"Narutoooo!"

"Patience, Sakura! I said I'm coming!"

"I've been waiting for your ass out here for five minutes now! Come. Out. Right. Now!"

"Kami," Naruto sighed as he swung open the door, only to come face to face with a very irate Sakura. "Would it kill you to wait without trying to break apart my door?"

Sakura huffed, crossing her arms as she eyed him up and down openly.

"What were you even doing inside? You're still dressed in such shitty clothes."

"I came home late from my shift," Naruto explained, shoving one hand in his pocket while the other rose slightly. "Shall we?"

Sakura's irritation gave way to a small, reluctant smile, fond nonetheless, as she hooked her arm around his, "We shall."

"You look great, by the way," Naruto complimented as they made their way down the stairs.

Dressed in a simple maroon, knee-length dress with her hair tied in a high ponytail, Sakura did look quite good and she herself would admit it without hesitation.

"Thanks," she said. "You still look quite rubbish."

Naruto grinned, "Thanks. I try my best."

The two friends kept up light conversation, inquiring about each other's training and plans till they reached their destination. Entering the small, lively restaurant owned by one of the nicest folks in Konoha–the Akimichis–they were immediately spotted by their group of friends.

"Sakura! Naruto!" Ino yelled for them, waving a hand to beckon them over.

The two made their way towards the large table, eyes alight and smiles on their faces.

"Happy birthday you!" Naruto wished Kiba, patting the boy on his back.

The Inuzuka scratched his neck, grinning at the blond, "Thanks dude. I'm glad you both came."

"Wow," Sakura whispered from the side, already settled beside Ino. "Kiba. Did I just hear you being all formal?"

Kiba rolled his eyes, throwing a napkin at the pinkhead. It was intercepted by someone and Sakura turned her head to see who'd done it. Shino stood with his hand outstretched, somehow expressing his disappointment while hidden behind huge glasses and the collar of his jacket.

"Be a gentleman for once, Kiba," Shino admonished in the flattest tone possible. Then, he added, "happy birthday."

Kiba grumbled about traitor teammates but was soon above his bad mood as more people joined in for his celebration.

Sasuke walked in right after Shikamaru, both looking haggered–like someone had forced them into showing up, which knowing them was probably the case.

In the next few minutes, all of Konoha 12 were seated around the table, taking in the different aromas of steaming fresh food.

"This is so good," Kiba moaned around a bite of chicken, immediately adding more of it to his plate.

"Pass me the rice, please," Hinata asked and Shikamaru obliged, chewing on some spicy dumplings.

"Here, try this–" Naruto shoved a piece of charred fish on Sasuke's almost-empty plate. "It's fucking awesome."

"I can serve myself," Sasuke said dryly, nibbling the edges of a riceball. "Stop being a mom."

"Uncle!" Chouji yelled across the room, and a middle-aged kindly man with spirals on his face came into view. After a quick discussion, more dishes were ordered by the Akimichi who seemed to be having the time of his life.

The night progressed with similar cheer, easy banter flying across the table and when the dinner came to an end, Lee gave Kiba a hug that nearly punctured the Inuzuka's lungs. Neji and Tenten had to use brute force to get their teammate to stop clinging and after some more pushing, pulling and stumbling, Konoha 12 were standing outside the restaurant–stomachs full and contentment etched on their faces.

After a murmur of goodbyes, team seven and Shikamaru headed in one direction while the rest lingered to talk some more.

"Why are you coming this way?" Shikamaru asked Naruto, the group of four walking at a leisure, relaxed pace.

"He's coming over to yours, silly," Sakura piped in, her smile teasing the Nara. "Can't leave you alone now, can he?"

Naruto elbowed her side, "Don't forget that Sasuke here is also escorting you home."

"All three of you are," Sakura replied even as her arm brushed against Sasuke's as they walked.

"Sure, sure," Naruto said with a roll of his eyes, silence falling over them once again. The four were happy to just walk in each other's company and come to terms with some of the new patterns of their lives. After dropping Sakura to her apartment, Sasuke bid the remaining two a swift goodbye.

"So you're actually coming to my house?" Shikamaru asked, as they lazily walked towards the Nara compound.

"Ofcourse," Naruto said, gaze flitting from one streetlight to the next. "You're giving me the forest tour."

"What?" Shikamaru asked blandly. "Right now?"

"Yup," responded Naruto, picking up his pace as he dragged Shikamaru through the last two streets. "No buts. No backing out. We are doing this right now."

Shikamaru didn't reply but he led the way straight to the edge of the compound, the west end where the Nara forest began. Naruto followed after him with a smug air about him, glad that he'd convinced Shikamaru to let them have this moment.

"That's a tree," Shikamaru said as he began his tour, nodding at a tree. He pointed at another bark, "And that's another tree and that... it's another tree and that–"

Naruto stomped on his foot, a short laugh leaving his throat.

"Yes, thank you. I thought these big brown and green things were carrots."

"Well, it's my pleasure to educate the stupid. No big deal."

Just then, Naruto stopped walking and gripped Shikamaru's wrist, steering him to a tall tree.

"Race you up?" he challenged, already channeling chakra to his feet.

Shikamaru sighed, knowing the energy he'd have to expend but nodded his head nevertheless.

"Go."

The two immediately shot off the ground, taking long strides on the thick trunk of the tree. Naruto reached the top branch first, Shikamaru following shortly after, looking extremely annoyed.

"I wi–"

"Don't," Shikamaru glared at Naruto, plopping on the branch, leaning against the bark as he rolled around his neck. "Here, take a seat."

Naruto shrugged and fell beside Shikamaru, both their feet swinging slowly beneath them.

"The view's pretty awesome," Naruto murmured, soaking in the quietness of the forest, occasionally broken by animals hopping between trees and grass. "Beautiful, really."

Shikamaru hummed softly, "Used to come here a fuck ton as a kid. Dad loved sitting with the deer. They retreat during nighttime but usually they're all pretty eager to hang around us Naras."

"Konoha's forests really are something, huh?"

Shikamaru hid a smile, "Except for the Forest of Death. That place is horrid."

"True," Naruto said, chuckling. "What happened with Inoichi this morning?"

At that, Shikamaru's frame tightened with annoyance, "I accepted their offer ofcourse. But that man conveniently forgot to tell me that working in two departments means increased work hours."

Naruto nudged his side, half-comfort, half-playfulness and responded, "You're gonna be the Head there which means you will get to harass new recruits some day down the line. That's fair trade. No pain, no gain, right?"

"Whatever," Shikamaru muttered but pressed heavily against Naruto's side, eyeing the skyline shrouded by the inky blackness of the night. "You leave in two days... don't you?"

Naruto stayed silent for a while, long enough that Shikamaru decided to look at him. The blond's eyes were fixated at the scene before them, half of Konoha visible in all its dark, yet cheerful glory. His face was soft... a sad sort of fondness in his gaze and Shikamaru didn't know what was causing such an expression to take root on Naruto's face.

"Hey... " he said quietly, letting his foot hit against Naruto's to draw his attention. "Are you fine?"

Naruto broke out of his short trance and glanced at Shikamaru, shaking his head slightly.

"Yeah," he said, the same fond gaze directed at Shikamaru now. "Just gonna miss my home, y'know?"

"I know," Shikamaru returned, relaxing again, "but no point getting all emotional about it. It's not like Konoha's going anywhere."

That's what I'm worried about, Naruto thought, remembering Pain's rapid assault and how it had all but obliterated the Leaf in the blink of an eye.

"Right," he said instead, trying to ease some of his worries with the knowledge that his comrades and friends would protect his home in his absence. "By the way, Ibiki told me that you fell down while walking..."

Jiraiya ducked to enter the boring-looking building with his usual, boisterous presence, making a beeline for Inoichi's office. Without knocking, he went right in, spotting not only the Yamanaka but also his mentee seated on the couch.

"Inoichi! Naruto!" he greeted loudly, going to give his student a noogie but Naruto gracefully moved out of the way, giving a thump on his teacher's back instead.

"Good to see you back sensei," he spoke over his teacher's grumbles, taking a chair and sliding it in the toad sage's direction who took a seat without protest.

"Before we get to the idle talk," Jiraiya looked at Inoichi, "Anko's heading here, isn't she?"

Inoichi nodded, causing a relieved smile to appear on Jiraiya's face and then he started again, rambling on and on about his journey through the Land of Sound and how he hunted down Orochimaru's remaining forces, barging into his many bases and putting an end to his evil machinations–no sweat.

Naruto listened with interest, because for all the boasting and exaggerations his master was fond of, Jiraiya was providing relevant and true information about his exploits and six months of T and I training had taught him how to filter the unnecessary embellishments from the plain facts well enough.

Their one-sided conversation was only cut short when after some banging, Anko kicked open the door and gave the Sannin a saccharine-dipped smile, too sweet to be sincere.

"Old man, why the fuck did you summon me in middle of a dango-eating contest?"

Jiraiya shifted on his seat, and instead of a joking reaction his visage turned serious.

"It's something important, Anko... "

"Oh?" the kunoichi said, crossing the room in an instant, narrowing her eyes at Jiraiya. "This had better be good or I'm skinning you alive, I'm telling ya."

"It is," Jiraiya stood up, a particular gleam in his eyes Naruto hadn't seen before. "We're getting that damned curse mark off of you."

Anko's eyes widened.

"Anko!" Naruto called out in a forceful whisper, shaking her arm back and forth. "Oh come on! Wake up you woman!"

And just like that, Anko's eyes blinked open, staring at Naruto's semi-worried features before dazedly scanning the other occupants of the room. When her gaze landed on Jiraiya, she immediately shot up but a searing pain shot through her neck keeping her on the bed she'd been lying on. She settled on glaring viciously at the man instead.

"What the fuck was that?" she bit out, her left side almost paralysed by the fierce, white-hot pain.

"I told you it would hurt," Jiraiya's gruff voice held a note of apology. "But... but can you feel it now?"

Anko's face went blank at that and she frowned. Feel... feel what?

And then, she realised it... the absence of the constant pull at her reserves by the cursed mark, the ever-present trace of some darkness, some sinister energy that plagued her chakra and mind.

It was... it was gone.

She inhaled a rushed breath, mouth open. Her hand raised to touch the skin that had been tattooed with seals without her consent and she turned her head to have a look at it.

Smooth, unblemished, plain skin greeted her gaze and she almost sobbed with relief.

"Oh my fucking god," was all she could get out in the end and for the rest, standing there, watching her reaction–it was more than enough.

Hinata stood outside the Kage's office, heart thudding in her chest as she waited for Jiraiya to exit his meeting with Tsuande-sensei. She idly rubbed her hand around the seams of her jacket and straightened up the moment she heard the creak of the door opening.

Out walked Jiraiya, his eyes falling Hinata's stiff form and an easy smile overcame his face. "Ah, Hinata, is it? Tsunade just told me you wanted to speak with me about something. Let's go talk by the counters, shall we? I really need some tea."

Hinata merely nodded, trailing behind the Sannin as he headed for the office kitchens and poured himself some tea from the pot, already prepared by one of the long-hour employees.

"So," he said, taking a sip. "Anything I can help you with?"

The Hyuga gulped, taking in a shaky breath. She didn't feel intimidated by the Sannin per se, just nervous about the reaction he'd give. She didn't expect him to respond negatively, but the doubt hammered into her head since she was a child didn't go away easily. She had to do this, though. For herself, for her promise and for her clan. So, she steeled herself before looking straight at the man's eyes.

"Yes," she said, voice wavering but determined, solid. "I would like you to tell me if you're aware of the counter seal for the... caged bird seal the Hyuga clan uses to brand branch members. Or some way to d-dismantle or remove it. Anything to stop its effects."

Jiraiya was clearly not expecting that. He took too huge a gulp in surprise before trying to get it down without alarming the girl.

"I," he managed to get his bearings in order. "I have never actively researched on one. Was never allowed to–too many political complications, you see. But..."

"But?" Hinata prompted, looking honest to god eager for once.

"But I can try, if... if a branch member was willing to let me poke and prod at their seal."

"That's possible," Hinata smiled, knowing that Neji would support her in this endeavour. She gave Jiraiya a respectful nod, "Thank you so much. I will in be touch with you through Naruto, if that is fine with you?"

Jiraiya gave her a wide, reassuring smile, "Ofcourse. I'll be happy to help you out in any way," and though Hinata hadn't put to words her plans, the Sannin knew the ripples that'd soon be caused by this young one would be magnificent to behold.

Naruto lay on his bed, wide awake, staring at the ceiling. It was a little difficult to comprehend how little over a year ago he lay on a bed, too, contemplating life as an adult. Now things had changed, for himself and for the past and he couldn't come to feel regret for any of it.

Slowly, he got to his feet and entered the bathroom. After a long shower, he stepped out, drying his feet and towelling his body. Getting into some black shinobi pants, a plain navy blue t-shirt and his chunin vest, Naruto eyed himself in the mirror.

Fourteen.

Naruto's mind supplied and he strapped the forehead protector securely on his head. His travel backpack lay stuffed and ready by the corner and he picked it up, shrugging it on.

Walking towards the door, he prepared himself for another journey, another three years of travel. Only this one was going to be far more important if he had any say in the matter. He knew what he had to do in the coming months and years and he wasn't about to screw it up–not if he wanted a war to never loom over them, a sword hanging by a string.

The sun was mellow today, warm but not scorching and Naruto took to the rooftops just to feel it a bit more. Half his attention stayed with the people crowding the streets below, hawkers selling their wares, mothers reprimanding unruly children, fathers buying candy and sweets for their kids. By the time he reached the front gates, he was content to leave Konoha behind if it meant he'd come back to this sort of gaiety whenever he did.

Jiraiya was already by the exit, chatting with Kakashi who'd come to see them off. By the other end, Sakura stood with Sasuke who waved at him to join them. And there, a little behind them, was Shikamaru–leaning against the red bars of the open gate.

"Hello there. Come to cry at my departure?"

Sakura snorted, "As if. I'm probably the most happy you're leaving. Imagine the peace I'll get in my life now–bloody wonderful."

"Precisely," Sasuke chimed in, a small smirk on his lips. "If we cry, you best believe they're tears of happiness."

"Rude, so fucking rude," Naruto said with faux-offence. "I am deeply and utterly wounded by your words."

"Good," Sakura said, nodding to herself with satisfaction. "Because that's exactly what we intended to do."

Naruto shook his head, all three of them breaking into soft laughter and in a blink, Sakura had pulled the two into a three-way hug.

"Don't die," she whispered, not sadly but in a way that showed she really cared. "And don't kill anyone either."

"Stay away for as long as you want," Sasuke muttered, already fighting against the embrace but both Naruto and Sakura kept a grip on him.

"I'll miss you two fools," Naruto said , because some emotional honesty never hurt anyone.

Sakura huffed onto his shoulder, "Me too."

They pulled away, Sasuke looking distinctly uncomfortable as he glared at the blond and said,

"Take care."

Naruto refrained from joking about it and gave him a firm nod,

"I will. You two do the same."

Then Kakashi was there, giving some spiel about providing him teasers of Jiraiya's upcoming books, dancing around the topic before giving a firm pat on the back and saying,

"Have fun."

Naruto gave a laugh, too used to Kakashi's roundabout ways of saying what he actually wanted to.

"That's a given or did you forget who my master is?"

Jiraiya's chest puffed a bit, taking pride in the fact that his student had just called him fun. Take that, he shouted at the brats who called him an old geezer–in his head ofcourse.

"Should we leave now?" he asked Naruto, glancing at the sun still hanging low in the sky. They still had a few hours till noon.

"Yes," he said, turning to look at Shikamaru.

The Nara's hand went up lazily in a small wave.

"Good bye," he said.

Naruto shook his head, grinning at the Nara,

"Good byes are for losers," he declared, clutching the bands of his backpack.

"For us, it's a 'see you soon'."

And then he was turning on his heel, walking out the gates with assured, calm steps, Jiraiya already nearing the tree cover outside. Stopping by the edge, Naruto turned around, waving at Shikamaru for the last time in many years to come; a farewell.

With Naruto's words echoing in his head, Shikamaru waved back, a small, serene smile settling on his face. In that moment, he knew things would be alright in the future, no matter what they'd have to face because he'd have Naruto's back, and Naruto would have his.

He watched until the blond disappeared into the forests and then.

Then, he headed for his home.

Author's Note:

Okay. Yeah. That's it. That's the end for this part and I hope it wasn't disappointing. I know some loose ends are left, that's why this series will continue forward but I still wanted to give some closure to those who might not remain for the fics to come. Hopefully, this end soothed some of the questions.

I need to get to thank yous first because yeah I'm that kind of person.

So thank you for everyone who gave this story a chance, who's reading it rn after it's all compete and for those of you who have stuck with it since the very beginning, supporting with kudos and regular comments–it's meant the world to me and you guys are motivating af.

Alright, enough of that sap. If you want me to write any off-screen scenes of this fic, let me know and I'll write it if I've got the time. :)

Once again, thanks y'all, for reading.

Have an awesome day ahead!

See you soon. :D