Writer's Note:

*I DO NOT OWN NARUTO AND ITS CHARACTERS AND STORY, NOTHING.*

Chapter 2

As months went by, Sakura felt more and more longing for Sasuke's return. She knew he would take all the time he needed, and she accepted that. She just wished, as any other woman would have, for his speedy and safe return.

Most of her days were spent at the hospital, helping Tsunade with patients and assisting with surgeries. Tsunade was President of the hospital, and was grooming Sakura to be her successor. She needed Sakura to focus, as she noticed she was lost in thought often and she knew why. When they were back at Tsunade's office, Tsunade sat down and addressed Sakura,

"Sakura, I need you to concentrate. No point in worrying about someone like Sasuke. You know he will be alright."

Sakura blinked, nodding, "I know. I just have other things on my mind."

She was mostly thinking about Sasuke, as she has always done since they were Genin. As much as her love for him exceeded most, she still had to focus on work, which was her main worry.

"Tsunade, do you really think I can manage a hospital? I'm only 17…"

Sakura stared at her notes, pondering the thought. The idea of it just felt so overwhelming. If she became the new President of the hospital in the future, she knew she would be proud of herself. She just needed to work hard.

She held onto this motivation, knowing she would regret it if she passed up the opportunity to be recognized for her talents and her intelligence.

Tsunade watched her, letting Sakura figure this out for herself. She always did come up with her own resolve. Her input wasn't needed, so she stood up,

"Sakura, don't ask me stupid questions. You know the answers."

Sakura nodded. Sasuke was working hard on his journey and she needed to do the same. Right now, she needs to focus on her future in this hospital. Feeling rejuvenated, she followed Tsunade out of the room proceeding to continue her hard work.

Six months later, Sakura continued working at the hospital, steadily moving her way to become Tsunade's successor. She was already giving her own orders to the staff of the hospital, constantly checking on patients, making sure they were all diagnosed correctly all the while teaching other medical ninjas in her vicinity.

'I have to be a leader. I must prove I can do this.' Sakura was scanning through her current students' examinations of her patients, checking with the patients themselves to make sure her students were learning. She was constantly attending the hospitals patients and working on her paperwork to better the hospital. There was always work to be done and she was never left to her thoughts, which she appreciated.

It was nice to continue without constant thoughts of Sasuke. Working helped her stay focused and concentrated on what was in front of her rather than waste her time thinking about Sasuke returning her feelings. She needed to do this for herself. She needs to know that she can be strong for herself and for others.

Tsunade gave Sakura her own personal office to work on her documents. It wasn't as big as Tsunade's but it served its purpose.

Sakura was putting away documents in the files they belonged to before Naruto entered her office,

"Sakura! Thought I'd stop by and see how you were doing," Naruto flashed a happy grin at her. Sakura appreciated Naruto's visits, she was always working and Naruto would be there to make sure she was taking care of herself. Sakura smiled,

"Hey, Naruto. What brings you to my office?" Sakura chuckled as Naruto grinned wider, obviously preparing a surprise.

"I'm going to teach! I'm going to teach kids, isn't that great!? Me, teaching with Iruka-sensei! I was really surprised, but this work makes me happy." He took a seat in front of her, crossing his arms in confidence. Sakura clapped,

"Oh, that's great, Naruto! I'm glad you found something to keep yourself busy." She was truly happy for Naruto. Somehow him teaching the village's young ninjas didn't seem like a wrong decision at all. In fact, it suited him. She noticed how much the kids look up to him, constantly trying to play or learn from him. He is a good role-model, there could be no one better to teach. She stood up to give him a congratulatory hug, she was proud of him.

Naruto gave her a bear hug and slowly parted from it, "And you won't believe what else happened either!"

Sakura's eyes widened, "There's more? Well tell me!" She had her hands on her hips, waiting for him to continue. He looked away, blush showing on his cheeks,

"Hinata and I... Well, it happened so fast. She's my girlfriend now... It happened yesterday and I wanted to tell you as soon as I could, but I was busy... I just, I can't believe it. I'm really happy." Naruto smiled, and that smile told Sakura exactly how he felt. She returned his smile, proud of this result.

"I'm happy for you both! It's about time. I was wondering how much longer it would've been before you noticed her romantically." Sakura turned to sit back in her seat, chuckling as she did.

'I have to tackle Hinata later for the details!' She thought to herself, planning when to ambush Hinata, smiling at the idea.

Naruto blushed harder and looked away as if she didn't say something that piqued his interest, "Well, I just wanted you to know how my last few days have been, is all! But enough about me, how have you been?"

Naruto's tone turned serious now. Sakura didn't look up from her desk. Every time someone asked if she was well, she'd just feel more emotionally drained. Naruto's expression grew softer.

"Sakura, I came by today to also tell you that Sasuke sent me a note. He said that he would be returning soon, but didn't give a specific date. If I spot him, I'll come for you. That'll be the first thing I do." Naruto said it as a promise.

Sakura looked up at him, not knowing whether to feel really great, or not at all. She didn't like getting her hopes up. They always came crashing down. She knew better.

"Can I see the note...?" She asked, needing to see physical evidence of this. Naruto nodded and reached into his pocket, pulling out a folded paper. He opened it and handed it to her.

Sakura grabbed it, thinking twice before reading it. She needs to know if he's really coming. She looked at the note, it read,

'Naruto, I will return sometime soon.

...Let her know I'm fine.'

Sakura read it over and over, until eventually she looked up at Naruto. Naruto shrugged, "He's referring to you, I think. I have to get going Sakura, I'll see you later and let you know if anything happens."

She nodded, speechless as Naruto exited her office. She sat there for what seemed like hours, staring at the note.

She went over the same scene in her head, his return and what she'd say to him. If Sasuke decided to go back out on his journey, she would go with him, no matter what.

She's willing to worry about the hospital after she's back. Sakura planned to leave with Sasuke, if it became the situation. She had to get ready, to prepare.

This time, she will be heard. She will go.

And he can't stop her.