"Dialogue."

Actions.

Thoughts, basically Inner Sakura.

Enjoy the fic!

Just more Vows

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A year had passed.

People promised.

People sacrificed.

People died.

Life went on. Sakura had to watch over it all. Countries once allied had begun to lash out at each other. Treaties were forgotten. They were reduced simply to pieces of paper, no better than a spoken vow.

Just like what Chiyo said, all those years ago.

Countries fought one another for power and land. Money was becoming scarcer. It seemed Akatsuki was doing their job right. They definitely made a difference. No one could deny that. At least they held a promise that was coming true.

They had marketed their skills as shinobi, and had collected all except the Kyuubi. Of course, no one knew what happened to the Kyuubi. Maybe Akatsuki had taken it after all, but had yet to seal the fox. They were virtually unstoppable anyway.

Now, there was talk of wars. Even Konoha, as powerful as it was, had been targeted time after time for attack. Not that they couldn't handle it. All the attackers were soon defeated. Of course, that wasn't to say Konoha hadn't suffered at all.

It's a time of tears and regret.

The surroundings were similar to the aftermath of Orochimaru's failed invasion. So many attacks in such a short period of time were more than enough to unstable Konoha's foundation. People were everywhere, helping to clean up the mess all the fighting had made. Funerals took place everyday, and even two new KIA memorials had inscribed.

It's a bloody time of sacrifice.

Konoha wasn't the only one that had suffered more and more over the past year. As Konoha's defenses wavered, it would seem the Hokage herself faltered. Her health had begun to decline noticeably in the past year. Actually, it had been slowly weakening over the years, ever since she first became Hokage.

Naturally, people were worried. The thing was, it wasn't just a physical ailment Sakura was suffering from. Her mind was the only thing truly dying, not that she'd admit it to anyone, not even to herself. Day by day, she began to slide more and more into depression.

What's missing? It was here so long ago, but now it's gone. It's slipped from within my grasp. If only I could have stopped it all in the first place.

Her friends tried to help her, but to no avail. Even Tsunade herself stormed over to Sakura and tried to slap some sense in to her. All she received in return was that cold stare everyone knew so well.

Everyone else had no idea what was going on. They thought everything was running smoothly. Those who did not know Sakura before she became Hokage loved her. She was their ideal leader. This was not the case at all.

Eventually, the few remaining, still sane, friends Sakura had left pulled her away to talk.

"So..."

This is a waste of time. Why am I here?

"Sakura, really, is there anything bothering you."

"Hn."

This is really boring. Shouldn't I be doing paperwork? Even that would be more exciting than this is. Oh great, now I'm starting to sound like Shikamaru.

"Don't give us that!" Sakura's still sane friends (Kakashi, Shizune, Jiraiya, and Tsunade. Okay, at least more sane than the other survivors) answered. "You've been like this for so long, at least a year."

It's been more than a year. It's been so long.

Tsunade fingered her blue crystal necklace. It truly was the necklace of death now, killing everyone who dared to wear it, but her.

"I know this past year's been hard for you, ever since Yumiko died in that attack," Tsunade added.

I was supposed to be with her. She shouldn't have been there like that all alone. I'm to blame for her death, no one else. I'm never leaving anyone like that ever again.

"..."

Too bad none of it seemed to be any help to Sakura.

"Sakura, no one could have foreseen it. She was on a simple interrogation mission. It should have been a routine capture and retrieval. They were overpowered by a trap set by the enemy. She spent her last few minutes saving the lives of her fellow teammates. They escaped, but she didn't make it."

I was the one who performed her autopsy. I'll never forget the feeling of her cold skin. The whole scene was wrong. She was only twelve years old!

"Hn."

"Sakura, cut that out," Kakashi interjected. "I really hate to say this, but you're growing similar to Sasuke every day. I know you'll never betray us, you don't want revenge or power, but once you've been cut off from friends and family, you've turned cold against us."

I will never be like him. He's a traitor, nothing more. I'll never accept him back, even if he wants it.

"It's not just that." Sakura's voice was barely audible.

"Then what is it?"

Everything, that's what.

"We're all falling apart, aren't we? Villages are becoming reckless and hostile, everyone is dying, and missions are coming less and less..."

"Maybe. Maybe we're just facing a difficult time. There have been wars before."

Not like this one. This isn't just for control anymore. It's all about the bloodlust.

"It's not a war. It's a struggle to stay alive. We're no longer in control. The very things we thought we controlled are controlling us."

"Sakura, just listen to me. I've lost people too. My little brother died during a war, and so did the man I loved. I let all that get in the way for so many years, but it's past now. I can fully understand it," Tsunade attempted.

What do you mean?

"Are you implying I don't understand coping with loss?" came Sakura's cold reply.

"No, of course not," Jiraiya jumped in. "We just think you're losing yourself in the past. Look toward the future and focus on that. The past needs to be forgotten, the present needs to be fixed, and the future needs to be recovered. Forget Sasuke. Forget Naruto. Just don't forget our village."

All heads turned to Jiraiya. Kakashi backed away, while Tsunade began to mumble several highly inappropriate words under her breath. Shizune just stood there, her eyes wide with terror.

Who does he think he is, speaking to me like that?! I am not losing myself in the past whatsoever. I'm trying to fix what we have left, and what makes you even suggest I'm not trying to help the future. I can still do all this without forgetting my friends, teme!

Sakura calmly stood up and walked out the door.

"You know, it's my village too. I'll protect it with my life. Think about that the next time you run and hide again."

"Coward," she spat before leaving the room.

Even with the door closed, Sakura could hear the sound of Tsunade beating Jiraiya to a pulp. Many years ago, that would have been enough to make her laugh, but now, it wasn't even enough to put a simple smile on her face.

At least I'm out of that torture chamber. I'd have rather been with Neji and Hinata. Quiet is good. At least we can all stand each other now. I guess they always were quiet, even back when we were kids, but now, all three of us can just sit together, not saying a word. It feels nice to be heard without saying anything.

So, what do to now? Eh, I'll probably just go on a walk around Konoha, maybe visit the academy students. I guess I could pay a visit to the KIA memorials too. Finish it all up with a trip to the hospital and then finish up some paperwork. Typical boring Hokage day.

When Sakura reached her home, she immediately ran to the shower. She turned on the hot water, undressed, and stepped into the steaming water. It was relaxing and calming for once. She needed something like this more often.

It felt so good, yet Sakura suddenly burst into tears. Two emotions clashing: sadness and happiness. She found herself doing that a lot all of a sudden. As the tears spilt down her cheeks, Sakura let out a genuine smile.

For some reason, the crying felt good too. Tears made everything feel better, didn't they?

Sakura lazily finished up her shower and put on a clean robe. She put up her hair in a towel and walked around her house towards an office of hers. Upon reaching her desk, she pulled out an old cardboard box.

Wow, I haven't touched this since Yumiko's death.

The old photographs still laid were she last put them. She could clearly remember finding the box with Yumiko a year ago, giving her an assignment, and discussing it the next morning.

"Good morning, Sakura-sama."

"Hello, Yumiko."

"I finished the medical textbook already. I think I can finish that technique you were showing me earlier."

"Great, we can start on that later this morning. Also, did your parents tell you about any other people in the pictures?"

"Mom told me mostly about her brothers, which I've already met, so there's nothing new there."

"What about your dad?"

"Yeah, he did. It was a little about his dead teammate though. I've already met Chouji, too. He was pretty easy to recognize. Anyways, Dad told me all kind of stories about Ino. He said she was bossy growing up, but she was still sweet-tempered every now and then. Dad also said you were Ino's best friend."

Did he now? He probably didn't mention our frequent fights over Sasuke, or our silly time as rivals. I'm only thankful we made up before...before she left us. She really was my best friend to the end.

"He pointed out some old pictures of you, too. When I asked him about you, he said you were a good medic-nin, an outstanding Hokage, and a smart kunoichi. Then, he said that he was even smarter. I didn't believe him."

All of a sudden, Sakura burst out into laughter.

"Yumiko, tonight I have a special mission for you."

"Really! What is it?"

"I want you to tell your father I'd challenge him to a battle of the wits, if only he wasn't too lazy to even show up. Okay?"

Somehow, I really doubt he would show up anyway.

"I'll be sure to."

The student and teacher both erupted unto a fit of giggles.

That was one of the last times I truly laughed, wasn't it? She died the next week on that stupid mission. I didn't even want her to go, but she insisted. I never should have given in. I'd give anything to have her back. Only a year ago, three things mattered to me. One is gone, two are left. How long until they're both gone as well?

Sakura walked back through the Hokage palace and came to her closet. It was filled with traditional robes along with simple red dresses. When Sakura had first become Hokage, she never even touched the robes, instead keeping her original style of a red top, black skirt, and Jonin vest.

On one the last day Sakura had spent with Yumiko, she was asked by her pupil if she had ever worn those old dusty robes.

Currently, Sakura and Yumiko were sparring. They were using the strength techniques taught to Sakura by the Godaime herself. Sakura couldn't help but to notice her pupil's progress. Yumiko was sure advanced for her age. She was determined as well.

Whoa, eventually she'll even be able to surpass me. Sure, she needs a little bit of work here and there, but she was raw talent, I'll give her that.

After, dodging a blow sent by Yumiko, Sakura put up her hand.

"That's enough for today. Good job, you're definitely making progress."

"Thanks, Sakura-sama! I'll try to use the techniques on my mission tomorrow. I-"

"Wait, what mission?"

"Tsunade gave me an assignment to capture a rogue ninja. Nothing that hard. Just a lousy missing-nin."

Tsunade, you're dead!

"You're not going."

"Yes, I am."

"No, you're too-"

"Too what?! It's not going to be like that mission your friend died on. I promise, there will be no backup, and I'll be fine. I'm a Chuunin now!"

That's exactly what Ino thought herself. Even she never had a chance, as talented as she was. If only I had been there.

"Yeah, I know. What if I go with you though?"

"Sorry, can't do that either. Tsunade says I'm the team's leader."

Well, she is strong. She should be able to hold her own.

Sakura let out a sigh of defeat.

"Fine, just promise me something, okay?"

"Sure, anything!"

"First, don't get yourself killed. Second, get out of there if anything goes wrong."

"Okay. I swear on my life I'll come back home alive. Besides, nothing will go wrong, I promise!"

"Good. See you later, Yumiko."

"One more thing, Sakura-sama."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Why don't you wear your actual Hokage robes? The others did."

"Oh, I guess I just don't want to. Even Tsunade never wore them until the end. They're just not my style."

I don't even think I deserve to be the Hokage. The robes would just make the pain worse for me, for everyone.

"Okay, it's just that you'd look pretty cool wearing them. Just an idea," Yumiko added before closing the door."

The next day, Sakura went to the hospital as normal. She tried to help out there as much as she could. She thought it would simply be a routine day, but she was wrong.

Late into the night, a doctor asked Sakura to perform an autopsy on a young girl. Sakura was so upset about the misfortune of one so young dying, that she failed to notice the doctor shaking in fear as he led her to the room. There was blood everywhere, with her beloved pupil lying in the middle of it all.

Sakura just wasn't the same after that. Even though she appeared cheerful to the villagers, her friends could tell something was wrong. Shikamaru and Temari grieved for the loss of their only daughter, as did the rest of Konoha, but Sakura was stoic and unmovable.

The last of her emotions seemed to die with Yumiko.

Yumiko broke her promise. Just like the rest of them. Now, she's gone too. How many more promises have friends made that are yet to be broken? How many friends are truly left?

Sakura put on her dress and flung on her robe. She reached out for the matching hat and strode out the door. On her way out, she took one last look at the office containing that box, the one that held the last of her memories.

First on her list, Sakura walked over to the Academy. Iruka was still the teacher there. Like her, he had never been the same since Naruto's death. Like her, he pulled up a facade of happiness and comfort in front of Konoha.

However, his cries were sometimes heard in the night, in the direction of Naruto's grave. Iruka had all but given up ramen, eating the food every day, in the hopes that Naruto was still with him.

He really does know what it feels like to be me.

The students were all outside. Some were sparring, while others were hitting targets with shuriken and kunai. A few were just talking as they rested. As Sakura walked in the gate, many of them looked up at her.

"Hello Sakura," welcomed Iruka. "What brings you here?"

"Oh, I just wanted to see how your students were doing."

Turning her attention to the students, she added, "Please continue. I'll just watch from here."

Iruka walked over to where Sakura was standing. To him, she looked strained, but still had on a warm smile for the kids' sake.

"So, why are you really here?" he whispered.

"Just like I said before, I want to see how well you've trained them. Besides, I need to get some fresh air."

"Meaning you're going over the memorials afterward."

"Yes, I am. What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing." After a pause, he added, "I talked to Tsunade earlier. She told me what happened today. Jiraiya's really is an idiot, isn't he?"

"I suppose so. Now, tell me. Who do you think is going to be the next Genin, perhaps prodigies as well?"

Who do you think is going to be the next shinobi and kunoichi to suffer heartbreak?

"Do you want to know who I think will become the next Team 7?"

"Yes."

"That boy with brown hair would be like Naruto. He's always acting up, and he's even an orphan. The boy with black hair would be like Sasuke. He's actually a relative of Neji. I guess the red-headed girl is like you. She has excellent chakra control. They'd be most like your old team, but for their sakes, I hope they don't become that."

I wouldn't want that either. I don't want history to repeat itself again. Yet, it probably will. Neji told me that once, and this time, I believe in his talk of 'destiny.'

"I wouldn't want that either, but it'll probably happen anyway. Put them on the same team, at least, and make it Team 7. I'd like to see what happens, especially with Orochimaru out of the picture."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

"Don't call me that!"

"Why not?"

"It's too formal. I can't stand anyone calling me 'Hokage.' It may be my position, but it's not me."

"Fine, Sakura-chan."

"Thank you. I guess I'll just walk around and see how your students are doing."

Sakura left without another word. From where she stood, she could see the three children Iruka had pointed out to her. The two boys were shooting kunai at targets. The brown-haired boy missed almost every single time, except for a few on the outside rings. The other boy hit the center every single time.

Looking for the girl, Sakura spotted her near a tree. She applied chakra to her feet and ran all the way up the trunk. Her red hair flew behind her, giving the impression of flames. Up in the tree, the girl kept looking at the black-haired boy with a hopeful expression on her face.

To Sakura's surprise, the boy actually looked back and smiled. The brown-haired boy also looked up and waved, and the girl waved back. She jumped down from the tree and joined her friends by the targets.

Interesting. Maybe they won't turn out to be like us after all. Maybe they'll turn out better than we could ever be.

Sakura strode away from Academy and took a shortcut through the woods. Everything was still the same. Occasionally she'd spot Shikamaru on her walks, but this time the forest was silent. In fact, the lack of Shino's bugs buzzing, Akamaru barking, or even Naruto yelling, made the forest seem to quiet for Sakura's liking.

As she approached the clearing, she noticed a young girl walking towards her, away from the memorial. Her black hair rested on her shoulders and her red eyes gleamed.

Kiriko?

"Hello, Sakura-sama."

"Kiriko, what are you doing here?"

"I was just visiting my dad." Kiriko gestured to the memorial in the center.

"Where's your mom?"

"She's on a mission. I've been staying with Shikamaru until she gets back."

"Oh. Goodbye, then."

"Bye, Sakura-sama!"

Too bad Kiriko never met her father. Asuma would have been a great dad. Kiriko and Shikamaru really helped each other this past her. He treated her like a daughter after Yumiko died.

Sakura walked over to the centermost stone and kneeled down, reading the inscribed names. She traced her finger over all the familiar names, remembering all her dead friends. She stopped at Naruto's name.

Naruto, it's so ironic your name is written here. I remember that day, long ago, when we took our test to become Genin. Kakashi told us that the memorial was for heroes and you automatically wanted your name there. You didn't even know you'd have to die first, especially by Sasuke's hand.

A single teardrop slid down Sakura's face as she walked over the KIA memorial on the left.

Yumiko, you weren't supposed to die. None of you were supposed to die, I guess. You all had to leave me, leave all of us, in this village. You're truly the lucky ones. You're at peace, but we have to live through the pain you left behind.

Another teardrop hit the grass below. It sparkled like a diamond before the ground absorbed it. Taking breath, Sakura collected herself and walked away from the site.

It's been so long since the first time we were here. It was a simple test of friendship and teamwork. At that time, everything seemed perfect. I was on a team with Sasuke, and quickly became friends with Naruto. I thought we'd all live happily ever after, but real life doesn't have fairytale endings.

Naruto's dead, killed by his best friend. Sasuke betrayed me. He betrayed my village. We've all been hurt in more ways than one. Maybe everything will turn out for the best in the end, maybe not. I doubt it.

Sakura continued to walk out of the woods. She passed by the clearing where Naruto died, as well as the bench where Sasuke left her. She passed it all without shedding a tear. She just kept walking towards the hospital. Little did she know, she was walking straight out of the frying pan, into the fire.

As she reached the steps, she was approached by an elite AMBU. His mask was made in the likings of a fox. He seemed visibly shaken as he bowed in front of her.

"Sakura-sama, we spotted... someone by the entrance gates. He...He wishes to speak to you... only you."

"Konohamaru, who is it!" Sakura was surprised. Konohamaru normally never seemed this upset. It must be someone he knew.

"It's a... missing-nin willing to make a deal. He's a... past friend of yours."

"What!"

Could it be? No, of course not!

"It...It's Uchiha-"

"Uchiha Itachi?"

"No. It's Uchiha Sasuke."

"It's Sasuke?!"

Yep, more character death. Poor Sakura. At least I decided to add Asuma's daughter. So, would you like me to add one or two more chapters, or just leave it as it is. I'll probably keep continuing if I get reviews telling me to continue. I'll probably keep writing up to four chapters anyway, but I might add on more depending on the reviews. Thanks!