Title: A Hero Returns

Rating:T(may change)

Pairing:NaruSaku

Summary:Its been four years since Pain's attack on Konoha. Once again Konoha's Savior leaves to become even stronger. What awaits him when he returns? Destruction? Prosperity? Or even Love? That's the puzzling part. Who could ever love a monster?

Disclaimer:...sigh...I do not own Naruto...If Idid I'd be kicking back at my beach house right about now.I own my OCs, plots, and writing style!


A gentle wind blew through Konoha. It was an odd yet welcoming breeze that foretold of something great, something strong yet kind. The wind stopped its caress and settled down. Sakura looked towards the gates. Two figures stood there as if waiting for permission to enter Konoha like it was a sacred Monument.

Kotetsu and Izumo stared in relief and disbelief at the same time. The two men stood before Sakura, gawking in amazement as their eyes depicted the vision before them. The Hero had returned, The child of prophecy. The two figures entered, revealing themselves to be Hatake Kakashi and Uzumaki Naruto. Sakura watched with amazement. He'd come home. Naruto had really returned.

The Orange Ninja walked up to them as he surveyed the scene behind them. "I'm finally home."he whispered to no one in particular.

"Naruto! Kakashi" exclaimed Kotetsu. "Is that really you?"

The blonde nodded, a goofy grin forming. "Hey Guys. How've you been?"

Izumo placed a hand on his head and ruffled his hair. " I can't believe it's been three years since you left for another journey."

Konoha's white lighting stepped forward. "This kid just can't get enough adventure to fill a lifetime. He insisted on training every day and anytime we weren't doing anything."he said with a laugh.

Izumo and Kotetsu stepped around Naruto and went to talk with their friend, wanting the details of their excursion. Naruto pouted a bit, poking his lip out before turning to walk away. His orbs caught sight of a young woman standing before him. He looked her over to see if he recognized her. Sakura grew nervous. Why was he analyzing her like that? Did she have something on her face? Naruto continued to examine her features until he noticed her hair.

'Did Baa-chan die her hair?'he mused. Then he caught sight of the illuminous emerald eyes that proved him wrong.

"S-sakura?"he stuttered.

She nodded. "You look just like Tsunade-"

He was cut short when she placed a hand on his cheek. She had to reach out and know that he was real, not some Genjutsu trick that someone would menacingly play on her.

"Naruto."she whispered softly.

Before some awful entity swept him away she pulled him into an embrace, squeezing gently. Was this the Sakura Haruno he'd fallen in love with all those years ago? Her warmth consoled him and her scent of Cherry Blossoms filled his nose. It was a delightful scent, one that he could designate among all others.

"I'm so glad you came home safe and sound."she whispered, her fingers digging into the fabric of his jacket. She didn't want let go for fear of something taking him from her grasp.

Naruto was caught by surprised as he heard her words. He felt his cheeks heat up as the blood pounded in his ears. He wanted to hug her back. He wanted to tell her all about his adventures and what he learned.

"Sakura-chan."he said softly, almost hesitantly. "Is it alright If I hug you back?"

The question puzzled the cherry blossom but it only brought a smile to her face. She had her friend back. "Do you even have to ask?"she whispered.

The blonde slipped his muscular arms around her mid-section. Sakura welcomed his embrace. She's missed her friend, Konoha's Hyperactive Knucklehead Ninja and Konoha's Savior . She had promised herself that she would make things right between them once and for all. She pulled back and took a look at Naruto. Kakashi, Izumo, and Kotetsu figured they would let them be. They hadn't seen each other in over three years. The three slipped off quietly so as not to disturb them.

The Blonde Jinchuriki's eyes scanned Sakura's appearance. Her outfit resembled the Godaime's. She wore a sleeveless red Kimono styled blouse and a dark green obi that wrapped around her waist, keeping her kimono closed although it did reveal a bit of cleavage. In conjunction with that she wore black capris and Kunnoichi heels. A white robe hung over her shoulders, Its hemming trimmed with red. Her hair, having grown out, was tied in two loose pigtails by red bands. Light pink lipstick decorated her lips.

Sakura's emerald orbs analyzed Naruto, constantly moving. He wore a fishnet undershirt with a plain black t-shirt and his all too famous orange and black jacket. In conjunction he wore beige pants and his normal shinobi shoes. He sported no headband and his hair,dare she think it, was even spikier than when he left. The Chakra crystal, a gift passed down to him from the Godaime herself, hung around his neck.

"You've changed a lot!" Naruto exclaimed, a smile on his face.

She hadn't just changed. Sakura Haruno was no longer a girl or a teenager but a beautiful young woman. A full-fledged Kunnoichi. If only he knew how he truly felt about her.

The cherry Blossom nodded. "You too."

Naruto hadn't just changed in appearance. She was sure his intellect had grown while he trained just like his power had. She could feel it. He was no longer the genin who played tricks on the villagers. No longer a Chuunin. Hell, not even a Jounin. The Orange Ninja was much more than that. He was a man. A Hero. The two engaged in a memorable look into each other's eyes as they looked into the future, their destinies. They expected the other to do their best in reaching that destiny may it be Hokage or the Strongest Kunnoichi in Konoha.

"Naruto." Sakura spoke after the long silence.

A low growl emitted from her companion which caused her to sweat drop. Naruto laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head which earned a giggle from Konoha's cherry Blossom.

"How about some barbecue,my treat?"she questioned.

The man before her smiled a toothy grin. "That sounds Great! I'm starving!"

Sakura nodded before turning to walk away, Naruto at her side. 'I've missed this side of you Naruto.' she mused.


Tsunade stood atop the Hospital, a hand grasping the gate before her as she let the cool breeze swirled around her. She succumbed to its welcoming chill. It put her at ease as her weary eyes scanned the village. The Godaime had felt the familiar Chakra presences enter the Village a little while earlier. She wondered how the training went.

"Lady Hokage." came a voice.

The Sannin didn't have to turn around to know who the voice belonged to. She knew that voice anywhere. The voice was strong, stern and almost intimidating as she let the wind slice through her, cradle her even.

"I see you've returned."she said with a fatigued smile.

His silver hair was caught within the breeze. It was actually a bit stifling as memories from the last three years formed in his mind. 'This is actually refreshing.' he thought. The last three years had been stifling so to speak. Training with a Jinchuriki,in which Jiraiya-sama had done years earlier, had turned out to be a battle in itself.

Kakashi nodded. "Yes Tsunade-sama. Ultimately it was a very successful training session. There were some...casualties. I've already submitted a report."

Tsunade scanned his features, her hazel orbs traveling. 'A fractured wrist. A bruised Femur. Two Broken ribs and a few severed Chakra points. Damn. Now I know what casualties he spoke of.' she thought to herself. She also could hear his labored breathing which alerted her of bruised lungs. He'd tried to hide that fact but obviously failed miserably.

"Kakashi, your injuries...come with me." she said hurrying off to the door. Kakashi looked after her. He was hoping she wouldn't have noticed but being the Medial Kunnoichi she was he knew it was futile.

Tsunade looked behind her to see that he wasn't following her. "That's an order!"she yelled.

Fearing for his life, Konoha's white lightning hurried to follow the blonde-haired woman.

'If only she weren't so damn intimidating.' he thought as he closed the door behind him. 'I really hate Hospitals.'


Sakura smirked as they entered the Barbeque restaurant. It was fairly crowded although it was only 4:00. By this time Shinobi would be retiring home to their families after a long day's work or going out for a nice family outing. Naruto trailed behind her to the counter. She turned to him, a smile on her face.

"Hey Naruto. Why don't you go and find us a booth?"she suggested.

He nodded, whistling as he went off to fulfill his friend's request. As he walked, stares of disbelief met him. The stares turned into warm smiles and grins. They greeted him with kind words of welcome backs and their thanks, also their blessings. A grin spread onto his face as he found an empty booth. Back at the counter, Sakura paid for everything and placed their order.

"Thank you for your business Sakura-san." the waitress politely said.

Sakura nodded in response before going off to find Naruto. Her emerald eyes searched for him until she found that spiky blonde hair that stood out above all else.

"Thanks again, Sakura-chan."he said with a chuckle as she scooted into the booth and across from him.

The young woman gave him a kind smile. "Your welcome."she replied, taking off her coat and placing it beside her.

A waitress appeared at the table, a notepad in her hands. "What will you be having to drink this evening?"she questioned, her eyes bouncing back and forth between them.

"Camomile Tea with a hint of honey." replied the pinkette.

"Miruki Tea." replied Naruto.

The waitress nodded before skipping off to get what they asked for. Naruto looked after her in confusion. Were all waitresses like that? He sure hoped they weren't as bubbly. Why couldn't they be like Sakura-chan? Calm, collected yet ready to pounce if need be? He sighed, entering his dream world where all things were possible. Then again no girl could even hope to stand in league with her. Her pink hair was unusual but made it all the more beautiful. And those emerald eyes, need he say more?

The Rosette cocked her head to the side as she stared at Naruto. He was acting strangely and drooling like a rabid dog. She hoped he wasn't having any sick fantasies. 'I guess he was hungrier than I thought.'she mused, cringing at the disturbing look on his face. The waitress returned with their drinks and the food they ordered. The blonde snapped out of his trance. The two thanked the waitress once more.

Naruto looked down at the different types of raw meats. There was Sukiyaki beef, pork cutlets, Unagi, Yakitori and Steak. Sakura took some of the Yakitori Kabobs and seasoned them before placing them on the grill. Naruto did the same but with the Sukiyaki. His mouth watered as he watched the meat cook. The young woman across from him took a sip of her tea before resting her head on her folded hand, her elbows resting on the table.

"Tell me, Naruto."she began. "About your 4 year Journey. I want to know how it went."

Naruto's Azure orbs met with hers. He sat up straight, presenting himself with a calm aura. He crossed his arms across his chest as his mind reeled back to the times with Kakashi. He had pushed him to his utmost limits, to the point his chakra had almost depleted. Those were the hard times. Then there were the good times where the two bonded like he and Ero-Sennin had done before. With all the different thoughts rambling around in his head Naruto couldn't make up his mind on where he should begin. Sakura looked at him with worried yet slightly confused emerald orbs. Was there something he didn't want to share with her?

"Well."he started. "I really can't put it into words but...the first day of training was rather boring. Something about chi and stuff like that. Eventually the training got harder with Kakashi testing me of my strongest Jutsu such as the Rasengan, Shuuriken Rasengan and so on. But none of that really matters. I've learned to control two other Chakra Natures along with a new Jutsu. But..."

Sakura raised and eyebrow. "But?"

His eyes looked a bit downcast yet slightly happy. "I can now control the 6th tailed form of the Kyuubi."

'6 tails?' thought Sakura. 'There's only 3 left. How long will it be until he reaches 9? Will I be able to prevent it?'

"I see."she said sitting back against the wall and crossing her arms. She smiled. " That's great. I'm glad to hear that your training went so well. I'm sure Jiraiya-sama would be proud to see that you've learn so much."she explained, turning the Yakitori and Sukiyaki kabobs over so they wouldn't burn.

That made the blonde's eyes light up. He grinned again as looked up at her as she took off her white robe and placed it beside her. His eyes caught sight of a red swirled tattoo on her right arm. That was the Anbu Black ops Tattoo.

"So Sakura-chan what about you?"he questioned. "What has your training resulted in?"

The pink-haired young woman closed her eyes and sighed. She didn't want to brag to him about how she'd gotten stronger or any of that. Hopefully he'd just get to see it in action one day. She held up a finger.

"I just have one thing." she said. "I've surpassed Tsunade-sama in medical ability and Strength. That's all I have to say." she explained. " Besides the food is ready."

She held up a plate of Yakitori and handed it to him before she did the same for herself while also placing unagi and pork cutlets onto the grill. Naruto took a bite of his food. The Jinchuriki pouted. He wanted to know all of the results of the training Tsunade put her through. Maybe he would just have to wait.


As the day dwindled down into early evening the wind grew even more chill. The breeze carried a feeling of joy and warmth, a warmth that signified that the will of fire still burned within the hearts of the villagers. Sai felt he should put that into a painting. He'd been working on it for quite sometime as a gift. A gift for someone he'd considered a friend.

'I wonder if he's returned yet.' he mused, a small smile forming on his lips.

Sai had began warming up to everyone in the leaf. The Konoha 11 had accepted his apologies and accepted him as if he'd grown up right along with them. While forming bonds, he'd also learned to respect and consider everyone's feelings. He'd finally gotten the nicknames right. Konoha's Cherry Blossom had seemed to have grown on him as he'd developed sort of a crush on her. By not realizing his true emotions while feigning the empty emotions Danzo had pounded into him.

"If only I'd realized it sooner."he whispered as he put the finishing touches on his masterpiece.

He scanned the large canvas as he figured out a title for it. It wasn't something that came naturally to him sinceh he'd never done this for any of his other paintings. But this was more than just a painting. No, it was way more than that. It was his symbolism of the bond between him and The leaf village. To sakura. The Konoha 11. and to Naruto Uzumaki, the Hero of the fire country.

"I'll call it, 'The Will of Fire.' "


The Evening had turned into Night. The stars twinkled lightly in the far distance. A Lunar Crescent hung in the sky, its pale light barely illuminating the village. Naruto and Sakura had left the restaurant and were now walking aimlessly through the village.

Naruto yawned. "Where are we going now?"he questioned.

Sakura grabbed his hand. "Come with me. I want to show you something."she said softly, tugging him along.

The blonde-haired Jinchuriki was caught by surprise. Sakura was being quite enthusiastic about something she wondered what it was she wanted to show him. The scenery whirled past him as she dragged him further and further down the street, turning onto different streets and into different districts. She led him into one of the old district he didn't recognize. They finally stopped at a large compound. While gawking he'd bumped into Sakura.

"Sorry Sakura-chan."he apologized.

He looked up and saw the Uzumaki Crest, one he'd carried with him his whole life. A life of Isolation. He was enveloped in a funny emotion that he didn't recognize.

"W-what is this?"he stuttered, eager for knowledge.

The Pinkette walked up the steps and onto the porch. She unlocked the door and stepped inside, Naruto on her heels. He closed the door behind him.

"This." she began, is the Uzumaki estate where your mother and Father, Kushina-sama and Yondaime Minato-sama, lived. This is your home Naruto, your true home." She explained, putting the key in his hand and closing it around the metal object.

The Lone Uzumaki descendant couldn't believe what she was saying. He'd met both his Father and Mother in his subconscious once before. His father had been a strong man, the savior of Konoha when the Kyuubi attacked. There was nothing to describe his mother's beauty. He smiled.

"How did you even know about this place?"he questioned.

Sakura nodded. "I've been cleaning and adding a bit of team 7 here and there since it was my idea to restore it for you. I decided against changing anything that might erase the prescence of the Uzumaki clan." she explained once again.

The blonde explored the living room as he sat down on the couch. Sakura looked at the time and realized she had to make her final rounds at the hospital. Honestly though she tried to do what was best for him she could feel her emotions forming as a lump in her throat.

"I wish I could stay longer but I've got some final checks I have to make at the Hospital. Tsunade-sama is bound to kill me for being late. Beside, I'm sure you're tired so I'll let you rest. You've had a long journey and It's been a long day. Good Evening."she said softly, turning on her heels.

Naruto grabbed her hand. He'd had so much fun today with her. If only he could be within her company for a while longer. She was right that he was a fatigued from his journey but he'd only just returned and seeing his best friend really made him happy.

"Sakura-chan..." he whispered. "Would you mind staying a bit longer?"


WOW! Twelve pages. It is now 11:59 Pm and its a school night! I'm just that dedicated! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as Much as I've enjoyed writing it for you. If you have any ideas, comments, or concerns pm or send in a keeps me going. Well I;m off to catch some much deserved Zzzz's! Jane!

Goodbye, but not forever

-EmikoSakura27-