Shikamaru laid out in the open field, staring up at the clouds, his favorite past time. It was moments like these that he just didn't care about the complex things (not that he ever really did), but he thought about the time that he had. It has been quite some time since he was able to just lie down and look to the sky, and not worry about what was going to happen.
To him, the sky seemed to have the answers to the questions individuals had. Sometimes even life's important questions. By simply taking the time, and looking to the clouds, the shapes they formed, the way they moved, one's questions were answered. Sometimes, the answer was to lie back and enjoy the beauty of the world within the skies. That's probably the reason that Shikamaru loved this past time.
====Earlier That Day====
"Thanks for treating me to barbeque, Shikamaru. It's great to have you back!" Chouji was stuffing himself with pork, barely able to take a breath as he ate.
"You haven't changed, you still eat so much. I'm not going to be surprised if you have to go the hospital, like that one time." Shikamaru eyed him as he took one piece of pork, and slowly ate it. "But I have to admit, you look a little thinner."
"Yeah, I've been walking Ino to and from the shop since you've been gone. It was good exercise. That, and Asuma had been training us harder since we've been promoted."
"Yeah, thanks for that, Chouji. I really appreciate you watching over her while I was away."
"She's my friend and team mate, too, you know. And it was only right that I do."
"You're a good guy."
"Are you going to finish that?" Chouji picked up the last piece of barbeque from Shikamaru's plate and finished it. He just looked at him, rolled his eyes, and shook his head. Really haven't changed that much.
===In the fields===
Naruto and Sakura sat down on the bench, enjoying a bowl of ramen for dinner. She had finished closing up the flower shop, and went to meet Naruto.
Sakura noticed that Naruto had been a little distant that day. Being Hokage must really be wearing him out. He has so much on his mind, it's a surprise that he's even sitting here having dinner with me. Sakura thought, looking at her boyfriend, and moved a little closer to him.
Ever since he brought back Sasuke from that mission, everything had been so different. Sasuke had been a lot more different. He was in confinement for quite some time. Tsunade often let Sakura go in to visit him, thinking that she might be able to save him from the darkness and power he was so desperately searching for. He was angry and had a deathly silence to him
Flashback"Sasuke-kun."
"…"
"Sasuke-kun. Why did you leave? Was it worth it?"
"…"
"I'm scared. I wanted you to stay here. Stay with me. Maybe even without me, I don't care, just as long as you stayed."
"…"
"Why can't you see that you have friends here. You have people that care. You know that you have people here that do. You know that I do. That should've been enough. But you left anyway. I made Naruto promise to bring you back, and he said he would, and he did. You should be grateful, at least, that he saved you from a life of darkness. And for what? To kill your brother? To be Orochimaru's slave? Answer me, damn it!"
"…You really are annoying…"
"I may be annoying, but at least I know a good thing when it's right in front of me."
"Don't be naïve. You've always been weak. You don't understand anything but how to blow-dry your hair."
"You're wrong."
"Naruto should've just let me go. I have a higher purpose. I needed more power, even if that meant getting it from somewhere that was forbidden."
"You're sad."
"You're nothing. You will always be weak. You care too much and forgive so easily. You haven't stepped into my shoes, not once. That will be your downfall, Sakura. Your weakness will be your downfall."
"…"
"Leave."
End FlashbackEver since Sakura ran out that night, she had always had a feeling of fear and concern when she thought about Sasuke. She would always care about him; he would always have that small space in her out. He was her first crush, and he was someone she came to admire through his strengths and determination. She had always respected him, knowing that she may never have the chance to be with him.
Sakura vowed to be nicer to Naruto. He made her a promise, and he kept it. He knew that even though he had no chance with her, he was still going to make her happy. They became good friends, and often trained together without their sensei, Kakashi. Eventually they grew closer. Naruto had always liked her it was always obvious. Sakura opened her heart to Naruto, and stayed with him.
His dream finally came true, and Tsunade-sama named Naruto the Sixth Hokage alongside her. He still kept Sakura by his side, and she happily stayed.
"What's wrong, Naruto-kun?" Sakura put her head on his shoulder.
"Nothing, I'm okay. Just thinking about the mission that Shikamaru and the others reported." Naruto sighed as he finished the last of his meal.
"Is it something we should all worry about?" She looked to his eyes.
"Don't think too much about it. I can't tell about it, anyway." He kissed her on her forehead.
"It's like that, then?"
"No, just don't want to give you wrinkles and gray hair if you get worried. Then you'll be asking Tsunade her secret for looking so young." Naruto said playfully. He knew what was going to happen, so he jumped off the bench and ran.
"You are such an ass."
"Yeah, you love me."
"Nothing to do with anything."
As they stood there holding each other, Naruto looked up to the sky. The first star was starting to peek through the sunset.
She doesn't need to know that Sasuke broke out and ran away again over a year ago. If she knew, she would only run after him, and her fear of him would kill her. And she doesn't need know what was going on since his escape. That would only worry her more. Naruto held her tighter, and they began walking her home.
===Meanwhile at the Hokage's place===
"When is it all going down?"
"In a few days. I've assembled a team."
"You want Naruto to go, don't you?"
"He's our best bet."
"What's the plan?"
I hope you guys are enjoying my story. Will update as soon as I can.