I got a little preoccupied and almost forgot this. Or maybe subconsciously, I didn't want this to end? I kind of get sad when I end long stories. I guess that's why one shots are better; I can't get sad if it's the only one!

Anyway, as I said, this is the final part. It's the longest of all seven parts, which caused me to yell for hours at the bunnies for not providing the same inspiration for the past six! It's been a over a month since Naruto and Sasuke talked. Sasuke's had to undergo a trial and the verdict is in, what shall it be?

Meanwhile, Kakashi plots and makes fun of Naruto and Hinata. Comedy gold, of course! You'll have to read to see what I mean.

Title: Finding the Broken Pieces
Genre: Angst, AU
Timeline: Post Sasuke's Return
Summary: Sasuke's back in Konoha, but Naruto learns of the events that occurred while he was away and his past. Sasuke, meanwhile, ponders his own life and the battle with his brother. When the pieces are broken and left astray, someone must come and put them back together. NaruHina, SasuSaku
Pairings: NaruHina, SasuSaku
Rating: G
Author's Note: This fanfic is AU past Naruto Chapter 384. It's mostly the end result that differs. Basically, I wrote it different from what Kishi wrote (primarily because this fic was imagined before Chapter 384).
Disclaimer: I really wish I was a successful mangaka, however, I'm not, I can't draw period so therefore Naruto doesn't belong to me in the slightest. Naruto belongs solely to Kishimoto.


Mending; The Pieces Come Back Together...

Sasuke sat on the bed; his hands free of the chakra tags and no longer bound by the rope. Sakura sat beside him, injecting him with some of the calming drug. It had been a month and a half since Sasuke had returned to the village. After a multitude of tests, Tsunade had prescribed that drug to him. The trauma of Itachi's death and the genjutsu of Madara had, in Tsunade's words, "nearly put you to the brink of madness" (although, he still had not told anyone who exactly had put him in that genjutsu).

Sasuke supposed he should find it ironic that he had not wanted Itachi dead as much as he told people, but that had been Tsunade's supposition. The loss of his brother had affected him much deeper than he thought; a small part of him still missed the bond he had with his brother. He had always listened to his brother, looked up to him, wanted to surpass him. Itachi had been a huge part of his life and, as he tried to get revenge, a part of him remained a child so. Even after his life had been brutally turned upside down, everything stayed the same to that child. Itachi was simply the big brother, to listen to, to look up to, to surpass so his father (and maybe even Itachi himself) would acknowledge him.

And when Itachi laid dead, that child broke, unable to cope with that fact that the Itachi he always loved was gone for good.

It did not entirely make sense to Sasuke, but he decided not to think about it too much for now. In the past month and a half, Sasuke had found those events affecting him less and less, mostly thanks to Tsunade, her drug and, most importantly, Sakura's presence. It still hurt to think about his clan, Itachi and his fears, but that pain would always be there, he believed. The key, he had finally realized, was finding a balance between feeling it and letting it take over his life.

"Now you remember what you're going to say?" asked Sakura as she patched him up, tying the bandage around his arm.

Sasuke nodded. "Of course." Today was the final day of his hearing. He would find out if he would remain a ninja or be thrown in one of Konoha's prisons. Sakura, Naruto and Kakashi all told him what he needed to say that would increase his chances of remaining a ninja and on Team 7 (actually, Naruto's advice was not so much helpful as it was threats of what would happen if Sasuke messed up with the hearing).

Of course, the hearing had other ramifications he had not foreseen at first. In the past weeks, Kakashi and Naruto had acted completely normal as if nothing had happened (overlooking their advice on the hearing). And yet…something within Sasuke made him uneasy. He supposed this was all too easy, that something had to give. They could not just accept him just like that. In a deep part of his mind, a place he tried not to think about too often, he waited for the moment they would reject him. If he was not imprisoned, he would have to deal with that.

He was not worried about Sakura rejecting him, for some reason (he assumed it was because she had helped him so much).

"You're going to be humble."

"Hn." He looked away. This whole hearing contained a bunch of pride swallowing. He was only glad Naruto would not be there to see it (and had not seen the others since they were all closed to public).

"Sasuke-kun…" She stared at him crossly, tying the bandage a bit tightly to his liking. This new Sakura, the one who did not mind at all to put him in his place, took some getting used to. He supposed it could be worse. He could be in Naruto's place in regards to Sakura's temper.

"Be humble," he muttered. It was enough for Sakura, through; as she adjusted the bandage to it was not as tight. She bent down on the floor, handing him a hair brush that laid on the bed to comb his hair, and pulled out a dark blue shirt. It looked like one he had when he was twelve, but not as wide of a collar and lacking the Uchiha crest. He would have to get some new clothes if he managed to not be imprisoned.

"You're going to answer their questions honestly and truthfully." Sasuke suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. Instead, he answered, yes. Sakura was only trying to help him, something he had been grateful for. She continued through her checklist, telling him what he had to do for the hearing and he kept answering. Finally, he was ready to leave.

The two rose from the bed, Sakura slid her hand into his, which shook slightly. He glanced at her as she smiled nervously. "Well…" she said, batting away a lock of hair with her free hand, "I guess this is it."

He nodded, trying to keep his thoughts only on the upcoming hearing. He was a bit more worried than he would like to admit, but that involved other things, not just the hearing. Things he had not confided in Sakura just yet. Madara wanted something, after all, something Sasuke had to protect. It had become his new mission, his new resolve. He did not have an idea of how he was going to do that, through. All he knew was that he had to find a way to stop the founder of his clan. He had to.

"Yeah," he said, responding to Sakura's statement. She started to the door, pulling him toward it, but he did not let himself be dragged away. Instead, he stared at the floor, struggling with what he wanted to say. They were alone now and it would be better to say it alone than outside where someone could hear. Sakura gazed at him curiously with her bright green eyes.

"Thank you…Sakura…" he muttered, finally, resolving not to say anything more. He looked up as she drew in a small breath. His face colored a bit and he looked away, but then Sakura tugged him toward the door again.

He turned back to her, allowing himself to be pulled this time, somewhat surprised she said nothing. She was smiling, her eyes closed. And then she spoke, "Let's go, Sasuke-kun, we'll be late if we don't leave now."

Her voice cheerful, no mention of what he had said, it was like nothing had happened. Sasuke smiled softly as he walked out the door to where his ANBU guard waited.

--

Naruto and Hinata walked up the stairs of Hokage Tower. At one of the entrances, Kakashi stood waiting for them and as soon as they joined him, Naruto put his hands behind his head. "Hey, Kakashi-sensei? Why did you want to come here first? I thought we were meeting Sasuke and Sakura-chan at the training ground?"

Kakashi nodded and directed the pair to follow him. "We're still doing that, however, there's something we must do first before we go there."

Hinata looked a bit nervous as she followed the two of them down the hall. "Ano Ka- kakashi-sensei?" she asked, uncertainly.

He smiled under his mask as they reached the room he had planned for them to visit. "Yes, Hinata?"

She poked her fingers together while Naruto stared at her curiously. "Well…this is just…just for Team 7, right?" She looked downward at her feet, shuffling them back and forth. "Why am I…? I mean, why did you ask me…? …To be here?"

Again, the jonin could not help but smile. Naruto looked confused, scratching his head. "What do you mean, Hinata?" he said. "Of course, you're here! Besides, we're meeting the others later at Ichiraku. And," he added with a smile, "I want you here, too."

It had been an innocent statement on his part, but regardless Hinata blushed bright red and Kakashi had to keep himself from chuckling at the two's expense. It did not take much to realize Hinata loved Naruto, however, now it appeared the tables had turned. Naruto was still oblivious to her feelings, but it seemed at some point in the past month he started to fall for her. Now whether he realized the fact that he was feeling something was completely up in the air, but Kakashi planned to use Hinata's undeniable influence on his very hyperactive student.

"Naruto's right, Hinata, you have a very important job. You must keep Naruto distracted while I speak with Sasuke." He entered the room quickly to avoid the coming onslaught of fury. "I would hate to ruin the surprise for Sasuke due to Naruto's tendency to being overexcited."

"Yeah, see, Hinata? You're important…Hey!" Naruto leaned in the doorway, glaring at his teacher as Hinata stepped inside, her face even a deeper shade of red than before. "Kakashi-sensei!"

The said jonin closed his single grey eye and merely laughed. For the first time since Sasuke was brought back home, Kakashi felt a sense of a normal life, the kind like with Team 7 before the unfortunate breaking of the squad. Everything seemed…complete. Or as complete as it could be. Sadly, he could think of a number of things he would also like to have. "Come on, Naruto, we'll be late if we don't get this finished."

A very disgruntled Naruto made his way inside, following his sensei while an embarrassed Hinata walked behind him.

--

"That went well," commented Sakura as she and Sasuke made their way to the training area where they would meet Kakashi and Naruto.

"Its probation," muttered Sasuke, his voice not sounding at all happy with the outcome. He kept his hands inside his pockets and kept his head slightly downward. He was getting a lot of weird looks from passerbys, Sakura noticed. She supposed it was because he was a well known missing-nin and this was the first time he had been out since returning.

"It's not prison," she responded in a singsong voice.

"I'm not allowed on missions unless it's with a team," he said. "If I do go on a mission without my assigned team, it'll be with ANBU who are already watching me when I'm not with my team or my probation supervisor. All this until I turn 18 or prove myself trustworthy, whenever…Hokage-sama…deems fit."

They were already out of the village and walking through the forest, coming up on the training ground. "But it's still not prison!" This time, Sakura took his hand and Sasuke just 'Hn' in response, not bothering with another response. She remembered how his eyes had widened when Tsunade had announced hers and the council's decision. Despite his 'complaints,' he had been surprised at the result.

What she remembered best was the slight (but very brief, only there for a split second) smile that came on his face when his assigned team and supervisor were revealed.

They came up to the three logs located in the middle of the training area. They were the only two around; Kakashi and Naruto no where to be seen.

One of Sasuke's eyebrows twitched. "Where's Kakashi and Naruto? Please don't tell me they're going to be late?"

Sakura shrugged, but before she could open her mouth in response, Kakashi suddenly appeared. Popping on top of the middle log, he sent wire around Sasuke, who was looking the other direction, and immediately jumped off and tied him to the log.

She looked in shock at Kakashi, who acted causally as if he had not just tired one of his students up. This had not been what he had discussed with her, but what also surprised her was Sasuke being caught without much difficulty and apparently Kakashi was too because he said, "Well, that was easier than I thought. Letting yourself be caught, eh, Sasuke?"

--

The only response he gave was a scowl and to look away. He should have known Kakashi had planned something. He sensed him a split second before the wire encircled and bound him to the log. Perhaps he could have moved, but then who knows what Kakashi would have done then. Hn, well, I just hope he gets whatever he wants over with quickly, thought Sasuke.

Kakashi tapped his foot while holding the wire keeping Sasuke tied. "Well, I suppose we should start. What exactly have you learned from this whole ordeal, Sasuke?"

At first, he did not answer. He just avoided their eyes and frowned. Then he sighed, resigning himself that he would have to give an answer. "It wasn't what I expected it to be," he said, finally, his voice forcing the words out, through.

"Really?" responded Kakashi, in a pretty fake questionable tone. "But you killed Itachi. That was your goal, wasn't it? What did you expect it to be?"

Sasuke once again refused to answer right away. Instead, he glared angrily at Sakura, who looked away guiltily. He could tell she had known something, but from her surprise earlier, it was likely that she had not been told the whole story. Kakashi likely told her all he wanted to do was talk to him, conveniently leaving out the whole tying-him-to-a-log part.

It seemed the pride swallowing would continue beyond the hearing. If there was one bright side to this whole ordeal, it would be Naruto was not in the area to watch.

Sasuke closed his eyes and looked down at the ground, his shoulders slumped. "I knew…emptiness would come…if I killed…Itachi. I knew…it wouldn't bring me happiness." Despite the fact he had been feeling better over what had happened, it still felt like an open wound simply saying Itachi's name. It brought back memories, feelings he would rather not even think about, but knew he had to get past somehow. Or maybe just find a way to live with them, a way that would not destroy him. "I just figured I would kill him and that would be it. I never anticipated what would happen afterward. I had planned to kill his accomplice after that, but that's it. I never dreamed what would happen at that battle…"

Kakashi turned to Sakura, surprise and evident in his one visible eye. "Accomplice?"

She waved her hands and mouthing for Kakashi to drop it. Sasuke knew she wanted to know more about Itachi's mysterious partner (he had not said anything about Madara just yet), but she seemed to realize that now was not the time. Luckily, Kakashi did not say anything else and Sasuke continued speaking as if no one had interrupted him, "At first…I was…" He looked away as the memories stabbed at his wounds, causing them to bleed again and threatening everything he and Sakura had worked for during the past month. "I was happy, but then…everything went wrong."

He sighed, kept staring at the ground instead of Kakashi's or Sakura's eyes. However, he could almost feel Sakura's pain as she watched him go through the emotions, memories and sorrow.

"So…" mused Kakashi, his lone eye looking tired, "you realize now what revenge can do?"

Sasuke closed his eyes, staring down at the ground with a frown on his face. Honestly, he knew what Kakashi wanted to hear, but the thought of saying anything else no longer appealed to him, in either a pride swallowing way or in a reliving everything and becoming the mess he had turn into four weeks ago way. So he came up with the best solution possible: change the subject and give what he knew Kakashi was really after.

When he started speaking again, it was low and somewhat regretful. Sakura's eyes watered at merely hearing his voice, but he continued, bringing up his new purpose and resolve. "He wants something…He can't have it. I have to make sure…make sure he doesn't gain it…"

Kakashi appeared confused, glancing over to Sakura with his remaining eye as if expecting an answer; however, she had no answer herself. Of course, nothing in their conversations had hinted at someone wanting something because he had not mentioned Madara's connection to or wanting Kyuubi. The only thing that came close was Itachi wanting Sasuke's eyes and Itachi, of course, was dead.

"I know…" He paused, trembling as he bit the lower part of his lip. "I know…I have to train more. Train more…to…protect…"

Suddenly, Sakura smiled. She looked over to Kakashi, who smiled that strange one eyed smile of his. "Well…" said Kakashi as he bent down and started to roll up the wire he used to tie Sasuke up. "Seeing as I'm your probation officer, we'll be spending a great deal of time together." Putting the wire away, he placed his hand on Sasuke's head. "I suppose I can help you with this goal of yours, train you. How does that sound, Sasuke?"

His head remained down, not acknowledging Kakashi's words visibly. In the past four weeks, no one had seemed to hold what he had done against him. Sakura focused more on keeping him mentally sound, Naruto acted as if it never happened (in other words, annoying as usual) and Kakashi conducted himself normally as well, but in spite of it all, deep down, Sasuke wondered if they would truly accept him back. "You'll train me," he questioned, "after everything I've done?"

Kakashi nodded, his voice as not betraying a hint of resentment toward him, as causal and carefree as the day they first meet in a classroom nearly three years ago. "Of course. That's what teammates do, Sasuke."

Finally, after all that, he looked up. Sakura was still smiling, Kakashi had his one eye closed, grinning, and so Sasuke did what he would normally done. He smirked. "Teammates, huh?" he said. He got nods in response…and felt his earlier worries evaporate.

He stood up, dusting off his clothes, thoroughly glad the interrogation was over. His earlier worries of being accepted disappeared. I really should have known better, he thought to himself. After all, so far, no one had rejected him, least of all Kakashi, Sakura and Naruto. Still, he smirked as to not let his inner emotions show on the surface, despite the feeling that Kakashi and Sakura knew exactly what went on in his head. "Kakashi, what's going to happen to Suigetsu?" he asked, changing the subject.

The look in his teacher's eye told him he was not fooled by the sudden change of topic. "From the looks of it," responded Kakashi, apparently deciding to humor him, "the Council has decided to pardon him for any transgression listed in our bingo book on him. However, in return for that pardon, he must remain on good behavior."

Sakura nodded. "According to Tsunade-shishou, he's been really helpful the past four weeks, helping us with Orochimaru's hideouts (or what he can provide, anyway) and to locate Karin. So far, she doesn't see a problem in him staying out of prison."

Sasuke bit his lip. He had really wished to know about Suigetsu's fate. With one dead, the other betraying him, he likely should be concerned over the future of his remaining teammate. "That sounds good, just be careful," he warned. "Suigetsu can be a bit violent. When I led him, I told him not to kill anyone, but I'm not sure if he complied." He narrowed his eyes. "He complained about my order on many occasions."

"I see." Kakashi folded his arms. "That information will be useful in the future. However, for now…" He unfolded his arms, raised one in the air and snapped his fingers three times. "We have a present for you, Sasuke."

--

"All right, I admit I was a bit worried after that, but I just stood up and stood my ground and showed that Akatsuki who was boss!"

After leaving Hokage Tower, Kakashi directed Naruto and Hinata to the edge of the training grounds and told Naruto to stay there until he heard the signal. So to pass the time, Naruto told Hinata the mission and the wind element training he had before the Sasuke mission had come up. So far, Hinata had proven to be a very good audience.

So far, Naruto had done a good job in distracting himself.

"Ano…Naruto-kun…" Hinata had a worried look on her face. It had been that way since he mentioned the Akatsuki member. "How exactly did you…"

Three snaps of Kakashi's fingers interrupted her question. Naruto frowned somewhat before he picked up the package they picked up at the tower. "Aww and it was getting good, too." At first, he had been offended by his sensei's suggestion that he needed to be distracted, however, once into his story with Hinata, he relaxed considerably. He was not sure why, through, all he knew was that he really enjoyed spending time with Hinata more and more. He rubbed the back of his head and grinned. "I guess I'll finish the story later, huh?"

Hinata smiled shyly and nodded her head. "Yeah…" The two of them stood up, Naruto's package in hand. "I'm glad everything's working out for you, Naruto-kun."

He stared at her with a slight smile on his face. For some reason, he felt she was not just talking about Team 7. At once, his heart throbbed at the mere thought of Jiraiya. It must have shown up on his face because she touched his arm in concern. He took his free hand and squeezed hers to reassure her. "Hinata…thanks…" He grinned even larger, everything she had done for him flashed through his mind, making him feel very light-headed and optimistic again. "You're great, you know…you were there for me when we came back and this past month. And you helped me with Kyuubi!" he added, remembering the discussion they had had not too long ago where she had explained how she had risked her life to help him contain Kyuubi during their mission.

She wavered for a moment, but then, for some reason, leaned her head on his arm. "I'm glad you're happy again," she said, softly, yet he could hear every word. "I…I…um…just want…you to be happy…" She blushed and took a step away, holding her face, but still smiling.

He took her hand again, not really wanting to let go. "I'm happy right now," he said. Hinata redden even more, through Naruto could not figure out why.

Another snap of the fingers brought Naruto out of his reflections. Hinata lowered her hands, her face slowly becoming less red, and simply nodded and Naruto did the same in return. He began walking toward Sasuke and the others while she remained where she was at, hiding behind a tree, a pleased look on her face as she watched Team 7 come back together.

--

Naruto watched with amusement as Sasuke scowled at the sight of him. It was like old times. "Heh sorry." He grinned as he came up to his teammates and sensei. "Guess I was a bit distracted."

Sasuke raised a single eyebrow as if to say, "a little distracted?" Sakura giggled from behind her hands while Kakashi brought a hand to his masked chin and mused, "Perhaps that worked too well."

Naruto's grin faded and turned into a very annoyed look. He could almost feel Hinata being embarrassed from the edge of the training grounds. "Hey! Stop it! You're the one who suggested this, Kakashi-sensei!"

The copy ninja shrugged. "So I did." He quickly took the package from Naruto's hand, avoiding Sasuke's questioning glance over what exactly had been used to distract Naruto. "Well, now's a good a time as never." Kakashi turned to Sasuke with the container in front and smiled. "A gift for you, Sasuke."

Sakura and Naruto leaned in as Sasuke took the present with a curious look. He unwrapped it slowly (driving Naruto crazy, how could one package take more than a second to unwrap? However, he kept silent…for once). Then he opened it and his eyes widened.

Inside was a brand-new Leaf Headband. Sasuke took it out and then looked up to Kakashi. "I thought," said Kakashi when Sasuke did not say anything right away, "that since your first headband had a scratch…" Everyone looked at Naruto who looked away aggravated and started muttered under his breath that Sasuke had started it the whole thing. "I figured you would need a new one."

Still Sasuke did not say anything; he merely fingered the metal plating and leaf emblem with his thumb. Both Sakura and Kakashi beamed proudly, but Naruto kept getting more annoyed at each passing moment until finally he burst out, "Just put the stupid thing on already!!"

"Can it, Naruto!!" Sakura punched him hard in the head at once. It was not a hard punch (not as hard as it could have been), but he still fell to the ground. He got up to Sasuke smirking as he tied his new headband around his head.

"Well," said Kakashi, glancing over the three of them with a proud expression. "looks like our team is back together. I still feel we have a lot to overcome, but…" He stopped and tilting his head toward Sasuke and Sakura, "I believe we can get through them."

Naruto rubbed his head, grinning from ear to ear and using his free hand to salute. "Absolutely, Kakashi-sensei!"

Sasuke put his hands in his pockets, just like he used to do before leaving. Sakura, on the other hand, folded her arms behind her back and looked down at the ground, her face appearing to be a tad bit guilt. "Uh, Kakashi-sensei? What will happen to Sai? It's only four people to a team, right?"

Sasuke bit his lip while Naruto sobered up quickly. Sai got on his nerves sometimes and he wanted Sasuke back on the team, however, he had not factored in Sai's appearance and acceptance into the team. What would happen to him?

Kakashi seemed to be ahead of them, through. "I've already discussed this with the Godaime. Technically, it's only four people to a team, but since Yamato will remain assigned to this team as well and that already makes five…" This brought three identical looks of surprise. "Sai will remain on the team. It's possible that on certain missions, we'll be split up to make a four person team. As it stands officially, however, collectively, we're Team Kakashi, us four, Yamato and Sai, but the four of us are Team 7."

"So we're like a team within a team, right?" asked Sasuke as very happy faces emerged on Naruto and Sakura's faces.

"Correct."

"Yes!" said Naruto and Sakura as they jumped up and down cheering. Sasuke appeared not to care, but did not object when Sakura took his arm and drew him closer.

"Now that is all taken care of, it's off to Ichiraku Ramen!" At Kakashi's words, Naruto's jumps and cheers grew higher and louder, Sakura remained quiet, but Sasuke scowled.

"You still eat that stuff? Can't we eat somewhere else that won't kill us?"

"What do you have against ramen?"

"The part where I live to see the end of my probation…idiot."

"Why you – "

Kakashi caught Naruto before he launched himself at Sasuke. "Okay, while I'm glad you two are back to normal, we have to get going. We're actually meeting the rest of the former genin there. It's going to be a small party for Sasuke."

At this, Sasuke blinked and turned to Kakashi. "Former genin? You mean all the students we graduated with?"

Sakura nodded and smiled. "And Team Gai as well." The knowledge seemed to surprise him, which Naruto (Kakashi had put him down) could not understand why. Sakura seemed to as she squeezed Sasuke's shoulder. "All your friends want to see you, Sasuke," she said beaming.

"Friends, huh?" Sasuke looked down at the ground, a small smile appeared to be on his face, but Naruto figured he was imagining it because when Sasuke looked up, he was smirking. Not in any superior sort of way, but a friendly kind of smirk…if there was such a thing.

"Yeah, your friends and comrades," commented Naruto. "One's already here." He turned around and waved toward the tree he had hid behind. "Hey, Hinata! Come on out! We're all done here!"

She poked her head around the tree she was currently hiding behind. She looked unsure at first, but after Naruto kept waving her over, hesitantly started walking toward them. "See," remarked Naruto as Hinata crept up to him and took his hand, "Hinata wants to see you, right, Hinata?"

"…Yes…that's right…Everyone's waiting," said Hinata, staying close to Naruto and shyly keeping her head down. Kakashi could not help but smile under his mask. One look to Sakura told him she was thinking the same thing. Regardless of what Hinata said, she was more here for Naruto than Sasuke.

Not that I blame her, he thought. He took in his team and Hinata. Both Naruto and Sasuke had been through things that could shatter a weaker shinobi. Naruto, who had never had a family, lost the only parental figure close to him other than the Third Hokage and Iruka and found a past he had never known, parents he had never known. Kakashi figured he would be yelled out, hated for keeping this secret from him, but Naruto seemed to be taking it well. Of course, part of that reason, he surmised, came in the form of Hyuuga Hinata. Somehow, she cut through the darkness that had been sure to engulf Naruto.

Sasuke might have had it worse. He could not imagine how Itachi's death had to be affecting Sasuke. It was clear it had, but to what degree, he could not say. Killing anyone, regardless of how it was done or in what state of mind they were in, took a definite toll on a person, much less one who had a defining effect on him as a child. Without the proper care, Sasuke could have remained as he was; quiet, depressed and eventually declared psychotic. However, Sakura brought him out of it, he was floating endlessly in a pool of water, waiting to drown, but she pulled him out and into the boat. She had not been the only one, but she had been the one to start it.

These two girls had an undeniable influence on these boys. As Kakashi stood there, watching the four of them talking, Hinata leaning on Naruto, Naruto holding Hinata's hand tightly, Sakura holding onto Sasuke's arm and Sasuke with his head slightly tilted toward Sakura (or maybe he was behaving normally? Who could tell with him?).

Regardless, Kakashi knew there was more work ahead, those two were not healed yet, not even close. Healing took time, perhaps months, perhaps years, but he had faith in his team and their friends. He had faith in the four ninja that stood before him.

There was a dark road ahead of them, but each step they took the path grew brighter and brighter and brought them closer and closer to the light. Watch us, Obito, Sensei. Watch us as we struggle to get back up again. With one last reflective glance at the memorial carved with the names of his friends, Kakashi began to lead Sasuke, Sakura, Naruto and Hinata toward Ichiraku and their future.

The End


And that's it. I thought Kakashi might talk to Sasuke. It was mostly to make sure Sasuke got what Kakashi lectured on that night. I have no idea if Kishi would have reused tying him to a log, but I find it ironic.

Team Kakashi (with Team 7) is how I imagine it ending up. At least until Naruto gains control of the Kyuubi.

Naruto might not be in love with Hinata at the end of this, but he's heading in that direction. I have no plans for a sequel, unfortunately (the bunnies are demanding carrots, I'm too stressed to give them so the ideas are drying up). I doubted Naruto realize his feelings in a month and everything was too busy for Hinata to confess hers, however, I hope you like the slight subconscious tilt Naruto's having toward Hinata.

I really don't know what to say about SasuSaku. I'm so used to writing NaruHina. Writing this much SasuSaku was new to me. It was kind of a relief to write Sasuke without the angst (until I had Kakashi tie him up). I like writing him normally, no matter how much I love writing angst. Of course, Sakura is a careful balance between caring toward Sasuke and the new Sakura, tying his bandage too tight! And, as always, she voices Sasuke's feelings, whether he admits them or not!

As I said, no sequel. I don't plan anything until I have an idea in place and then I usually focus on just that one idea. But I hope you enjoyed this story. As frustrating as finding out 4 pages doesn't equal long pages on, I certainly enjoyed writing this.

Thanks for reading - NessaMoon