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A/N: I would like to dedicate this last chapter to all the people that took the time to read my stories, even more to those who reviewed, with special consideration for LaLaPluie, who taught me that even online friendship is possible; but above all, I dedicate this to amaterasu018. You were the first to review my work, you have supported every single story I wrote, and I'm really grateful for it. Thank you.
Reviews really mean a lot to me. They make my day. So thank you, everyone, truly.
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EPILOGUE
Seven years later
Sakura finished her long day and locked the door of her office at the hospital. She was quite tired, having had two surgeries and many appointments. But she was also satisfied. Everything had turned out fine.
She walked towards home, looking forward to seeing her children again. Ayane was almost four now, and she had had a little cold the previous day. Itachi had taken the day free to look after her. Kenji instead was full of energy, even if he was just two. Both children were intelligent and mischievous, and their parents adored them. Life was perfect.
When she arrived home, Sakura noticed that some roses were starting to bloom in their garden.
She smiled to herself and thought about the university ball of several years before. Itachi had given her a red rose back then. Every year, on that special anniversary, he gave her another rose.
He had gotten his degree not long after their first meeting. Three years after the ball, after they had gotten to know each other better, and when Sakura had just gotten her degree as well and found a job at the hospital, he had asked her to marry him. She had been overjoyed and obviously accepted.
The roses outside their house didn't bring back only happy memories. Sakura also remembered Sasuke's trial. It hadn't been a pleasant experience. Especially because she had put a lot of effort into it. Together with Itachi, she had gone to visit Karin, one of the girls who had been raped by Sasuke, and had asked her to testify against him. Karin had been afraid, since she knew how cruel Sasuke was. But Sakura and Itachi had managed to convince her. And Karin had then told them about other girls who had suffered her same destiny. All three together had looked for them and convinced them to be at Sasuke's trial.
With such accusations, Sasuke couldn't escape conviction. He was still in prison, and would remain there for a long time. The judge, who had a deep sense of justice – his name was Morino Ibiki –, had made sure of that.
Sakura thought about other things in her life while she opened the house door and walked inside.
The children at the orphanage had grown up and were now going to high school. Konan and Pain couldn't have been happier. Sakura still visited them, often accompanied by Itachi and her own children.
Naruto and Hinata were engaged. Hinata had grown more confident over the years, and had only recently found out that Sakura had almost lost her job at the Yamanakas' restaurant, years before, because Sasuke had threatened the Hyuga woman. To thank Sakura for her selflessness, Hinata had organized an enormous surprise party for her twenty-seventh birthday. It had been a wonderful day, and it had strengthened the bond between the two women.
Sai had become quite a famous artist. He now travelled abroad together with his younger brother, only sometimes visiting them. But when he did, he was always welcomed warmly.
Kakashi was still the same old Kakashi. He often came to babysit Itachi and Sakura's children when they both had to work.
Shizune still worked at the Yamanakas' restaurant, only that now it was her restaurant. The Yamanakas had decided to sell it to her before buying a flower shop instead. Sakura hadn't kept in contact with them, but two years before, right after her second child had been born, Ino had visited her. She had told her she was sorry for having behaved like a bitch, and explained she had been jealous and envious of her. She hoped that someday the pink-haired woman would forgive her. Sakura had told her she would not be holding a grudge and they had parted amicably.
Sakura shook those thoughts away. Her life had become perfect now. She closed the door behind her and put her coat away. It was getting a bit too warm for it, the blooming roses outside proved it. She walked to the living room. A lovely scene was expecting her.
Ayane was lying on a couch, with a blue blanket around her, sleeping peacefully. On another couch, Itachi, humming softly, was holding a dozing Kenji in his lap.
Sakura smiled widely and sat down next to him, kissing his cheek. "How has it been today?"
Itachi smiled at her and returned her kiss, on the lips this time. "Ayane is feeling much better, and I finally convinced Kenji to sleep."
Sakura caressed her son's cheek softly. "That's impressive. I rarely manage to do so on my own."
Her husband smirked. He then got up and walked to the cradle, where he carefully put Kenji in.
He then turned towards his wife, taking her in his arms. "How was work?"
Sakura yawned. She was tired. "Satisfying, but also demanding. The surgeries went well, thankfully. And the visits were nothing serious."
Itachi guided her to the kitchen. "I've already cooked, if you want something."
Sakura almost jumped on the food. "Oh, you're my saviour!" She wanted to go to bed quickly, but she was also hungry.
While she was eating, Itachi arched an eyebrow. "I understand you're hungry, Sakura, but aren't you eating a little too much?"
Sakura smiled, a really enchanting smile. She put a hand on her belly. "Well, I have to feed someone else too, you know," she said with a saucy wink.
Itachi was barely able to contain his surprise. He was immediately by her side. "Do you mean…"
"Yes," she said with a wide grin. "We're going to be a family of five in a few months."
Sakura thoroughly enjoyed his warm embrace and the passionate kiss that followed.
Yes, life was truly perfect.
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THE END
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A/N: And Cinderella Of Konoha is over… I really hope you liked it. I know it's not very realistic, but hey, it's based on a fairy tale.
I'm not going back to this universe. I have grown fond of it (thanks to your reviews!) but I wouldn't know what to add, because in my mind, this story is finished. However, if I forgot something, please tell me. I will do my best to correct any mistakes.
Thank you, and I genuinely mean it, for reading my work!
Until next time,
KitsuneMiyuKendraHyuga