have to went through all the trouble in buying it."

"It's all right Kurenai sensei I didn't mind at all" replied Hinata.

"Where are my manners please come on in?"

"Thanks" Naruto said.

Kurenai let the two teens entered her apartment, she lead them to her living room. She was quite shocked when she saw Naruto sitting in the same couch with Hinata which made her wonder if there's something going on between the two. Of course she has heard about Hinata almost getting killed trying to protect Naruto from the Akatsuki member Pain. She was worried sick when she found out about her student but she felt better when she was told that she was all right thanks to Sakura. She was quite scared herself when Akatsuki attacked the village. Luckily she made it safely to the shelters with her baby escaping any possible danger. She was relief to find out that her team was fine and they didn't receive any harm when the village was destroyed. She smiled watching the two teen seated together, Hinata blushing deep while Naruto seated next to her was being his usual oblivious self not noticing her reaction.

"Would you like anything to drink I have some lemonade I made the other day?"

"Yeah I will like that" Naruto said.

"I guess that would be fine Kurenai sensei" Hinata smiled.

She smile heading to the kitchen and a minute later she came back with two glasses of ice cold lemonade.

"Thanks!" Naruto smiled taking the glass.

"Thank you Kurenai sensei" Hinata took her glass before taking a sip.

"Hey this is very good!" Naruto said taking another sip.

"Thank you I tried not to add too much sugar so it can take not too sweet or not too sour." Kurenai said.

"It tastes very good as it is" Hinata said.

"Thank you I'm glad you like it, anyway I will be taking the clothes of the baby" she grabbed the shopping bag.

"Go ahead sensei I picked the right size I hope you like it" replied the Hyuga heiress while Naruto was still enjoying his lemonade.

The red eyed woman smiled seeing the toddlers' clothes from the bag" oh Hinata they're beautiful he's going to look so handsome in them you really picked the cutest clothes."

Hinata giggled" thank you sensei."

Suddenly they heard a baby crying while Kurenai sighed" and speaking of the baby I'll be right back" she left the living room.

Naruto finished drinking his lemonade" man this lemonade was very good I don't mind drinking another glass."

"How about….if I give you my lemonade Naruto-kun?" Hinata was blushing.

"Huh why would you do that? Don't you want to drink your lemonade?"

"It's….it's all right Naruto-kun I don't mind and besides….I'm not that thirsty so here take it."

"Okay!" the blond took her lemonade drinking it in seconds, he gazed at her with a smile' Hinata is always very kind.'

Kurenai arrived carrying the baby in her arms to see the sight with a smile" you know I have more lemonade Hinata there was no need for you to offer your lemonade to Naruto."

"I know…" replied the embarrass Hinata, before smiling seeing the baby.

"I thought it will be best if you said hi to him."

The Hyuga heiress giggle seeing the baby's face" hey I hope you like the clothes I bought you."

"Oh I'm sure he will like it very much" Kurenai said.

"Oh I want to see the baby!" Naruto said getting between the two ladies.

"Isn't he cute Naruto-kun?" asked the smiling Hinata.

The blond smiled seeing the small toddler with a small patch of black hair on his head and red eyes obviously he got it from Kurenai' he's very cute indeed what's his name?"

The red eyed women gave a smile" his name is Hiruzen."

Naruto smiled at the giggling baby" just like the old man"

Kurenai nodded" Asuma and I made an agreement if it was a girl she will be name Hikari like my mother and if it was a boy it will be Hiruzen after his father."

Hinata smiled while seeing Naruto making him goofy faces she couldn't help but giggle, some of his faces were very funny.

Naruto sniffed a little before covering his nose" uh oh looks like Hiruzen has made a doddy."

"Yes he has I was a little surprise that he hasn't done it for a while looks like I was wrong, time to change him."

"Kurenai sensei I will be heading back now" Hinata said before getting up from the couch.

"Yeah I guess I'll be leaving too" Naruto said.

"Thank you both of you for coming please come back again and Hinata thanks for buying the clothes for Hiruzen."

"No problem sensei" replied Hinata.

"I'll lead you to the door."

Kurenai went with them to the front door holding the toddler Hiruzen, Naruto opened the door letting Hinata step outside first.

Kurenai smiled at the way Hinata was blushing it was all because Naruto was next to her, she noticed the way the blond was staring at her while smiling.

"Well Kurenai we'll see you later then" Naruto said.

"Yes thank you again for coming."

The two teens nodded before leaving while Kurenai gazed at them until they were gone' I wonder if Hinata told Naruto how she feels, Naruto looks different when he looks at her something is up.' She smiled before closing the door and went to change her son's diaper.

(Time skip: village district)

As they walk the streets Naruto couldn't help but to gazed at Hinata. The Hyuga heiress has been keeping her eyes on the road ahead afraid that she will look straight into his eyes which she couldn't do. She was afraid if she did look at him she will eventually faint, she couldn't even be too close to him let alone to gaze into his beautiful cerulean eyes. The thought made her blush till no end, why she was still shy even after confessing her feelings to him? It seems she was destine to be timid and to kept her distance from her crush forever.

Naruto didn't know what to do with Hinata. He knew very well that she likes him more than a friend but he didn't like her like that at all. Of course he was very thankful because her since she protected him from being taken by Pain, but he still couldn't think of her as more than a friend. It's true that she was kind, sweet and strong but no matter how much he think of it he couldn't like her as girlfriend material. The he started thinking about her confession and what Sakura told him.

"You fool….Hinata almost lost her life for you and you don't feel that way about her!"

It was true she almost die trying to protect him. Yet here he was next to her being grateful to her but without saying anything to her. Not even a thank you from his part to show how much gratitude he felt for being protected by her. However Hinata was next to him and it looks like she didn't minded that he didn't thank her for protecting him. Was he really that terrible of a person not to even notice? Now he knew how much the Hyuga heiress cares for him, she will gladly die for him and that was the truth. This girl next to him truly love him, she just have problem expressing it he knew that well. That's why she always blushed or faints whenever she sees him she was shy. And he was really stupid for failing not to notice before. Remembering Sakura's words about Hinata and what she told him about the two of them. She will always love Sasuke no matter what that he should just give up on her and looked for someone else.

He gave a small smile at Hinata who was trying to evade eye contact with him' maybe……I should give her a chance I never know maybe I will be happy with her…'

He has always thought that he will only be happy being with his pink haired teammate. But maybe he should give a chance to the person who has always cared for him from afar. The girl who was always watching over him like a guardian angel, even if that was considered to be stalking but she still cares for him. She tried everything in her strength to try and claim him even if her efforts to conquer his heart were too small, he knew that it wasn't how small someone's efforts were but it was the thought that counts the most. He knew what to do now the question is was he ready to put his powerful feelings for Sakura aside and move on? That was a question too hard to answer. He couldn't answer it not now not ever he loves her more than life itself and there was nothing he could do. He gazed back at Hinata one more time and this time he was going to make sure to take action no holding back.

"Hinata…"

"Yes Naruto-kun?" the Hyuga heiress answered him quickly looking at him making her cheeks were blushing.

"Are you hungry?" he asked a goofy smile was formed on his lips.

"I….I…I guess I'm a little….hungry…why do you ask?" she tried so hard not to stutter but it turned into a bad habit from her part.

"How about if I treat you to some ramen from Ichiraku's?" he gave his fox grin.

Hinata was still blushing at what her blond crush just told her, did she heard wrong? Did he just say what she thought she just heard? Her breathing quickened a little as she felt her blushing getting worst.

'Did Naruto-kun just asked me out….on a date!?" she felt her lips trembling as she was about to faint.

'No I can't…..not now…..I have to control myself for once and not faint!'

"Hinata…" Naruto said looking at her worry seeing that her whole face red and she looked like she was ready to faint.

"Naruto-kun….."

"Are you okay Hinata?" the blond was concerned.

"I'm…..I'm….I'm fine I'm okay thanks for your concern Naruto-kun….yes I would like to eat some ramen with you" she smiled warmly at him.

The blond gave a big smile" all right then let's get going!"

'I don't believe it…..I did it! I actually did it! I didn't faint!" Hinata was beyond happy, for once in her life she has actually overcome her fear and she didn't fainted when Naruto asked her out.

The two happy teens left heading for Naruto's favorite place to eat ramen. While they were walking they were been watched by someone from a corner. Tears were falling from a pair of jade eyes as it revealed to be Sakura watching at the two teens. Her heart was already broken yet she smiled because she knew she did the right thing in letting Naruto go. She was smiling while her face was full of tears she watched them until they were too far to see and eventually they were out of sight.

'Good for you Naruto be happy with Hinata, I will find my own happiness.'

She walked out drying her tears knowing that it was going to be impossible. To achieve her happiness without the blond knucklehead was never going to happen. Because deep in her heart she knew it now, she will only be truly happy if she was with Uzumaki Naruto. The person who has sweat and shed tears of blood to conquer her heart by sacrificing everything, from his dream to his own happiness everything for her and only her. He is the most selfless most loyal and kindhearted person she has ever met in her entire life. He never gave up in getting acknowledged by the villagers as the hero he truly is. He never gave up in his lifelong dream to become Hokage, he never gave up on his best friend and brother. But most importantly he never gave up on her; he never gave up in trying to conquer her heart by sacrificing everything that was important to him. His dreams, goals and his heart which she has rejected more times than she can count, without noticing Naruto has succeeded in capturing her heart thanks to his endless sacrifices because of her everything for her.

She knew it well that she didn't deserves him she was selfish till no end. She rejected Naruto pushed his friendship aside because of her obsession for Sasuke, and she has made him into a prisoner of a promise to bring the Uchiha back to the village because of her own selfish wishes. She was truly a horrible person indeed no matter how hard she try she couldn't atone for her sins in making the blond go through so much pain because of her. She hated herself for being the one to put him in such a horrible position no Uzumaki Naruto didn't deserve to have the heart of the selfish Haruno Sakura. She needed to atone for all her mistakes and this was the best atonement for it. To let Naruto be happy with the girl who has like him longer than herself. To her it was the perfect punishment after everything she has done to him, she deserves this and she will gladly accept it. More tears fell from her jade eyes as she quickly dried them off and turned her gaze at the Hokage Mountain.

'I swear….I swear on my name that from now on I will only care about Naruto's happiness, no more being selfish I will put everything on the line for his happiness for his smile. I will do anything in my power to make Naruto happy because as long as he smiles at me that will be plenty enough for me because I will do anything for you that's the reason I exist to continue with my life or my name isn't Haruno Sakura that's a promise of a life time believe it!'

To be continued

Whoa for the first chapter this was a little long I guess I overdid it a little. Basically the beginning of this chapter is a complete summary of manga chapters 419-450 and the small twist I decided to put in the story which is the leaf civil war, so like I said before there will be lots of spoilers. Please review and leave a nice comment and yes I know the grammar sucks so stop whining about it already. Also there will be a time skip next chapter so the story can develop. I might update this story more often just like am I worthy to love you, I have lots of ideas for both of the stories. Thanks for reading farewell and I will see you all next time.

Next chapter: The fallen hero