The man who reminds me so much of his father stands tall as one of my best friends presents him with something he's worked for all his life.

His father was a kind man. Memories of him still cause me pain and when I look at his son, even all these years later, I still feel the scar on my hand tingle. It's a memory from my life before; one where I made decisions I will never forgive myself for.

But we all do things we regret, and we need to keep moving on every day. Our mistakes don't define us. If they did, we'd all just be broken fragments without form.

Our friendships hold us together. The tingle in my palm fades when I turn to the friend at my left and he smiles.

He hasn't changed one bit since we were young ANBU together. Well, except for his name. He begs to be called Yamato now but I still slip and call him Tenzo sometimes.

Kakashi presents Naruto Uzumaki with the classic Hokage cap, the same one that kind old man who offered me a better life wore often, and the yellow-haired shinobi with whisker marks on his cheeks smiles wide.

Everyone cheers to their new Hokage. My hands clap loudly, a large smile playing on my lips. Kakashi catches my eye and I wave, giving him a thumbs up.

He's probably happy to retire, I think. He's always preferred to read, anyways.

I look at all my students who are now teachers themselves. It fills me with a certain warmth unlike any other.

And also, HOW AM I THIS OLD?

I could be somebody's grandma.

I find myself chuckling aloud at the thought and Kurenai appears at my side, her daughter in tow.

I told her, long ago, that I'm not actually her cousin. Just about everyone knows now about my real name, Misaki Kumara, and the life I used to lead.

But like any loving family would, they don't judge me for it. They even continue to call me Mitsuki Yuhi, symbolizing my second chance and new life.

Across the way, I catch a glimpse of Gai in his wheelchair, still just as full of energy as ever. Nothing, and I mean nothing, can keep that guy down. He never ceases to amaze and inspire me.

I lost many people along the way. People I tried to protect but couldn't-Hiruzen Sarutobi, Asuma Sarutobi, Hayate (I had to live with Yugao for a month after his death because she was so heartbroken). The list is long, but one mustn't focus on the bad things. We have to keep our heads afloat, even when the flood threatens to pull us under.

Though there is heartbreak, there is also family. Friendship is too shallow a word for what these people and this village truly mean to me.

We are all shinobi, living in a world of pain and death and all trying to find our way. Our lives becomes broken pieces scattered everywhere and we feel hopeless among other things. Some crawl out from the rubble on the wrong side. They focus on the wrong things and miss what is truly, undeniably important.

Something we must never lose sight of; something we shall never forget. Something we all need to be reminded of when our lives feel shattered.

Friendship is the glue.

And family, it's the concrete.

GUYS! That's it! Thank you so much for going along on this journey with me!

It was a roller-coaster of emotions but I hope you can find some inspiration in it.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! I'm dying to hear your lovely voices!

Until next time.

~R