The two teenage Shinobi emerged from the Apartment Complex and entered the streets of Konoha. All around them, the villagers were busy with their daily tasks, as if nothing had ever happened. Four young boys innocently ran passed them, which caught the attention of some adults who were in deep in conversation. Up ahead, a little girl standing by the Konoha Bakery window caught Sakura's attention. She was pointing at some sweets and asking her mother if they could buy some. The mother agreed and together they entered the shop. Sakura couldn't help but to beam a smile, which caught Naruto's attention, "Eh, something wrong?"
"Oh, nothing", she happily chirped as Naruto looked at his companion with his usual clueless look, trying to understand what was going on. As they passed by the Yamanaka Flower Shop, Sakura suddenly remembered something important, "Ah, wait here!" She rushed inside and exited with a bouquet of White Chrysanthemums. "Okay, let's go!"
It wasn't long before they were outside the Konoha Cemetery. They were surprised at the turnout for the memorial. It seemed that every shinobi in the village was present, paying their respects to the renowned "Copy Ninja of Konoha". Most were wearing their funeral attire; however, there were a couple of on-duty Chuunins and ANBU that were in uniform that stayed on the outer edge of the crowd.
As they made their way through the assembly of Shinobi, Naruto spotted Konohamaru up ahead. He obviously was there lending his support, like they did for him during Asuma's funeral. And along side him was Shikamaru, Ino, and Chouji. They were there paying their respects to Kakashi, not only as a teacher, but someone they were eternally grateful for helping them avenge Asuma's death at the hands of Hidan of the Akatsuki. Shikamaru nonchalantly nodded at Naruto and Sakura as they passed by.
Even a very pregnant Kurenai was there with her team paying their respects. When Hinata saw Naruto, she quickly hid behind Shino. Kiba quipped, "Come on, Hinata. I don't think he is going to bite." Kurenai chuckled as her disciple's continued shy demeanor. And finally Team Gai was there. They too were there honoring their mentor's rival, and paying their own personal respect for Kakashi. Lee gave his "Nice Guy" pose to his two friends, letting them know everything is all right. Naruto returned the favor, letting everyone know he was back to his old self again.
Naruto and Sakura were uneasy as they approached Kakashi's grave, to give their final goodbyes. Sakura was hiding her emotions, but found the strength to kneel down and place the bouquet of White Chrysanthemum's by the grave stone. Naruto knew she was taking it hard, and so was he. He offered his hand and helped her up onto her feet. Then once they were clear, people began forming a line, and one by one, they placed a single White Chrysanthemum alongside Sakura's bouquet.
Sakura's began crying and Naruto knew that she missed their sensei. He remembered what Iruka-sensei said during the Sandaime's funeral, the longer you are with a person, the stronger the bond and thus the more pain of you losing that someone. And the pain he was experiencing was strong. But thanks to everyone over the past few days, he was now able to bear it.
Moments had passed and the last shinobi given his respects and walked off. It was then all eyes were on Naruto as he once again approached Kakashi's Grave. It seemed like he stood there for an eternity, but then he pulled out Kakashi's Icha Icha Tactics novel. Everyone was curious what Naruto was going to do with it. Then the young blond spoke to his mentor in the great-beyond, "Kakashi-sensei, thank you for being there for us. Guiding us on the path of the Shinobi. Teaching us to be wise and strong."
He respectfully paused as Sakura choked up some tears, then he took a picture of Team Seven out of his pocket and gently placed it within Kakashi's novel. Naruto got down on his knees and then delicately placed the book on top of the Grave. While still down on his knees, he quietly whispered, "I promise, I will bring Sasuke back." Naruto knew what he had to do next, and now he must move on and honor his word.
The young shinobi walked over to Sakura and embraced her in reassurance, "Sakura, everything will be alright". The young kunoichi's eyes opened wide in surprise as she heard those same words before by Kakashi. She knew right then and there that what he spoke was the truth.
He let go of her and looked at her with his mischievous grin and said, "Come on, I'll treat you to Ramen." And the two walked off.
Tsunade and Jiraiya watched Naruto and Sakura walking off from a distance, "I think he is ready."
Jiraiya replied, "Not quite. There is still one more thing he wants to do first."