A few hours later, Sakura and Sanosuke were at the Kinosashima Sushi Bar, talking about the recent assasination mission. "So, in the end, I just barely managed to hit Orochimaru in the heart." By this time, Sakura was very pale, due to the fact that Sano had described his mission in full detail. Sakura looked at him and said, "But your home now. That's worth something, isn't it?" She slid closer and leaned on him. She'd long ago given up Sasuke to Ino. Sasuke was jealous of his older brother, but let it go. "So why don't we have a good night tonight, Sano-kun?" "Haruno-chan. Please don't use -kun when we're in public or around Sasuke. Besides, I've got a meeting with Lord Hokage tonight, and I've been given permission to bring one person with me who was not on the assasination team. And I want to bring you, Haruno-chan." He held her tight, and looked into her eyes. He never knew why, but it was her emerald green eyes that attracted him in the first place. Then he got to know her and they fell in love with one another.
Now, about three years after Third Hokage's grandson, Konohamaru, became a jounin, he and Sakura were known throughout Konoha to be dating steady. But what Sanosuke had kept hidden from everyone, even his younger twin, was that he had found the perfect engagement ring and was planning on proposing at the meeting, when everyone in the village would be there to hear about Orochimaru's demise. As they left, he paid the bill and said, "Haruno-chan, I will meet you at seven-thirty just outside Lord Hokage's home, okay? I want you in your absolute best evening dress." Sakura looked at him. "D-dress?" Sano looked down into her eyes. "I know you don't like dresses, Haruno-chan, but please. Just for tonight, I would like you to wear the kimono I bought you for Christmas last year. It will go well with what I have planned." He walked her to her door, said, "See you tonight." and walked to his own home.
When he arrived, he saw the fifth hokage, Uzumaki Naruto, on his doorstep. "Lord Hokage. I, I didn't expect you to be out alone this evening." Naruto bowed and said in reply, "Yes, well I have something to ask. May I come inside?" Sano bowed as well. "Yes, of course Lord Hokage." They went inside and sat down on the Ichanakame leather couch. "What is it, sir?" Naruto looked at Sano and said, "For starters, have you decided on who your going to bring?" Nodding, Sano answered, "I have. I'm going to bring Haruno Sakura to the Council. Could you make sure the entire village is there? I have an anouncement to make after I give my report." "Very well, Sanosuke-san. And while we are alone you may refer to me by my name. The main reason I came was because I noticed that Kiba and Akamaru were missing from the team. Were they killed in battle?" The sad look on Sano's face gave Naruto the answer. "I see." He stood up to leave. "You can give the full report tonight. Until then, farewell."
Later that night, as Sanosuke was preparing to leave, Nara Shikamaru came to him. "I don't know what to do, Sano. Kiba was my best friend. I just wish I had been able to help better." As Shikamaru's voice trailed off, Sano said, "We all do, Shikamaru. Even Lord Hokage's wife wishes her medicinal balms were more helpful. I'll see you at the Council" Shikamaru headed for the Council Arena while Sano went to the Hokage's home. Sakura was there, in the kimono, waiting. The kimono was a cherry petal pink with white lotus flowers surrounding a whooping crane that was standing in a lake. It was tied with a sapphire blue sash at the waist. She also had her hair done like a Kyoto princess. All in all, Sakura looked beautiful. "Wow. I didn't think that it would look that good on you, Sakura." Sakura blushed and thanked him. They waited for Nartuo to exit his home before heading for the Concil Arena.
" . . . then we arrived home again, two members less than when we started." By the time Sanosuke had finished, Tenten was in tears. Kiba was her husband, and the father of her unborn child, their first. Kakashi and Kurenai were trying their best to console her, but were not doing to well. Her grief was too great. "We brought their bodies back, so they would recieve a proper burial. We also want to offer whatever help we can to Kiba's wife and unborn child." Then Shikamaru spoke up. "We will even pay for the child's schooling at the Ninja Acadamy, if need be." Tenten looked at the team's survivors and said, "Thank you. All of you. I'm sure this is how he would have wanted it." Then Hyuga Neji said, "I myself would have taken the kunai, but Kiba knocked me out of the way and took it himself." Neji then wept silently. "He saved my life as well as Uchiha-sama's life. Here I stand, alive, when it should be him." Sikamaru put his hand on Neji's shoulder and said to him, "Fate is a cruel mistress."
After the rest of the team left the center of the Arena, Uzumaki Naruto stod and said, "Uchiha Sanosuke, why do you remain here when your team has dipersed?" The entire village watched as Sanosuke walked over to Sakura and said, "Because I have a confession." In his hand was a small object no bigger than a star shuriken. "Haruno Sakura." She blushed. "Yes, Sa-, Uchiha-sama?" He knelt on one knee and opened the box, revealing a diamond ring with emeralds and sapphires surrounding it. "I loved you the moment I saw you. I thank you for these wonderful years past of friendship. Now I am willing to go one step further. Haruno Sakura, will you marry me?" Ino actually fainted. A few other girls in the village cried silently. Sakura held a hand over her mouth. Sanosuke slid the ring onto her finger and said, "Will you become my wife?" Sakura began to cry. "Y-yes. Yes I will." At that, she threw herself into his arms and kissed him. Naruto said, "About damn time, Uchiha-san." The rest of the village that wasn't jealous erupted. in applause and cheers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Surprises at every turn! What did you think? R&R to let me know. Chapter 3 on the way, so sit tight. Quick note: This takes place about seventeen and a half years after Sasuke was cursed by Orochimaru.