Chapter One: Step One of the Plan for Reuniting

Idate had been moping around the town for quite some time since the race, exactly a year. Everyone was confused as to why, he had won…he should be over joyed-not depressed. Eventually the boss couldn't take it anymore, one night after dinner he excused everyone except himself and Idate,

"What's wrong Idate?"

Idate simply sat at the table, not knowing whether or not to speak what was really on his mind. The boss smiled down at him,

"You're missing someone?"

Idate looked up at the man and simply nodded. The boss continued,

"You have been writing a lot of letters…to the leaf village. One of those ninja had really made an impact on you?"

Idate laughed slightly before replying,

"I guess you could say that…"

The boss's smile widened,

"which one is it?"

Idate simply stared down at the table. The boss smiled,

"Naruto?"

Idate laughed,

"Noooooo…."

The boss smiled the widest smile he could muster,

"Ahhhh…haha…Miss Sakura Haruno…"

Idate just smiled and scratched the back of his head.

"What has the lovely kunoichi done to spark your interest?"

Idate smiled, recalling the time he had spent with her.

"She showed me how to trust people…she put her life on the line to save mine. I was so mean to her...to all of them…but they all stuck by me, especially her…she even got me reconnected with my brother…she helped me see what I really wanted in life, I had always wanted to become a ninja and now that I am I want to show her what she helped me do…I want to thank her for everything…."

The boss laughed,

"She has made that much of an impact on you huh? You love this girl?"

Idate was a bit taken back by his question but couldn't help but smile,

"Yes sir, I believe I do…"

The boss laughed while adding,

"That explains how you two parted ways…"

Idate's face turned a bright shade of red while the boss added,

"I believe every man in the town envied you that day…"

Idate laughed as he remembered,

FLASHBACK

"I want to thank you for all your help Naruto."

Idate stated. Naruto chuckled while scratching his head,

"Yeah well…it was my pleasure…"

While Ibiki came from the boat,

"I'm here to collect the wounded…"

Naruto nodded and brought Sasuke onto the boat. Sakura smiled at Idate and stated,

"Well I guess I should be going, it was nice meeting you…Idate…"

As she turned around slightly to start to walk away, Idate wrapped his hand around her wrist, turning her around. Just as she was face to face with him again he placed both his hands on either side of her face and kissed her. She was so shocked she didn't know what to do. She simply closed her eyes and kissed him back. A few moments later his lips departed from hers, both catching their breath, he smiled down at her while resting his forehead against hers.

"Thank you…Sakura…for saving me."

She smiled up at him and nodded. He smiled as Naruto came down the bridge, rushing to snatch Sakura away. He laughed inwardly as he noted that Naruto liked Sakura but he could see that she just thought he was annoying as a brother type. He doubted anything serious would form between them. He smiled as he kissed her softly again, slipping something in her hand, while adding,

"I'll come visit you, I promise you Sakura I will protect you like you did me…I'll be a better man."

She smiled,

"Don't change too much, there's something about you that makes me laugh."

She replied while laughing slightly. He laughed as Naruto pulled her away. He released her hand and exclaimed,

"Don't worry, just remember what I said the first time I met you, remember our future…"

He smiled as she laughed,

"I don't think I'd give up being a ninja…"

He nodded and added,

"I wouldn't want you too…"

She smiled back at him as Naruto shouted over his shoulder,

"Good bye Idate! Come visit sometime!"

Idate smiled,

'I will…'

END FLASHBACK

"Well Idate…what are you going to do to win over this girl?"

The boss questioned. Idate smiled and asked,

"Can I ask of you a favor boss?"