Chapter 30: Calm before the storm

(The following chapter takes place at sunset)

Kiba saw Katsumi sitting near the waterfall in the forest. Hinata had told him about this spot and he spent several times there with Akamaru. He could see that she was thinking about something and it was tearing her up inside. Kiba hugged Katsumi from behind and asked her, "What is the matter?" Katsumi said, "I can't stop thinking that I could have saved Mariko and her brother. I feel somehow responsible for their deaths."

Kiba broke off the embrace and replied, "I used to feel the same way about the death of my comrade Neji Hyuga. He died in the Fourth Great Ninja War by protecting Naruto and Hinata." Katsumi saw Kiba's shoulders heave as he cried from the painful memory. She was surprised that Kiba actually had a soft side. He quickly wiped away the tears when Katsumi asked, "How did you get over that feeling?"

Kiba lovingly touched Katsumi's face and said, "I realized that Neji made the choice to sacrifice himself. He would have done that for any of us. You can feel regret about Mariko and that is normal. But if you dwell in grief over her death, you ruin her memory. Mariko would want you to live and be happy, Katsumi."

Katsumi was touched by Kiba's words and she kissed him deeply. She also bit his neck and left a faint mark with her canine teeth. Katsumi said, "It's a custom of my clan to mark a loved one in order to ensure faithfulness. My mark on you shows that you are mine. Kiba said, "I like that idea" and he made his own mark on her neck. Hana noticed the couple from a distance among the cluster of trees. She thought, I am glad that Kiba has found someone that makes him happy. However… that clan tradition of marking… isn't that part of Dad's clan? No, it can't be…

Sakura found Sasuke at the training area where Kakashi had tested them as genin with retrieving a set of bells from him. It brought back memories of Sasuke before he joined Orochimaru in his pursuit of power and revenge. She shook herself out of the nostalgia and approached Sasuke, who was leaning against one of the three wooden posts.

Sasuke asked, "What do you want, Sakura?" in an annoyed tone. Sakura replied, "Katsumi told me how she helped you while you were imprisoned. I am surprised that you relented and put away your sword so easily." Sasuke scoffed and said, "I only ended the fight because it wasn't the time or place. I can settle my score with Takeshi later. Just like with my rivalry against Naruto. Don't think that I have forgotten about my rematch with him."

Sakura turned and started to walk away from Sasuke. She was fed up with his arrogant attitude and Sakura stopped herself. Then she suddenly pinned Sasuke to the post with her left arm and superhuman strength. A diamond mark appeared on her forehead as Sakura's beautiful green eyes glared at Sasuke. She whispered, "Let me say this to you right now. As much as I want to, I cannot fully trust you, Sasuke. You might have fooled many people with your resolve to save Konoha, but I know that you can still be cruel and malicious. If you give me any hint of betrayal against us…"

Sakura brought her powerful fist surging with chakra close to Sasuke's heart to make her point. She continued, "As much as I love you, Sasuke, I will strike you down where you stand if it comes to that." Sasuke was surprisingly speechless at Sakura's action. He thought, She is serious. There is no hesitation in her voice and no wavering in her glare. Sakura really means what she is saying.

Naruto took Hinata to the top of the Hokage Monument, the only landmark of the Leaf Village still standing after Hisoka's devastating attack. He held her close to him and Naruto smelled Hinata's dark blue hair. He said, "I longed for you, Hinata. I thought that you might have been killed.. I was so worried… I…" Hinata silenced him with a tender kiss and said afterwards: "Naruto, has anyone told you that you talk too much?"

Naruto replied with his iconic grin, "Yeah, all the time. But I wanted to bring you here and have a serious discussion, Hinata." Hinata looked at Naruto with her clear eyes and asked, "What do you want to talk about, Naruto?" Naruto's blue eyes shone bright in the fading sunset as he spoke: "Hinata… I have never forgotten what you did for me against Pain. You were willing to risk your life to save mine, even though you were outmatched. When I thought you had died, I almost became Kurama entirely… Then you were captured by Takeshi and I nearly lost myself in rage. I need you in my life, Hinata. I don't want to have any regrets if this is our final mission together…"

Hinata watched as Naruto bent down on one knee and asked, "Naruto? What are you- ." Naruto pulled a small band of gold from his pouch and made a small sphere of chakra inside in its empty socket. He took her hand and asked, "Hinata, will you marry me once this is all over?" Hinata had tears of joy streaming down her face as she answered, "Yes, Naruto, Yes!"