Note from the author and some things to know before reading

First off thank you for chosing to read my fanfic, this is the first time I have ever done this. I was inspired to do so after reading several NaruSaku fanfics, some beautifully realized, others not so effective. But a strange thing I saw in a lot of them was they dealt with the future, when Naruto and Sakura had already supposedly gotten together. Not many dealt with the love during the series, understandably so, because of continuity or other such problems. But the ones that did deal with current timeline had, I saw as, one problem: Sakura and Naruto were already unshamefully doting on eachother, which I don't think is the case. I think they both do like each other, it's just that neither of them really realize how much yet, and they both still truly had to overcome the shadow in their relationship that was Sasuke. Naruto I feel, is more aware of his feelings for Sakura, he just doesn't know the depth yet, as he has so many other goals. Sakura on the other hand is completely unaware, and if made aware probably would be one to deny it intensely.

The last five days have been hard, as the story I wrote did start at the beginning of the Shippuden series. I start off with Kishimoto's work because I feel there' some unexplored or unexplained moments. I chose the chapters I felt were key in illustrating the blooming of their relationship. This is how I interpreted those scenes, which connects me to a point about the characterization of the characters themselves. I felt that a few in the fanfics, completely missed who and what the characters were, what they actually acted like. It seemed they sacrificed their characterization and growth for the sake of seeing their dream pairing come true. So I tried to keep as true to the characters as I could, but I would like to apologize because while writing I saw how hard it was to do this. The reason is simple: only Kishimoto knows. Only he really knows what characters intended to do when and why. Well, hopefully he does.

I know what you maybe wondering. "So this fanfic is just the manga?" My answer is only to a point, chapter… 3'ish, I think, but I think I make them my own scenes too. I follow some key moments until the most recent Manga issue, or I tried to do so. Unfortunately I didn't make my deadline: before the release of the new issue, so there maybe some continuity problems or plot holes. Today being Oct 4, 2007. But I put in chapters in the story where I think it doesn't clash with the story of the manga, meaning I think they could be counted as canon for the manga because they don't mess with the story. If you don't get that paragraph…. I guess the best answer is just read and see. It goes from the beginning of the Shippuden series that Kishimoto wrote to an ending I made up, stringing together tons and tons of theories, some being mine and some of others, some of which I don't agree with but fits the puzzle of my story the most.

That being said, whom I think this story about is Sakura… because in terms of character growth or 'love growth' she has the farther to go of her and Naruto. But the story is told from both points of view.

Before we get into the technicals of the story, I'd like to apologize to those who feel like I've misinterpreted or wrongly depicted a side-character. I don't like all characters in the show, and I don't get all of them, I tried to depict the ones I used the best I could

Since this is my first story, I didn't know exactly how to format it. So here's the run-down:

- When you see this[………………………………………………….. It indicates either a passage in time, short or long, or a change in scene or place, maybe from one group/person to another.

- When you see words or sentences that look like this: Kage buushin no jutsu, it is dialogue happening in someone's mind, like just thinking to themselves.

- When you see words or sentences that look like this: "Kage buushin no jutsu" It means they're remembering someone saying something in the past

- When you see words or sentences that look like this: Kage buushin no jutsu or KAGE BUUSHIN NO JUTSU It usually is a sound

- When you see words or sentences that look like this: KAGE BUUSHIN NO JUTSU It's the Kyuubi talking.

Hopefully that covers it all, I'm crossing my fingers. Hopefully it's easy to pick up the order of everything as you read. With that being said, I hope you enjoy it. If you have time to give it a review please do. If you have questions let me know. If you have any questions about theories or reasonings as to why certain people don't appear, like the rest of "Hebi" please message me. Also, I apologize for any grammar or spelling errors, because I only had proofread the work twice before publishing it, not to mention cutting out tons and tons of chapters, I felt was a little too much. Have fun. : )

-- Chouzu Tao