Morning dawned, the blonde was sitting on his bed, legs crossed Indian style and stared out the window with lifeless orbs.
Sakura-chan's funeral...
There was a knock on the door, as his teacher walked in, carrying the funeral uniform, already dressed in his own. Naruto stiffened as the jounin made his way to the bedside.
"Naruto..." His voice echoed softly as he placed a gentle hand on the genin's shoulder. "It's about time..." He worded slowly, his gaze fixed on the boy.
He sat for a moment longer, slowly bringing his legs off to the bedside and stood up. He took the clothes without a word, and Kakashi walked out and waited. Naruto finished dressing, grabbing something from his desk and headed to his door.
Everyone's waiting... He inhaled deeply, glancing out the window at morning sun. She's waiting...
He turned the doorknob, looking up at Kakashi and nodded. They left, walking in silence the whole way to the funeral. The scene was familiar, the funeral held at the same spot in which they said their last words to the fourth Hokage. Everyone was lined up, eyes either rested on the casket or the fifth. She stood tall, eyes locking onto the blonde as he entered the area. He quietly lined up, optics cast down. He couldn't bring himself to look at the casket, nor the fifth – not anyone. What did they think of him? Was it suppose to be his fault that he couldn't save her? Was it his fault he didn't pursue Sasuke? Just what was it that they thought of him? He understood clearly, that no one was at fault, but he feared that other's would look in his direction – blame him, like the adults accused him for being the kyuubi.
Tsunade cleared her throat, speaking in a gentle but loud voice, "Today, we honor Haruno Sakura, for her bravery, and her contributions to Konoha..." She took a breath, continuing slowly, "She strived hard to become stronger – trained day and night to be able to qualify as a medical ninja... and used her knowledge to protect those close to her... For this, I hereby promote Haruno Sakura to rank Chunnin level and as an official medical ninja. Let us say our last goodbyes." She ended her speech, stepping off the platform and nodded towards Shizune, who stood off to the side.
There were quiet sobs from Naruto's left. He raised his head, finding Ino holding onto Sakura flowers. There were tears brimming from her eyes, and the scene made Naruto silently question himself.
Ino... She was Sakura-chan's rival... and yet... exactly what does she feel like... right now?
His thoughts wandered to team seven's missing nin.
Sasuke... what would you do... if you were here? ... Would you... feel the same... If I were to die? Instead of Sakura, instead of Ino... would it be the same?
Do you even know... Sakura is gone? What the hell do you feel? He was slightly angered, but grief had outreached his flicker of rage.
Ino walked up to the casket, delicately placing the Sakura flowers down. She paused a brief moment, whispering something under her breath. More tears fell as she returned back to her line, Shikamaru and Chouji trying to comfort her.
It was Lee's turn. Naruto watched, as he placed a Narcissus upon the casket – the same flower that Sakura had left for him while he was treated in the hospital. The flower that resembles bravery for waiting in winter for spring to come. He too, had small tears collected at the edge of his eyes, wiping them off with the sleeve of his outfit. He stepped down, returning to the lines.
When it was finally Naruto's turn, he walked up, staring blankly at the casket. His eyes were deprived of anymore tears, but the dryness and thickness remained in his throat. He pulled out Team Seven's picture, and written on the back were two words; I promise. He clutched his chest, where Sasuke had wounded him. By now, it was gone without leaving the slightest mark of a scar, thanks to the Kyuubi's chakra.
I promise... upon the pain that rested here... I'll bring him back... definetely... Whether he's alive or dead...
He made his oath, stepping down from the platform and returned to his proper line. Kakashi glanced down at the blonde, placing his hand on his shoulder again in silent comfort.
The mourning continued on throughout the morning, people left their sentimental items at her casket. Naruto left, heading to the exit of Konoha. He sat down on the ivory stone bench, elbows rested against his knees.
"Naruto-kun..." It was Lee. He sat next to him, gaze set upon the rustling tree leaves.
"Sakura-san... I'm proud of her... for sacrificing her life in order to save the ones she loved... I would do the same."
Naruto tilted his head to look at Lee, then nodded. Eyes re-established itself on the ground, contemplating.
He's right... I would, too. I would sacrifice whatever I have just to save team seven... anything.
"It hurts to lose someone... but I don't think we need to feel sad... If it were us... we would give up anything just to save something or someone precious...
That was Sakura-san's will.
She didn't mean to –" He paused, correcting himself,
" She didn't mean for you to mourn... I think, we should smile for her... I believe she had no doubts of her last moments... Naruto-kun..." Lee turned to face him, "Let's smile for her sake... Let's be strong."
Despite his sadness, Lee managed to genuinely smile. It wasn't a smile of relief, or a sad one. It was a smile of gratitude, support, and friendship.
Naruto raised his head high, watching Lee with wide eyes, the glow in his bright blue eyes returning. Even at a time like this, Lee could smile. Lee was smiling, not sulking or mourning. He wasn't angry, confused, or sad that Lee was smiling even after the funeral ended. He felt some weight had been lifted from his heavy heart. He blinked, and in a short moment, his lips curved slightly upward.
He felt some sort of understanding of what Lee felt like. Instead of dwelling on lost, he was looking back at fond memories, cherishing them, holding them close. That was how he could smile...
"Thanks, fuzzy eyebrows." His first words of that morning... A small grin crossed his features, as he stood up, forgetting his sadness for the moment.
Sakura may be driven from the world, but she lived in the place called memories. Always, always standing by his side.
He stood up and left with Lee to head to the ramen shop. "My treat." Naruto claimed, grateful for Lee's words.
A smile crept across the jounin's face, though hidden behind his mask. He had witness a step of recovery for Naruto behind the trees that he rested against.
Everything was going to be alright.
Hnn... Ack... I had trouble with this. (Like the rest anyway). What do you think about this chapter? X.x Reviews would be nice. ;;
I tried to word things better, or describe/illustrate how the characters feel... x.x; but I'm not too great at that. I keep trying though... Hopefully my later works/chapters would be better. X.x