p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"uspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Chapter 2/span/u/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Sasuke's POV/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"The air was crisp and smelt of morning dew, and the sun's rays were just beginning to poke out from the east. Sasuke walked silently but briskly on the dirt path. In a few minutes, the village gates would come into view. There was a sense of familiarity walking down this path, but small parts of him felt like a foreigner. He quickly shook that feeling out of his head. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He was a changed person now. His journey of atonement was challenging. There were periods where he felt as if he couldn't go back to the village. The hardest part was forgiving himself, but now he felt in a good place. Were there times where he still hated himself and his actions? Absolutely. But he just took it one day at a time./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He was also still completely loyal to Konoha. Kakashi would occasionally send him missions for the village and he would complete them successfully. He wasn't looking for forgiveness from everyone, he just hoped at least he could earn the forgiveness of his friends. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He knew both Naruto and Sakura forgave him, but he still wanted to show them himself. Before he knew it, the front of the gates were in sight. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He scanned the entrance looking for a bright orange jumpsuit, or pink hair, or a masked figure, but to his surprise no one was waiting for him. Did they forget he was coming today? Surely not. Naruto had been insistently writing letters asking about his return. There was a small feeling of loneliness and disappointment that rushed through him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He saw two guards stationed at the gate and slowly made his way to speak with them when a voice called his name./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Sasuke."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He turned around to see a figure walking towards him. The spiked ponytail was unmistakable. Shikamaru. He walked towards him slowly./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I'm here to take you to the Hokage." Shikamaru said with a half-yawn./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He nodded and started following the man. All the buildings seemed foreign to him now. People were starting to open their shops as the two men walked towards the central tower. He knew they were staring at him. Some with disgust, some with disbelief. This was to be expected. He knew not everyone would forgive him for his actions. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"They made their way to the top of the tower towards the Hokage's office. Shikamaru opened the door and cursed under his breath. There were stacks and stacks of papers on the desks, the floors, even the windowsills. And right in the middle sat Kakashi sleeping in his hokage robe./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Shikamaru sighed and walked to the side of the desk./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Oi!" he said, kicking the side./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Kakashi gave a small jump and looked up at Shikamaru blinking a few times./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I brought Sasuke here like you asked."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"The white-haired man finally turned towards him and acknowledged him. "Ah Sasuke. How were your travels?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Fine." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Stoic as ever I see." He said getting up from the desk. "Shikamaru, do you mind finishing up this paperwork for me?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Tch. Troublesome."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Sasuke, come with me." The two walked out of the office and down the hall. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Where are we going?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""To meet with the elders. Not everyone is enthusiastic you're back. It was decided to have a meeting as soon as you arrived to discuss your previous actions and punishments."/span/p
div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"
p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"The dark-haired man simply nodded. This didn't surprise him. They made their way into an empty conference room and waited for hell to begin./span/p
/div
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Six hours later the conference room finally cleared leaving him with Kakashi again./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""That was brutal. Those old snots never shut up." Kakashi sighed./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He nodded in agreement. It was a long meeting. Some wanted him to be exiled from Konoha, some wanted him to be in jail. Others including Kakashi vouched for his actions in the war and his changed character. In the end, everyone finally created a long list of restrictions and guidelines that he had to follow in order to live here. It was also decided that he would be heavily monitored by ANBU if he wasn't with someone of jonin status. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"They both made their way back to the office to hear shouting. Sasuke was able to distinguish the obnoxious voice immediately. Naruto. emSome things never change./em/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""SASUKE!" the blond ran towards him and tackled him in hug./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Get off me dobe." He said shoving Naruto off. Naruto just grinned back. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""How was the mission Naruto?" Kakashi asked sitting back at the desk./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""It was easy! Here's the mission report. Can I take Sasuke now?" he asked giddily. /span/p
div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"
p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Hai hai. Just stay in the village." /span/p
/div
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Naruto decided the first thing that needed to be done was to get ramen. As they made their way to the familiar stand, the blond told him about his latest missions, training, and Hinata. Honestly Sasuke was surprised when the couple got married. He knew of the shy girl's crush in academy, but Naruto never seemed to show any interest. It also seemed weird that the most immature person of the group was the first to be married. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""… and that's how life is now! I'm getting laid now." Naruto said giving him a creepy smile and raising his eyebrows. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He visibly cringed at that statement. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Don't worry Sasuke. I'll give you advise anytime you need it."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I don't need your stupid advise." He said rolling his eyes. "Anyways, where's Sakura?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""She's probably busy at the hospital. She's the director now. I know she definitely deserves it and all and I'm happy for her, but it just sucks sometimes. I never get to see her." The blond said frowning./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""She works every day?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Basically. I get worried sometimes. One time I visited her and she looked like a zombie. She doesn't know her limits and overworks herself."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He didn't say anything back. He knew Sakura had gotten much stronger after he left. He saw her fighting during the war and couldn't believe her strength. emI guess I don't really know her as well as I think I do./em He was honestly expecting her to be there waiting for him at the gates this morning peppering him with questions about his travels./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He would be lying if he said he didn't think about the pinkette during his journey. When she was healing him and Naruto after their big battle, he couldn't help but feel a strong sense of gratitude for her for not giving up on him. He could admit now, and only to himself that there was some feelings that arose for her as he about to leave, but he knew that he couldn't do that to her and then leave again./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Hey! How about we go and visit her in the hospital after this? We can surprise her!" Naruto said interrupting his thoughts. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Sasuke nodded back. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"They finished eating and made their way to the hospital. The hospital was completely different now; it had grown into a much larger builder now. Smaller sub-buildings each with unique specialties and departments were created after the war. Each sub-building branched back to the main hospital where general check-ups and inpatients were held. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Naruto led him down different hallways until they finally made their way to a large door. On the glass it read: MEDICAL DIRECTOR DR. SAKURA HARUNO in gold letters. His stomach twisted. emHow am I this nervous? I've never been this nervous./em/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Naruto yanked the door open and screamed. "SAKURA-CHAN!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"She sat behind a large desk looked pissed. Her looks had definitely changed since the last time he saw her. Her hair was short again and parted to the right. In the sunlight, he could also see small streaks of silver shinning. He had also forgotten about the purple diamond seal on her forehead. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Naruto! You baka! There's no need to scream!" she said standing up./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Look who's here Sakura-chan?" Naruto said throwing his hands out at Sasuke as if he was a prized turkey./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Sakura smiled at him. "Hi Sasuke. How were your travels?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"emspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"She didn't call me Sasuke-kun. She's not blushing like she normally does. Why isn't she blushing?/span/emspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" He quickly snapped out of it. "Fine."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"She nodded simply accepting his answer. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"emspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"That's it? She's not going to ask anything else?/span/em/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Let's all hang out Sakura-chan!" Naruto said excitedly. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"She gave him a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry Naruto, but I have to finish up work here."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""UGHHHHHHH" the blond walked to the couch on the side of the office and threw himself face down./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"She walked over and sat down next to him. "I'm really sorry. I know you've been wanting to hang out for a while" she said ruffling his hair./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"There was a pang of jealousy that shot through Sasuke as he watched the two of them interact. emThey're so close. /emHe shouldn't be upset; he was the one that left them. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Anyways, you and Sasuke can hang out together still. And I promise the next time I'm off, I'll hang out with you guys."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Naruto lifted his head up. "Okay Sakura-chan. Sasuke and I will be at the training grounds if you get off early."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"She nodded smiling. They all walked to the door of her office./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Bye Sakura-chan! Don't work too hard." Naruto said giving her a wave./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Alright, I'll try. You guys have fun!" She said and closed the door./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"emspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"What the actual fuck. She didn't even seem interested in me at all. Is she mad at me? No, she didn't seem mad./span/em/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He was completely puzzled at the whole interaction. That was not the Sakura that continuously followed him around and proclaimed her love. Old Sakura would have blushed furiously and probably fainted when he entered the room. What was going on? His thoughts were racing as Naruto dragged him to the training grounds to spar. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Sasuke's POV/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"The air was crisp and smelt of morning dew, and the sun's rays were just beginning to poke out from the east. Sasuke walked silently but briskly on the dirt path. In a few minutes, the village gates would come into view. There was a sense of familiarity walking down this path, but small parts of him felt like a foreigner. He quickly shook that feeling out of his head. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He was a changed person now. His journey of atonement was challenging. There were periods where he felt as if he couldn't go back to the village. The hardest part was forgiving himself, but now he felt in a good place. Were there times where he still hated himself and his actions? Absolutely. But he just took it one day at a time./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He was also still completely loyal to Konoha. Kakashi would occasionally send him missions for the village and he would complete them successfully. He wasn't looking for forgiveness from everyone, he just hoped at least he could earn the forgiveness of his friends. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He knew both Naruto and Sakura forgave him, but he still wanted to show them himself. Before he knew it, the front of the gates were in sight. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He scanned the entrance looking for a bright orange jumpsuit, or pink hair, or a masked figure, but to his surprise no one was waiting for him. Did they forget he was coming today? Surely not. Naruto had been insistently writing letters asking about his return. There was a small feeling of loneliness and disappointment that rushed through him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He saw two guards stationed at the gate and slowly made his way to speak with them when a voice called his name./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Sasuke."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He turned around to see a figure walking towards him. The spiked ponytail was unmistakable. Shikamaru. He walked towards him slowly./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I'm here to take you to the Hokage." Shikamaru said with a half-yawn./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He nodded and started following the man. All the buildings seemed foreign to him now. People were starting to open their shops as the two men walked towards the central tower. He knew they were staring at him. Some with disgust, some with disbelief. This was to be expected. He knew not everyone would forgive him for his actions. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"They made their way to the top of the tower towards the Hokage's office. Shikamaru opened the door and cursed under his breath. There were stacks and stacks of papers on the desks, the floors, even the windowsills. And right in the middle sat Kakashi sleeping in his hokage robe./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Shikamaru sighed and walked to the side of the desk./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Oi!" he said, kicking the side./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Kakashi gave a small jump and looked up at Shikamaru blinking a few times./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I brought Sasuke here like you asked."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"The white-haired man finally turned towards him and acknowledged him. "Ah Sasuke. How were your travels?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Fine." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Stoic as ever I see." He said getting up from the desk. "Shikamaru, do you mind finishing up this paperwork for me?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Tch. Troublesome."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Sasuke, come with me." The two walked out of the office and down the hall. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Where are we going?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""To meet with the elders. Not everyone is enthusiastic you're back. It was decided to have a meeting as soon as you arrived to discuss your previous actions and punishments."/span/p
div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"
p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"The dark-haired man simply nodded. This didn't surprise him. They made their way into an empty conference room and waited for hell to begin./span/p
/div
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Six hours later the conference room finally cleared leaving him with Kakashi again./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""That was brutal. Those old snots never shut up." Kakashi sighed./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He nodded in agreement. It was a long meeting. Some wanted him to be exiled from Konoha, some wanted him to be in jail. Others including Kakashi vouched for his actions in the war and his changed character. In the end, everyone finally created a long list of restrictions and guidelines that he had to follow in order to live here. It was also decided that he would be heavily monitored by ANBU if he wasn't with someone of jonin status. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"They both made their way back to the office to hear shouting. Sasuke was able to distinguish the obnoxious voice immediately. Naruto. emSome things never change./em/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""SASUKE!" the blond ran towards him and tackled him in hug./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Get off me dobe." He said shoving Naruto off. Naruto just grinned back. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""How was the mission Naruto?" Kakashi asked sitting back at the desk./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""It was easy! Here's the mission report. Can I take Sasuke now?" he asked giddily. /span/p
div style="mso-element: para-border-div; border: none; border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"
p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; padding: 0in; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Hai hai. Just stay in the village." /span/p
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p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Naruto decided the first thing that needed to be done was to get ramen. As they made their way to the familiar stand, the blond told him about his latest missions, training, and Hinata. Honestly Sasuke was surprised when the couple got married. He knew of the shy girl's crush in academy, but Naruto never seemed to show any interest. It also seemed weird that the most immature person of the group was the first to be married. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""… and that's how life is now! I'm getting laid now." Naruto said giving him a creepy smile and raising his eyebrows. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He visibly cringed at that statement. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Don't worry Sasuke. I'll give you advise anytime you need it."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""I don't need your stupid advise." He said rolling his eyes. "Anyways, where's Sakura?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""She's probably busy at the hospital. She's the director now. I know she definitely deserves it and all and I'm happy for her, but it just sucks sometimes. I never get to see her." The blond said frowning./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""She works every day?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Basically. I get worried sometimes. One time I visited her and she looked like a zombie. She doesn't know her limits and overworks herself."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He didn't say anything back. He knew Sakura had gotten much stronger after he left. He saw her fighting during the war and couldn't believe her strength. emI guess I don't really know her as well as I think I do./em He was honestly expecting her to be there waiting for him at the gates this morning peppering him with questions about his travels./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He would be lying if he said he didn't think about the pinkette during his journey. When she was healing him and Naruto after their big battle, he couldn't help but feel a strong sense of gratitude for her for not giving up on him. He could admit now, and only to himself that there was some feelings that arose for her as he about to leave, but he knew that he couldn't do that to her and then leave again./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Hey! How about we go and visit her in the hospital after this? We can surprise her!" Naruto said interrupting his thoughts. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Sasuke nodded back. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"They finished eating and made their way to the hospital. The hospital was completely different now; it had grown into a much larger builder now. Smaller sub-buildings each with unique specialties and departments were created after the war. Each sub-building branched back to the main hospital where general check-ups and inpatients were held. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Naruto led him down different hallways until they finally made their way to a large door. On the glass it read: MEDICAL DIRECTOR DR. SAKURA HARUNO in gold letters. His stomach twisted. emHow am I this nervous? I've never been this nervous./em/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Naruto yanked the door open and screamed. "SAKURA-CHAN!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"She sat behind a large desk looked pissed. Her looks had definitely changed since the last time he saw her. Her hair was short again and parted to the right. In the sunlight, he could also see small streaks of silver shinning. He had also forgotten about the purple diamond seal on her forehead. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Naruto! You baka! There's no need to scream!" she said standing up./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Look who's here Sakura-chan?" Naruto said throwing his hands out at Sasuke as if he was a prized turkey./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Sakura smiled at him. "Hi Sasuke. How were your travels?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"emspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"She didn't call me Sasuke-kun. She's not blushing like she normally does. Why isn't she blushing?/span/emspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;" He quickly snapped out of it. "Fine."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"She nodded simply accepting his answer. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"emspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"That's it? She's not going to ask anything else?/span/em/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Let's all hang out Sakura-chan!" Naruto said excitedly. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"She gave him a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry Naruto, but I have to finish up work here."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""UGHHHHHHH" the blond walked to the couch on the side of the office and threw himself face down./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"She walked over and sat down next to him. "I'm really sorry. I know you've been wanting to hang out for a while" she said ruffling his hair./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"There was a pang of jealousy that shot through Sasuke as he watched the two of them interact. emThey're so close. /emHe shouldn't be upset; he was the one that left them. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Anyways, you and Sasuke can hang out together still. And I promise the next time I'm off, I'll hang out with you guys."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"Naruto lifted his head up. "Okay Sakura-chan. Sasuke and I will be at the training grounds if you get off early."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"She nodded smiling. They all walked to the door of her office./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Bye Sakura-chan! Don't work too hard." Naruto said giving her a wave./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;""Alright, I'll try. You guys have fun!" She said and closed the door./span/p
p class="MsoNormal"emspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"What the actual fuck. She didn't even seem interested in me at all. Is she mad at me? No, she didn't seem mad./span/em/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;"He was completely puzzled at the whole interaction. That was not the Sakura that continuously followed him around and proclaimed her love. Old Sakura would have blushed furiously and probably fainted when he entered the room. What was going on? His thoughts were racing as Naruto dragged him to the training grounds to spar. /span/p
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