For one Naruto Uzumaki, the summer is nothing more than a time where he could rest underneath the tree's shade. Of course, he could do it every time he pleases, but he finds summer the best time to do it. While the air is hot and unforgiving, the cherry tree in training ground four is a perfect and gives a cool place for him to rest. He, instead of training in his team's training ground like usual, finds this place as the second best place to train. And after rough hours of training, he would always fall asleep underneath this tree.

The air is hot and breezy, giving that nice contrast between heat and chill. The tree's shade covers his form completely from the unforgiving sun, and he is lying with his arms to use as a cover from the grass beneath him, his eyes closed while a content smile is present on his face. "Nothing's better than relaxing after a good training session…" he sighed out in pure bliss.

He trains a lot. That is probably where he got most of his stamina. His Jounin sensei, Kakashi Hatake, would sometimes give him tips on physical exercise but most of the tips that masked Jounin gave were useless. It didn't help him one bit, so, he decided to think things through on his own. First thing in the morning, jog to the training grounds. As soon as reaching the training grounds, he'll do a fifteen minutes non-stop session of sit ups. After that, pushups, another fifteen minutes. Later, after all the minor exercises are done, he'll start doing ten laps around the training grounds. Rest for a five minutes, he'll resume his lap by adding another five rounds. After running, it's time to hit the tree. Training his punches, hits and maybe some weapon throwing exercise… those are all his morning routine.

Of course, it takes time to get used to a schedule like that, but he's used to it now. The first few days were painful, but now he's tougher than ever. But there is also a reason as to why this place is even far better than his team's training ground. They say that this place is actually haunted, they are filled with the ghosts of people who died on the war. The first time hearing that obviously terrified him, but it is not as scary as he thought he would be.

He met someone here, a woman. She claimed that she was a ghost. Of course, being a rational person, he did not believe a word she said. That is until… she revealed to him that she is one. How? He doesn't know. She had somehow managed to convince him that she is a ghost. He remembered asking if she was one of the ghost who died in the war and wasn't able to pass on. But he was surprised to found that she isn't.

His meeting went a little like this…

"Puaah! Whew, that's done I guess." Falling down to the ground, he lands on his back, feeling the wind as he did so. His eyes gazed upon evening sky, taking their breathtaking color, a mix between violet and orange. The calm breeze of evening brushed pass him, the silence enveloping around him, and it's as if this moment alone is his to take. He stood there lying on the ground for a few more minutes, still taking in the view above him. Then he stood, slowly helping himself off from the ground.

He could train more since he'll be free tomorrow. Kakashi-sensei is probably just too lazy to meet up anyway, he's not sure if that person is really fit to be teaching or not. So, he decided to go home and retire early for the day. His muscles are aching and he couldn't even stand straight. His training was… strenuous, to say the least. Yet he knew that he must get used to this kind of routine from now on. Looking around, making sure if he got everything with him, his pouch and scrolls, he eventually walks away from the field towards the training ground's exit.

He folds his hands, letting his head rest over them as he walks. All the while, he whistled a small tune. He passed by the clearing, almost nearing the training's ground exit. But… something stopped him dead in his tracks. He stopped, his right foot stopping in midair before even touching the ground. One might wonder why he stopped so abruptly and so suddenly. It can't be helped; he can't help it. Because before him is probably one of the most beautiful sight he had ever seen in his whole entire life.

Spring is in session, making all the trees in full bloom. Though the sight of cherry trees isn't that usual in the village, the training grounds provide a good lot of them. Especially the training ground he's in right now. But it is not of the tree's and spring's beauty that caused him to suddenly stop, it wasn't because of the petals that falls gracefully… it was because of the one standing underneath the tree, the tree that is seemingly the largest one out of all the cherry trees in this place.

"?" there, she stood, turning her direction, her attention and focus onto him. Her short, wavy and beautiful hair that resembles the blossoms blooming themselves billowed as the wind went by them; her face reflects a mature yet soft and childlike glow, giving her a significant form of beauty. The way she dress alone is a work of beauty; the light blue dress along with the designs that comes with it seems to have make her more eye catching. In short, it is hard for Naruto to not turn away from her. For he is mesmerized at the mere sight of her.

She stared at him. Those dark blue eyes that seemed to have rivaled his in terms of exoticness, are looking and piercing through his very being and into his heart. In a moment of sudden, his heart skipped a beat just by her looking at him. It adds up when she smiled at him, causing the feeling of nervousness to double. His chest feels as if it was about to burst; he doesn't know what is causing this. It's as if, just by looking at him alone, she is inviting him to her, inviting him to her space.

The blonde haired ninja was red in the face, his expression showing one that is alien even to himself. The blossom haired woman who is staring at him at that moment giggled. She giggled! He thought. His heartbeat increased in fervent staccato, each beat expressing how nervous he is at this moment. Not knowing what to do, he turned around to hide his face from her. He buries his tomato like face into his right arm, trying to figure out what is happening.

'What the hell's wrong with me!?' sadly, his thoughts was not answered. He made an effort to turn his back and face the woman once again, putting everything and effort he got on it. In what seems to have been eternity, he faced the woman again, who is still smiling lovely at his direction. He decided. He's going to talk to her. She does not look to be a local from here, so she might either be lost or confused as to where she is. Being a good ninja, he can't allow a lady like her to get lost now can he?

So, bringing his pride and title as a man at the same time, Naruto took the biggest step in his life. He reached her, eyes full of hope and curiosity. She looked down, due to her being superior in terms of height. Her eyes filled to the brim with anticipation and kindness. The boy opens his mouth, yet no words could come out. He tried once more, but was greeted by the same result. But third time's a charm, he opened his mouth, he said,

"You're beautiful."

And that, is one of the most embarrassing moment of his life.

The woman, who is no doubt taken aback by his statement, went wide eyed and blinked a couple of time. Naruto, realizing what he had said and declared, immediately rivaled a tomato and strawberry in terms of color in the blink of an eye. He flails his arms, waving them as if to take back his previous declaration of honesty.

"I-I-I-I don't really- I mean, you are beautiful, it's just that—!" the poor boy stumbles and jumbles over his own words, trying so hard to say them yet unable to. Naruto is not like this. He. Is. Not. Like. This. He can't believe that he's stumbling on his own words, and he can't believe that he is getting embarrassed. But… this woman… she's just so.. beautiful. He had never seen someone like her before, much less talk to her. The blonde haired ninja swallowed the bulging lump he has in his throat, the nervousness temporarily disappearing.

"I… I…" he readied himself, still confused at what he's about to say. "I want to see you again!" blurted out the gennin. "Can I…?" he asked.

Now, it is obvious to say that the woman is still surprise at the boy's proclamation. She did however, make the surprised and shocked expression on her face disappear, replacing it with a small and sweet smile that causes the boy's heart to flutter. She then giggles, hiding her soft and small, supple lips behind her hand. "Ufufu… my, not even knowing my name and you are planning to see me again already?" she asked, though a hint of tease is evident on her tone. "Let us restart, ne? My name is Saigyouji Yuyuko, and you are…?"

"U-Uzumaki Naruto!" the blonde shouted his name in an answer. He's too nervous right now!

The pink haired woman giggled once again, her voice being let out softly. "Uzumaki Naruto-kun huh…" she wandered thoughtfully. She, then, smiles. "What a cute name!" there's only honesty in her voice, the one kind that drives Naruto's inner teenager out.

At the compliment, at least that is what Naruto thinks, the young boy blushed, his face growing red that it would make a certain white eyed princess herself go red. He faced the ground, cannot bear to look at the woman with his red faced expression. Shyly, he rubbed the back f his head with one of his hands, definitely showing that he is all flushed up and embarrassed. Once he lifts his head to face the woman again, he was greeted by a smile that is brighter than the sun itself.

"Sure, let's meet again shall we? Underneath this tree, this tree that will become a place where the two of us commute." She began to trace lines on the tree behind her, facing it with an expression of nostalgia. All the while, Naruto noticed that she is seemed… sad for some reason. He can't find out why, but she seemed so sad. He never knew that she could make an expression like that. She was cheerful, it's his first impression of her.

Yuyuko, now that she has revealed her name, turned her head towards him. She smiled, clearing away the faraway look she had on her. "Go. You tire, are you not? Sleep. And return here tomorrow at the same time right now, we shall have time to talk." She said.

Taken aback, Naruto blinked three times. Wait. Could he really see her again? Could he really talk to her again? As he was thinking, the wind began to pick up. The cherry blossom petals that are floating are now being drifted away by the strong wind. To Naruto, it's like a sign of farewell. But she said that they could meet again tomorrow at the same time, that alone is enough for him. Naruto smiled, the brightest one he could muster. "Um! I will see you again, Yuyuko-san!" he ran off, looking forward towards tomorrow.

Now alone, she is once again left to the company of this mysterious yet familiar tree behind her. This tree that is unknown even to her, this tree that has somehow binds her into this place… she just wonders, what would happen if she were to share this moment with someone? She smiled, knowing the answer.

"Well, at least it won't be so lonely anymore…"

The next day, Naruto arrived, and he is here to keep his promise. He is enthusiastic, even more so than usual. His lips stretched to a very bright smile, and his eyes sparkling underneath the evening sun. The hyperactive knucklehead ninja of Konoha is really on his most hyper behavior. Give him a question for his to his reason on being happy and he'll say that he's going to meet someone at a certain place. Well, he wouldn't exactly reveal the whole thing in case if someone were to ask him, but there's no hurting to let anyone know someone as beautiful as Yuyuko-san.

He took a break from training today, mainly because he didn't want to see Yuyuko first due to the fact that he is quite shy. That is why he decided to come later in evening, he prepared himself mentally earlier at home, so there's less to worry about. But he's not sure if he's able to keep himself straight while talking to her or not. The boy is nearing the designated training ground, the cherry trees accompanying him along the way. On his right hand, he carries a packed lunch box. He skipped lunch, thinking that it might be better to eat outside for a while. He might be no cook, but he learned a few basic things such as making rice balls filled with salmon flakes.

The blonde haired gennin saw a familiar entrance just a few meters ahead from him. The corner of his lips tugged wider, causing his smile to follow in suit. He entered the usually deserted training ground, excited to meet the woman he met yesterday. Isn't it weird for him to be excited, he thought. That is a question that he's been pondering over and over again throughout the whole day, even last night as he was just about to sleep. But no matter how hard he tried to find an answer, he is still left clueless. Entering the quiet and seemingly deserted training ground, the first thing he did is to spot a familiar tree.

"Ah." Forget the tree. He found her. Flutters of petals cascade the air like beautifully fallen feathers, as if they have fallen from grace itself. The winds themselves seemed to have whispered from a land that is distant from his, from here. For him, it's like her existence itself is not of this world. As he was struck motionless by her uncomprehending beauty, his eyes caught the movement of her posture. She turned away from the tree that she was standing under, taking the time to grace him with her face. She looked at him and smiled.

Naruto's not sure if he's even worthy for that smile.

He had seen beautiful girls, women. There is of course his crush, Sakura-chan. Perhaps Ino too. Hinata is cute. And there was this red eyed Jounin that he met a few days ago. They are all beautiful, but none could compare to Yuyuko, she outdone every single one of them from a very large scale. Naruto gulped down air into his system, mustering every courage he has into his being. He began walking, steadily and careful not to approach too quickly. He reached her, a distance of a few meters separates him and her.

The woman opposite of him draws a confused expression. "Hm, what's wrong? Aren't you going to come here?" she said with that innocent and almost childlike tone of hers.

Caught aback by her question, Naruto panicked. "N-No! It's just that… I… I do not want to disturb you. You seemed to be so focused alone, and I don't want you to stop just because I'm here." He said but not looking at her face, much less her eyes.

The woman smiled once again. She giggled, hiding her lips behind her sleeve. "Ufufufu… silly Naruto-kun." Naruto felt a cold, yet soft and foreign feeling enveloping his shoulders. He opened his eyes in shock to see Yuyuko with both of her hands on his shoulders. He could not do anything as she drags him underneath the tree's shade. He looked up, eyes still wide. "Silly you, there's no way I'll be disturbed when you're here."

If Naruto could die from having too much of her smile, he would be halfway towards the Sanzu river by now. The older looking and taller woman patted his head, touching his soft golden hair three times. "Come, sit here with me." She sat down and rests her back against the tree, she patted on an empty spot right beside her. Without any hindering actions, Naruto took her offer. At first, it was tense, his muscles could not rest and he is on edge. Yuyuko noticed this and can't help but giggle. This boy is just too cute, is what she thought.

"Now, now… there's no need to be so nervous, relax, okay?" she said to the boy sitting beside her. Said boy could only nod dumbly, as if entranced by a spell that is Yuyuko's voice. Naruto could feel his body relaxed instantly. His muscles ceased to tense as they were before and he is more relaxed mentally as well.

"Y-Yeah…" he placed the boxed lunch he's carrying on the ground. Yuyuko's eyes travelled towards the peculiar item. Her eyes brighten instantly at the sight of the boxed shape item. Naruto noticed this. "Um… do you… do you want some?" the pink haired woman nodded enthusiastically, her mouth opening with saliva dripping from them. The gennin sweat dropped at the sight. Maybe she's hungry… He began undoing the cloth that is used to cover the box, doing so slowly. He opened the lid of the box to reveal a meal that he prepared himself.

In the box is what one would call a really… colorful meal. There are many varieties of foods, he himself is surprised to see such a unique and eye catching dish, even if he did make the dish himself. He made four rice balls filled with salmon flakes and mayonnaise, and the side dish consists of orange slices, some sliced beef and also a narutomaki. Yuyuko thought that it was cute to see that he added the last particular ingredient. A mixed of fruits, rice and meat. A balanced meal right there, even without the vegetables.

"Waah~ looks delicious!"

"I-Is that so? I'm glad then, I'm not used to cooking." True to his words, Naruto is not much of a cook. Yuyuko glanced over to the boy, her eyes landing on his hands, his fingers more specifically. There are bandages wrapped around them, meaning that he had cut himself multiple times.

Yuyuko kept silent, pretending not to notice them. In all honesty, she was touched that someone is willing to do this much for her. With quick hands, the pink haired woman grabbed the chopsticks and brought a rice ball into her mouth. She was taken by surprise once again. This is delicious!

"Hm! It's delicious, so good~!"

That day, Naruto learned that a way to a woman's heart is her stomach.

"Okay, do you understand?"

"Oh… so… people die because that is in their nature?"

Yuyuko, who is as beautiful as ever, giggled at the boy's innocent question. "Yes silly. I'm a ghost, so I know about death very well." She nodded sagely.

This is the third time Naruto visited Yuyuko. He brought along a bento box which they will share later. Currently, he is in the middle of a conversation with Yuyuko, with him doing most of the listening. It all started simple, he greeted her, she greeted him, they sit down under the tree and they chatted. The turning point that leads to this conversation was when he told her about the memorial stone in training ground seven.

Maybe it's just his imagination playing tricks with him, but he saw the sad look on Yuyuko's face when he mentioned about the stone. Maybe… it has something to do with what caused her to be what she is now, or in other words, her death? "Ne… Yuyuko-san."

"Hm? What is it Naruto-kun?"

"Do you remember anything about your life? Before you died?"

.

.

.

"I don't remember…"

The blonde face vaulted at the false hope that he thought he had. Naruto rubbed his head, his eyes squinted. "Are you sure…? Is it natural for ghosts to not remember how his or her life was like?" asked the blonde.

Yuyuko made a thinking pose. "I don't know either… but what suddenly make you want to know more about me, hm?" a cat like grin was spread on the woman's face. She began walking on all fours on the grass, impersonating a cat. "Hm? Does widdle Nawuto-kyun wants to know more about me, hm?"

The boy's reaction to her teasing was instant. He went beet red, enough to rival a tomato. "N-No! I mean yes! Wait, no! gah!" he gripped his head in frustration at the stumbling of words. But he was silenced when a strong pair of arms wrapped themselves around his body. "W-W-W-Wah—Yuyuko-san!?" the struggling boy did not put up quite the struggle. He found himself wrapped in a powerful embrace that literally restrict his movements. Just how strong is this woman?

"Naruto-kun is just too cu~ute! I'm so glad that I met Naruto-kun!" she pressed his head into her bosom, both torturing and bringing him into Nirvana.

"Y-Yu-Yuko-san… I… I can't breathe…!" was what Naruto managed to whisper through the woman's ample and soft bosom. If one were to look closer, his face is blue and he looks as if he'll join in the afterlife soon.

Their evening went along, accompanied with laughter and constant chattering. Both enjoys each others' company, just like what a couple would. The beauty of spring helps by decorating the grass with pink showers; the sight alone is beautiful. And so is that place at that very moment.

"Hah… hah… hah… man, I'm beat up." One Naruto Uzumaki groaned as he closed his eyes to deal with the aching sensation all over his muscles. He had been doing his usual routine to get his stamina to the max; but it all results in a massive pain all over his body. Not that he's troubled by this, it's just that a sensation like this isn't something he'll get used to anytime soon.

"Ufufufu… my, my~ Naruto-kun was so cool, ne?" Yuyuko, who was leaning on a tree's bark, giggled. She had been watching the blonde from underneath the tree's shade when he was doing his training routine. It surprises her that someone so young was able to perform such marvelous feat. She knew of the Shinobis, but she chose not to get involved with them. Well… until now.

"Naruto-kun~" she called out sing-songly while cupping her hands to her mouth. "Here! Come here!" she motioned for the boy to come over to where she is with a wave of her hand.

Naruto scratched his head in confusion. What is it now? Regardless, he still complies with the woman's request. He walks over to her, his body aching with each step. "Yeah, what is i-mmmmphh!" suddenly, he's on the ground. He was caught off guard when Yuyuko suddenly jumps on him. They both fell to the ground with Naruto taking the honor of being hurt. "Y-Y-Yuyuko-san! W-What are you doing?!"

His reply was something unexpected. He could feel a soft, cold, cotton like sensation rubbing his whiskered cheek. Flushed, he could do nothing as Yuyuko rubbed his cheek against hers. She has a firm grip on his shoulders, preventing any means of escape. Well… he could use a substitution, but he couldn't even concentrate while in this position.

"Hehehe… Naruto-kun so warm~" God she's so cute! Was what ran through Naruto's mind. A woman with such feature shouldn't be so cute in the first place. Yet here he is, being smothered and embraced by said woman. He could feel a hand snaking up his neck, causing him to shiver underneath the cold yet suggestive touch.

"Yu-Yuyuko-san…?" suddenly, she stopped. She is still hugging him, but no longer rubbing on his face. He stood there in between the woman's embrace, feeling only the cold sensation that is Yuyuko's body. It's funny, he thought that ghosts weren't real. Then how could he believe her? She could be good at using genjutsu for all he know.

"Hm~ hmhmmh~" now she's humming all of a sudden. "Ne, Naruto-kun?"

"Yes?"

"Do you want to know more about me?"

The sudden question surprised Naruto. But he did not hesitate to reply, "Yes."

"Ufufu…~" giggled the pink haired woman or ghost who is currently hugging him. "Then tell me about yourself first. When my memories returned, I'll tell you mine," she pulled her face away from his shoulders, staring eye to eye with the boy. Naruto was greeted by a smile that he came to love, and cherish. "deal?"

Without the slightest bit of hesitation or delay, he answered. "Deal!"

Yuyuko giggled again. "Then, you go first."

Using his hand, he scratched his cheeks in embarrassment. Not because of the position he's in, but of the fact that he's actually having a different kind of conversation with her. "Eh… my name is Naruto Uzumaki. I like ramen, gardening and also sweets. I dislike arrogant people and those who judge others without knowing or trying to get to know them. My hobbies are training and… cooking I guess? And my dreams for the future…"

"To be Hokage of Konohagakure no Sato!"

Yuyuko felt the wind even more so than she did before. It's as if nature has allowed the boy to declare his dreams for the entire world to hear. She admits, it might be unusual for her to say this but… at that moment,

Naruto Uzumaki was truly at his brightest.

At times, she wondered. What is life? What is death? But at times, she also understood the meaning behind those words. Though lacking in memory of her life, Yuyuko could still feel a lingering attachment to this world, to this place… perhaps… this is the place where she died. Underneath this cherry blossom tree… this must be her resting place. If so, then it's not as weird as she thought. It is obvious for a ghost to linger at the place where they died after all.

Yet she also wonders… what type of ghost is she? She knows and have met different types of ghosts ever since she knew that she is one. There are the vengeful types, these ghosts will do nothing more than to find the reason for their death and solves it by killing. There are also the guardians, most of these ghosts are usually people who can't pass on to the afterlife because they have someone precious to protect. And also, there are the lost types. These types of ghost don't know why they are dead. They can't remember anything prior to their death.

Perhaps she is a lost soul wondering the physical realm, trying to find whatever it is that she seeks. But what is a lost person if nothing more than a person with no objective? What is it that she seeks? What is the causing factor for her remaining here in this place? Yuyuko realized that there isn't a time to be sad thinking about these things. They will be answered later sometime in the future. But who…

Who will provide her with an answer?

"Yuyuko-san!"

Snapped from her thoughts, she turned, meeting face to face with one Naruto Uzumaki. Said boy holds a cloth covered item with a huge smile on his face.

"Dinner?"

Well, at least she knows that her answer's obvious.

"Naruto… don't blame yourself."

The rain has never been so heavy in Konoha… maybe this is a form of a taunt for his failure. The tapping of rain on the windows don't help his situation one bit, they're like salt poured over a wound. Kakashi's words are even worse… it's like a final blow to the head. Naruto sits there on the hospital bed, his body covered in bandages, there are signs of cuts and burnt marks indicating that fight broke out.

The silver haired jounin stood opposite of his student—no, he has no rights to call Naruto his student. Because… he didn't even taught him anything. Regret, remorse… there's no other way to describe the swelling he's feeling in his chest. If he could reverse time… even for only a day before, he'll do it without hesitation.

"Why sensei…? Sasuke… he's strong already, why must he go over to that snake?"

At Naruto's question, Kakashi made an uneasy expression behind the mask he's wearing. He scratched the back of his neck, trying to find a way to explain this to the boy. "Naruto… Sasuke, he's… different." He found a suitable yet overused word to describe his other student. "Unlike you Naruto, Sasuke is way different. It's hard for him to see the positive side of things, and he has made hate as his fuel. Without hate, he is weak."

"Then why…" the boy's voice grew louder. "Why must he bear all the hate all by himself?!" tears flew from Naruto's eyes, shedding the folds of his bed. "I could share that hate with him sensei, I could!" then a bitter laughter came out from his mouth. "Heh… looks like I was too late…"

Kakashi has no other way to solve this crisis, because God knows that betrayal is worse than war itself. The jounin closed his eyes, hoping. 'Sensei… please forgive this student of yours for not being able to be with your son…' he opened his eyes again. "Naruto, then… what will you do if you have the power to bring Sasuke back?"

The one eyed jounin received a determined, tearful glare in reply. "I'll drag his stuck up butt to Konoha even if it means crossing the whole entire nation."

Beneath his mask, Kakashi smiled. He stepped forward, placing a palm on top of the boy's head. "I'm proud of you, Naruto." The jounin sensei retracted his hand back, his eyes travelled to the window and was surprised. A butterfly, colored in the most extraordinary color he'd ever seen, is struggling to enter the room through the window. The wind is strong outside, and the butterfly is at risk of being drowned by the rain. But it didn't give up. It endures the rain, even knowing that it'll die.

From that picture, Kakashi thought…

'Whoever you are… thank you.'

"Ne… Naruto-kun, what do you want to be when you grow up?"

A sudden question out of the nowhere. The blonde, who has matured and grow over the course of time, was silent. He, along with his company, is lying on the soft grass under the evening's sky. They are sharing their usual place under the cherry blossom tree. It has been a week ever since he cooked something for her, he would always come and bring food with him ever since then, but due to his problems, he doesn't have time to those things as much as before.

"Hm… I told you didn't I? I want to be the Hokage, so that I can protect everyone in the village." His answer is calm.

"Really…" through glazed eyes, Yuyuko saw a deformed cloud passing by. "I see. Then… are you prepared to take the consequences, are prepared to shoulder the burden?" she asked without thinking. To her surprise, a light laughter was her answer.

"Hahaha… that's what I thought too, Yuyuko." Naruto whispered. "This week… it's been hectic. I've had a lot on my mind, ever since the bastard left the village, and I question myself all the time. Was I willing to die for someone like Sasuke, am I strong enough to protect the village?... I realized… that I wasn't even strong enough to bring one person back. And that is disappointing for me," he raised his body, now shifting to a seated position.

"I'm weak. I couldn't save Sasuke, I couldn't bring him back and… and…" a silent sob fills the atmosphere of that very location. "I can't do anything."

GRIP

Naruto's eyes went wide.

"It's fine."

A soft voice whispers to his ear. He can feel a cold sensation enveloping his body, yet at the same time… it's warm. Out of the blue, he was enveloped in an embrace, the first he has yet to receive after so many years. He knew of his childhood… it was dark and murky, no single brink of hope's light. But now… he's at ease. He feels relaxed.

"It's fine." The woman repeated into his ears. He could feel her cold hands rubbing his back in a comforting manner. "You're not weak, you're strong. I see you train here every day, and how could you say that you're not strong? Was that person a lie? Was that boy, who wants to be Hokage, a lie?"

There's nothing he could do accept to answer. "N-No… he isn't."

Yuyuku brought her face away from his shoulders. She smiled. "Then cry, cry to prove the existence of that boy. Show the world that he is indeed alive and not dead."

"I just don't know what to do!" he sobbed. "Help me… please… help me…"

Yuyuko stroked his forehead, murmuring soothing words into his ears. "Hush… it's fine now, I'm here."

"Uwaah!" the boy sobbed louder into the embrace, no longer restrained. He cried harder and harder, the tears seem to be never ending.

That evening, Naruto cried himself to sleep within the woman's embrace.

This is it. It is official.

Naruto gripped the doorknob of his apartment door tightly. The blonde had a rough awakening this morning, simply because of dire and complicated dilemma. The aching of both his mind and heart; it's almost unbearable. His body alone has become weak due to what he learned yesterday. Yet at the same time, he is glad. It's the scariest part… he's both scared and glad at the same time, how scary is that.

He turned the doorknob weakly, losing all the strength needed to grip it. He walked like a zombie, staggering and in sluggish movement. He is headed to his usual place—their—usual place. In all seriousness, he can't bring himself to do it. He just can't see her; he can't. Because he's afraid of what he will say when he'll meet her. With each step, the Uzumaki's pain increased, the aching in his heart won't stop and there's no way stopping it.

Through this whole self contemplating, he noticed that he has reached the village's gate. He hesitated to proceed, thinking of a better way to solve this. But still, even he knew that choosing another alternative won't be as easy as it seems. It's not like he could just ask her if she's willing to go with him in his training trip, right?

He took it hard yesterday, he even got mad at the pervy sage just for that. He remembered rushing back home without thinking and locking himself in his room. He spent the whole night thinking, thinking on what to do, how he'll say it to Yuyuko and what better alternatives are out there. He knew that fate exists, he never denies that even when facing Neji, but he too believes that it could be changed.

The Uzumaki stopped thinking. He tightened both fists, slowly feeling himself getting back. With a grin, he runs for the training grounds. Each step he took was light, yet the lightness slowly turns heavier. However, he refused to be stopped. He refused to be troubled. Even if this is a huge development he's going to take; even if he'll risk himself… he will still do it.

He will say it to her.

It took the boy no longer than a few minutes to reach his destined training grounds. Instead of the usual evening sky, it is the blue morning sky. Entering the territory alone is as hard as it could get, it's like entering a battlefield knowing that you'll die. But he willed his mind and body, stepping into the training grounds soil. The sun is up high, yet he feels cold for a reason… each step was like drinking poison, slowly killing him from the inside.

Regardless, he remained strong and tough. After all, what kind of man is he if he couldn't even say this one thing to her? A whole minute of walking has brought him into a familiar scenery. A blooming cherry blossom tree, the wind yet instead of the evening sky, it is replaced by the morning sky. But all of that matters not to him, all that matters is the person standing in the middle of it all.

As usual, she is taking her time viewing the tree she was under, her back facing him. He approached with shaky steps until he is about her hearing range. Naruto opened his mouth, but no words come out. He closed it again and opened it again, yet he is greeted with the same result of having no words or sound coming out. He steadied his heart, calmed his mind, and relaxed his body. His mouth opened…

"Hey… I'm leaving."

That shocked her out from her thoughts.

She opened her eyes slowly, showing the world a pair of blue eyes. She stood unmoving before turning her body to face the voice which came from behind. She came face to face with a face that she has grown familiar with. His eyes, his hair, his stature, his rounded face… even in just this past few weeks, she can't believe that she would grow familiarly attached to someone this quick.

The person opposite of her has a sad look on his face. He lacks the usual cheerful glow that he always had with him, along with the bright expression. Now he stood, sadness and grief visible on his face. She smiled.

"Really? So am I."

CRACK

If internal feeling is a form of sound, Naruto's would be the sound of thousands of glass breaking at the same time, causing a massive shockwave that shook mountains apart. He went wide eyed, his mind could not take what had came out of the woman's mouth. He felt his soul leaving his body for a fraction of second before returning, the world stops and breaks at the same time, the drums of war beating behind him.

"So am I. I'm leaving too."

Then, it all ceased. He returned to consciousness, yet he is still unable to react. He can't speak, he can't move nor can he blink. He is just standing there, seemingly lifeless and glued to the ground. His eyes are wide, yet his mouth is as thin as strings. The wind stopped, killing whatever sound that was present. After a moment of eternity… he finally finds his voice.

"W-Why…?" it came out small, but he's sure that the woman managed to hear it.

He received a giggle from the pink haired woman. She is smiling, how could she be smiling? She stepped forward; his body fell like a puppet which strings has been cut. He landed to the ground on his knees, his head still directed at the woman in front of him. The woman kneeled down to his level, she placed a soft and cold, yet soothing hand on his head, ruffling his blonde crown softly.

He saw the smile transforming on her face. It still remained as a smile, but it's different than her usual ones. He can't tell if she's sad nor can he tell if she's upset. But he hoped… he wished that she would feel sad a little bit.

"It's because I'm a ghost." She answered softly.

"You're… a ghost?"

"Yup. I told you didn't I?"

How… this… this…

"And I've found out that my time here is coming to an end." Slowly, Naruto started to notice her state. She is slowly fading, slowly like the scattered cherry blossoms in spring's evening. She stood, stepping a few steps backward. "I wanted to tell you earlier but I just can't bring myself to it. I'm a ghost, it's no stranger for me to talk to humans from time to time but… you, Naruto-kun, are the first person who I've spent my time as a ghost with."

He could only lay there on his knees, watching as the woman he loves fade away.

"It was a really short period, yet I've managed to learn a lot about you. I know that you like ramen, doing pranks… I also know that you hate vegetables." Even in this moment, she could still laugh. That makes her even more amazing. Her eyes gradually soften, as if a tear is threatening to drip down, staining her face. "I have a lot of fun being with you."

"Wait, Yuyuko-san!" he jumped from where he's at. "Don't leave! Stay here with me!"

Yuyuko giggled. "It's impossible, my dear Naruto-kun… when a ghost no longer has an attachment to this world, they'll leave for the afterlife." She placed a hand on her chest. "But I am sad to know that I won't be seeing you again… however, know that you are the reason why I could have this chance up there. Maybe it was your company that made me feel this way…"

She's disappearing because of him? Oh hell no!

"Then don't leave!" the boy is no longer restraining himself. He let loose of all the emotions, feelings piling up in him. Tears start to flow from his eyes, his voice is shouting for her to not leave. "Because!... because!" he can't find a reason.

"Let us restart, ne? My name is Saigyouji Yuyuko, and you are…?"

"Hm, what's wrong? Aren't you going to come here?"

"Hush… it's fine now, I'm here."

"I'm here!"

Yuyuko was taken back.

"I'm here! I exist, I was there when we laugh together, I was there when I told you all about me, and I was there to enjoy the food that we ate together! So don't disappear Yuyuko-san, please…" he couldn't take it. He slumped down to the ground, the tears still flooding out from his eyes. But—!

He stood right back up, breaking all the weights attached to him. "YOU STILL HAVEN'T TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOURSELF!" he fell again to the ground, weeping his heart out.

As if God himself has heard the conversation, it began raining. The small rain turned into a downpour, seemingly to have represent the fallen tears that Naruto shed. Yuyuko slowly looked up. It was sunny just a while ago… is this boy's feeling this strong? She's… she's happy. She is very happy that someone so honest holds this much feeling about her. Yet she is sad too. Farewell is a must, she can't stay any longer. Unconsciously, her palms balled into fists.

'Please… just for a moment, for this child's sake…'

Without waiting an answer to her silent plea, she walked towards the crying boy. Her hands are near transparent, glowing ethereally. She touched the boy on his shoulders, bringing his face up facing her. She smiled. "Then… let us sit, ne?"

Both sat underneath the same tree that they share. Hand in hand with different expressions yet similar feelings. The rain is still pouring, and the tree isn't doing much of a good job to cover them from the downpour. Naruto ignores the feeling of cold that he's feeling, Yuyuko's hand is enough to keep him warm. Yuyuko too is enjoying this final moment, she gripped the smaller yet warmer hand tighter. She could feel him returning the same action in reply.

-Play: Departures~ Egoist (music box version)-

"I love you." Naruto started.

"I know." Yuyuko answered.

"I don't want you to go." He said again.

"I know." She replied again.

"I want to be with you." For the third time; he couldn't hold back the tears flowing down his eyes.

"Ufufu, I know." One final laugh, the finale of their story.

But—the world demands an encore. One final performance, one final finale, the true end!

"I want to be with you too." She gripped his hand tighter, droplets of tears sliding down her cheeks.

"I don't want to let go of you." Her hands could no longer feel his; she felt lost and astray.

"I… **** ***" her words are gone; they ceased to exist

Naruto looked to his side, where the fading image of Yuyuko is slowly disappearing. He gripped Yuyuko's hand, but he can no longer feel it.

She is gone.

The rain stopped, the grey clouds clearing to show the bright sun once again. Yet he is still there, underneath the cover of a cherry blossom tree, tears dripping down his eyes and face. For what seems to be eternity, he sat there motionless. He's like an unmoving doll waiting to be disposed. The sunlight pierced through the cherry blossom petals that act as a shade for him. If he were to look up, he would see two pink petals falling down gracefully, both of them never getting far from each other's range.

Now…

Here he is, still remembering the whole scene as if it just happened yesterday. To be exact, it was about three months ago… he's surprised to know that it took him this long to notice. Naruto, while lying on the ground, smiled. He never did once promise anything to her… so, he got nothing to keep. However… she has something to keep.

"Welp! Better get ready for tomorrow's training regime!" he jumped off the ground, landing perfectly on his feet before dashing off towards the horizon.

"Hm~ hmmmhmmm~"

Hakugyokurou, the netherworld, a place where the spirit of the dead resides. But one does not simply enter Hakugyokurou. In order to receive entry, a soul must be invited personally by the princess of the netherworld herself, Yuyuko Saigyouji. Said princess is standing underneath a giant, leafless tree. She has a fan in her right hand, to which she is using to fan herself with. Out of all the many blossoming trees in Hakugyokurou, only this tree, the Sagyou Ayakashi that never blooms.

She tried to make the tree bloom by bringing spring from the world of the living, but in only results into a troublesome incident. But that was all in the past, there is nothing but experience and memorable memories that come from it.

Fu~n Fu~n

"Oh my, what's this?" a nearby wandering spirit approached her. Its shape is almost indescribable, but if it were to be described, the closest thing it could represent is a tadpole. A white and seemingly fluffy floating tadpole. Being having present in Hakugyokurou for a very long, she's familiar with the residing spirits. But this child here… "Are you new here, or are you lost?" she asked.

The ghastly object flew upwards and downwards. Yuyuko giggled, thinking that he is excited. "My, you're an odd one aren't you?" she touched the fluffy looking thing, patting the top area. The spirit then flew away from the ghost princess's hand, flying upwards and away until Yuyuko could not see it any longer.

"Ufufu… children these days… Yukari was right, they tend to get excited over nothing." Remembering her long time best friend caused a small smile to appear on her face. The pink haired princess of Hakugyokurou floated closer to Saigyou Ayakashi. She leaned her back on the tree, feeling a sense of connection with it. This tree is even more of a mystery than her friend Yukari, or perhaps it's the other way around. She hummed to herself, eyes drawing skyward towards the endless and colorless skies of Hakugyokurou.

"Mah, I think it's enough. Time to head insi-"

.

.

.

Her words and mind froze, as if the maid from the mansion had done it. Yuyuko was just about to return back inside her mansion but only to find someone in front of her. She analyzed the person curiously. He is tall, taller than her, dressed in an eye catching attire which consists of a orange and black jacket with matching orange pants and a red haori with black flames licking at the hem. But what caught her attention was not the way he dressed. It's his face. His face is angular, no traces of baby fats, with three whiskers like marks on each cheeks. His eyes are colored azure blue, rivaling the blue sky itself. His hair is a bright replica of gold, arranged messily. She also noticed something about this person, he's dead. Or in other words…

He's a ghost.

She could easily identify that point from the triangular bandana he's wearing on his forehead. But even if that important detail is present… she doesn't recognize this person one bit.

While she is deep in thought, the man spoke. "Hello, nice to meet you." Now that Yuyuko has looked closer, he has a really beautiful smile. "Looks like this is the afterlife eh? Never thought that I would meet someone as beautiful as you here."

"My, my~ Are you a new addition here? If so, pleased to meet you, I am Yuyuko Saigyouji, the Princess of Hakugyokurou." She did a small curtsy by bending down a few centimeters while holding her dress. She gave the man a polite smile, seeing as this is their first meeting.

"Nice to meet you too Hime-sama, I am Naruto Uzumaki." He returned Yuyuko's greeting with a version of his own.

The pink haired ghost woman giggled. "Now, now. There's no need to be so polite. Call me Yuyuko." She insisted.

"Very well, Yuyuko." He accepted. "Ah… this kind of reminded me of those days…"

"Hm?" Yuyuko can't help but grow interested.

"I met a person once, a really, really beautiful person underneath a tree just like this. The difference is, it was spring back then, and the tree was blossoming beautifully." Yuyuko, unknown even to her own, listened in to Naruto's story. "It was an awkward meeting at first, but I grew to like her. It's a sad thing that I can't remember her name though…" even if he's smiling, there is a hint of sadness in that tone of his.

"Is that so…?" Yuyuko trailed off.

"Yeah… but one thing I remember is that…" the male spirit looks skyward, towards the direction of the tree. "It was a beautiful evening, we laughed and talked. We met a few more times in the near future… but that's as far as it goes. I can also remember sadness, it makes my heart ache every time I try to remember." He clutched the place where his heart is at. "Well, no use in remembering the past. Or else I'll be a wandering spirit in the human world, no?"

At his joke, Yuyuko shared a laugh with him. "Ufufu, true."

And since then, the relationship between two individuals grows in death as it was in life.

A/N: Waaah~ that took long. Phew… I'm really tired. Can't say I'm proud about this either, maybe I'm in a real deep slump… but in any case, I would like to hear your reply or response or reaction about this. Now I know that some of you are hating me real bad right now; you can't help but want to kill me for ending the story like this.

Let me tell ya'll hatin' mofos out there: I don't care.

This series is meant to contain mixed feelings, endings, genres… whether they end happily or not, I intend to make it that way because it is the way I see fit. Besides, the first two chapters are all sweet ending no? Why not try a bitter-sweet one this time?

Anyway, this is for this time and hope ya'll have a good day/night!