Greetings all. I must apologize for this late up date but well it took some getting used to being a Dad. My baby girl is growing nicly and has started teething. With out any a due here is:

Sharingan Warrior

Chapter 9: Reflection

Naruto cradled Sakura against his chest as she soaked his black shirt with her tears. He gently stroked her soft pink hair, staring at the grave in front of him as eight Shinobi lowered the bodies of Takashi and Aki Haruno into the earth. He wished he could cry, wished he could show how sorry he was. But he had pushed that part of his emotions deep within himself, instead he allowed Sakura to cry for the both of them. The only emotion he'd felt since defeating Garaa was blinding rage, towards those responsible. Takashi and Aki had died while they were evacuating an orphanage, sound ninja had found them and cut them down as when they had turned to face them. Takashi and Aki had died heros and Naruto and Kakahsi had done everything they could to ensure that they had received a hero's burial. Naruto looked to his right and saw Haru standing next to them, his face an ashen mask of grief.

Haru looked on with a block of ice in his stomach. He wished he could feel worse than he did, he wished he could cry. But he hadn't know the Harunos as well as Naruto, and his inability to show just how sorry he was frustrated him. He glanced over at Naruto as he cradled Sakura against him and soothed her, he felt a pang of jealousy. Not jealous of Naruto but of the both of them, envious that they had found each other. He turned and looked back at the grave, the bodies had been lowered to the bottom of the site and the grave keeper began to shovel dirt into the grave. Haru patted Naruto on the back and started his walk home.

Naruto and Sakura watched in companionable silence as the grave keep filled the grave. Finally Naruto decided to try and get her away and home so she could rest.

"Come on, Sakura," he whispered in her ear "You need to lay down." Sakura silently nodded against his chest. Keeping his arm wrapped around her shoulder he guided her out of the graveyard and down the rain soaked street. Though her tears had subsided, Sakura continued to clutch at Naruto's shirt. The walk to Sakura's house was a quite dreary affair. Though the village was soaked in rain, villagers could still be found wondering the streets, trying to pick up the broken remains of their lives. The joint sand/sound attack had left the buildings and residences of the village in ruins, it would take months to rebuild. As they past people in the streets, they received a wide range of looks. Both the death of Sakura's parents and Naruto's actions in the forest against Garaa were well known. Most people gazed at Sakura with sympathy knowing the pain she was feeling. Others looked at Naruto with mild respect most knowing that without his efforts, the whole battle could have gone very different.

After the longest half hour of Naruto's short life, they arrived at the Haruno household. Naruto walked her into the house and up the stairs. He gently guided her to her bed and left her to change while he ran down stairs to get her a glass of water. When he returned he found Sakura changed and sitting on her bed, she looked up at up him a look of desperation for comfort on her face. Naruto put the water on her bedside table and sat down next to her. She immediately latched onto him, burying her head in his shoulder. Naruto wrapped his arm around her shoulders and allowed her to sob. Eventually Sakura was out of tears, emotionally spent she laid down and curled in a tight ball.

"Sleep well Sakura" he said. Before he lost his courage he bent down and gave her a kiss on the top of her head. With that he stood and made to leave when he felt a hand wrap around his wrist.

"Stay, please?" she asked "I don't want to be alone right now." Naruto's first thought was to deny her, but as her turned to look at her, his resolve crumbled.

"Ok, Sakura, ok," he said sitting back down. "You sleep, I'll look after you." Sakura gave his hand a squeeze before releasing it and tucking her arm under her pillow. Naruto sat watching her as she drifted in and out. He had seen Sakura in more pain today than he had in a very long time. Finally her breathing evened out and deepened indicating that she had finally drifted into the dreamland. He knew he should get going, but something kept him. He just couldn't get the look Sakura had given him out of his head. She had been so venerable, so trusting. With a small smile he slid off the bed and sat on the floor, leaning against the bed. Resting his head back, he closed his eyes.

Sakura awoke the following morning with her throat raw and her eyes sore. She had cried more yesterday than she had since she was a kid. Not even Sasuke's death, the man she had supposedly loved, had caused that kind of grief. She slowly sat up and tried to rub the last bit of sleep from her eyes. Looking around her room her eyes fell on Naruto's sleeping form. He was leaned against the foot of her bed, his head resting on the mattress, his mouth wide open. A fond grin crossed her face. Naruto had slept here, watching over her just like he'd promised he would. She brushed the covers off her leg and climbed out of bed. She draped a blanket over Naruto's body and walked out of her room.

She wondered through the empty halls of her family's home. Everything felt so surreal, she expected her mother to call her down to breakfast, her father to be in his study reading the paper. The more she walked around the deeper her depression became. She felt tears stinging her eyes as she walked down the stairs, finally her emotions got the best of her. Sitting on the bottom step she buried her face in her hands and bawled. It was just too much. She thought maybe staying here had been a bad idea. As her depression started to consume her, a hand was place on her shoulder and a weight sat down next to her. She looked to her right to see her blonde teammate awake and sitting next to her.

"Hey Naruto," she choked out trying to get her emotions in check. Naruto sat next to her in silence, letting her get herself under control. The last thing she needed was him reminding her that they had another funeral to attend today. The Hokage's funeral, who had died defending the village. It was scheduled for later this afternoon and Naruto had to go home and change into his ceremonial robes. He looked at the clock, seeing that it was eleven thirty. He stroked Sakura's shoulder to get her attention.

"Sakura, you need to eat," he said "let's go get you something." He helped her stand up and guided her back upstairs to her room for her to change. She walked into her room while he waited outside, leaning against the wall waiting for her to return. When she reemerged she was wearing a pair of white pants and sweat shirt she had once stolen from Naruto. Naruto couldn't help but a let a small smile ghost his face. He held his hand out to her and lead her out the door.

000000

The funeral was a large gathering that took place on top of the Hokage tower. The Shinobi and Civilians alike stood in silence as the elders of the village said their empty words of praise. Every person attending knew who and what the Hokage was, they didn't need the Elders telling them about him. Naruto heard a small sobbing next to him. He looked down and saw Konohamaru fighting a losing battle with the tears that were pooling at the bottom of his eyes. Naruto placed his hand on top of the boy's head cause him to look up in a start.

"Don't cry Konohamaru," he said looking back at the picture of the Hokage.

Konohamaru looked up at the ninja whom he had come to consider his big brother. He didn't understand why Naruto was telling him this. Naruto had cried a lot when Sasuke had died. He turned back to look at the picture of his grandfather, the man who had raised him. Grief over took him and he turned into the embrace of Iruka.

Naruto stared at the picture thinking of all the moments he had shared with him. The old man had helped him through a lot when Sasuke had died and now Orochimaru had taken him from the village. Clenching his fist Naruto silently swore an oath to not let this transgression against the village go unpunished. He felt something touch his other hand and looked down to see a soft alabaster hand caressing his he open his hand and watched the pale hand slip into his and interlace their fingers. He follow the arm up to Sakura's face. She gave him a tearful smile that he returned it halfheartedly. Her right hand came up to hold his bicep ad her head laid on his. A display of affection that many had seen but few really understood. There was no label for their relationship, they just simply were everything the other needed. The funeral eventually ended with each member of the village walking past the picture giving their last respects.

Naruto and Sakura went together to the top of the Hokage mountain that night. Together they sat on top of the Fouth's head watching the stars. They had been with each other all day and several things had been turning around in Naruto's mind, first and Foremost was Sakura's living arrangements. Clearly she could no longer stay in her parent's house. That place had too many ghosts. No she need to be somewhere she felt safe and welcome.

"Hey Sakura?" he said not looking away from the stars.

"Hmm?" she responded.

"What would you say to moving in with me?" he asked. She turned her body over to face him ad propped herself up on her right arm.

"What?" she asked a little bit dumbstruck.

"Do you want to move in with me, at my apartment?" he repeated turning to look at her.

"Well," she stuttered laying on her back, "I don't know. I mean it would be nice but do you think we could handle being in that close of a proximity to each other all the time?"

"Well you could have the bedroom, that way you would have you own space if you just want to be alone, or something." he said looking up at sky.

"What about you? That's your room," She countered.

"I'll sleep on the couch I do it a lot anyway," he replied "hey if you don't want to that's fine, I just thought..." he trailed off sitting up and wrapping his arms around his knees. "I just wanted to help," he finished weakly.

"No, no that's not what I was getting at," she said sitting up as well, "I just wanted to make sure you were sure. I would really like that Naruto. If you'll have me." Naruto looked back at her, unshackled joy evident in his left eye.

"You mean it?" he asked.

"I mean it," she replied.

000000

The members of the Council all sat around the table looking at each other.

"We must elicit a new Hokage," said Homura Mitokado "the longer we are without one the greater our peril becomes."

"You right," said Kakashi "Orochimaru knows we are weak he knows we won't be able to repel another attack. He will gather new allies to him. He will strike hard and he will strike soon."

"Lord Jiraiya would make a very good candidate," said Shikaku Nara.

"Ah but see would he except?" asked Kakashi. "I just can't picture Master Jiraiya in the position of Hokage."

"We have no other choice," argued Koharu Utatane the other chief elder.

"Look you do what ever you want" said Kakashi "you asked for my input ad I gave it."

The Council took a vote and nominated Jiraiya as the next Hokage. Kakashi sat back in his seat and shook his head, these two were going to be the end of Konoha. With a frustrated sigh he stood up and left the council chamber. He walked through the broke streets of the village his hands in his pockets. His thoughts drifted to his team. They had faced something that they had in no way been ready for. Yet some how they had prevailed, against all odds Naruto had led the team and defeated possibly one of the biggest threats to Konoha in recent memory. Even as he thought about he could not help the feeling of pride that swelled in his chest.

They had come so far in such a short time, since Sasuke's death they had changed so much. Sakura and Naruto had grown up right in front of him. Though they were only fourteen they showed maturity well beyond their years. Even Haru whom he had not know long was changing growing and improving. This was in no small part thanks to Naruto who had taken it upon himself over the last few monthes to help Haru overcome many of his hesitations and insecurities. The control he had shown over his earth style jutsu had shown his dedication and determination to catch up to Naruto and Sakura.

He slowly walked into the Dongo shop being in desperate need of something to eat. He sat down and ordered his food before he leaned back and closed his eyes. His thoughts drifted to his team again. He had decided over the last two days to push for Naruto to be promoted to Chuunin. He didn't see it a favoritism but he knew Naruto was ready. Though Sakura and Haru were both growing as people and as ninja Naruto was just in a league of his own. Even when pitted against the likes of Gaara, Neji and Rock Lee.

His food arrived and he tucked in eating with a vigor, he had some other things to do tonight and wanted to get them done quickly.

000000

Jiraiya knew what he was doing would've been frowned upon if he were to be discovered but he couldn't bring himself to really care. Naruto was his Godson and he had every right to watch him whether he was with a girl or not. Jiraiya was expecting to be offered the position as Hokage here in the next couple of days ad he had already put things in motion to give the Council a better candidate. He had been in contact with his spy network and had already tracked her down. He was going to leave as soon as he got done with the Council, he had originally planned on taking Naruto with him. With his mastery of the Chidori, Naruto was ready to learn Rasengan, it was after all his right by blood. Minato had created it and it was only fitting his only son learned the technique.

However his involvement with his team mate changed things. He knew Naruto would not just up and leave her. He had seen this commitment to a woman only once and that was of Minato to Kushina. It scared Jiraiya just how much like his parents the boy was. Jiraiya's real choice was to bring her along, however that may be for the best get the girl out of the place that held some many memories for her. Having made up his mind he left his godson and his friend on the top of the mountain. He found his way back into town and to his old house that he had occupied in his youth. He walked into his bed room and opened his closet. Inside he found a box and carried it to his couch. He set it on his coffee table and pulled it open. Inside sat countless mementos. Pictures of his times with Tsunade and Orochimaru. Pictures of Minato and Kushina. Odds and ends from his adventures. However among all of these things, three of them were closer to his heart than anything else. The first was the very fist book he'd ever written: The Tale of an Utterly Gutsy Ninja. Though the book had failed to be a best seller Minato had bee very fond of it and had named his Son after the Main character. The second was Minato's Haori, the coat he wore as Hokage.. the last was the most dear, it was a three foot long ninjato. It was Jiraiya's gift to Minato when he was made Hokage, though Minato had never carried in battle, he had treasured it, hanging it in his office in Hokage tower.

Though he had yet to decide when, Jiraiya planned on giving these three items to Naruto. He knew he had to wait until the next Hokage was decided. Jiraiya couldn't just reveal Naruto's heritage to him just because he felt like it. The Third had classified it above top secret. It was the main reason he wanted to find Tsunade as quickly as he could. Naruto need to be told just who and what he was if he had any chance of living up to the legacy left to him. Minato and Kushina died with the belief that Naruto would grow up to be a powerful and influential ninja. He had learned from Kakashi that Naruto's ultimate goal was the title of Hokage. He couldn't think of anything more fitting for the boy. For he seen Naruto's ability for caring and compassion, his willingness to help others, though he still carried the scars from his teammate's death he was moving on growing in more way than just older.

Jiraiya was snapped out of his revere when nhe felt something wet hit his hand. He looked down to see a small tear on the back of his hand. He put his hand to his face and found wet trails down his cheeks. Dredging up all these memories had taken more of a tole on him than he had thought. He threw everything back in the box and tossed it back in the closet. What was he doing? With the state that the village was in he had no right to dwell in the past. They needed him, sure he would be taking the role of Hokage, but he had a wealth of experience and knowledge that he could impart on the young ones. He had started with Naruto, it was just the beginning. War was coming of that much he was sure. He would do his part and the first part was to find Tsunade and convince her to be the next Hokage.

00000000

Naruto walked next to Sakura his head still spinning, Sakura had agreed to stay with him, to live with him. He couldn't have been more happy. As they they walked to his house, their house something hit him.

"Um Sakura?" he said.

"Hm?" she looked over at him.

"Well I..." he stuttered "It's just, I haven't..." realization and a soft smile spread across her face.

"You haven't seen him today have you?" she asked softly. He shook his head.

"No," he replied "Would you mind if I went?"

"Not at all," she replied "I'll see you at your place." with that she gave him a small kiss on the cheek and headed for his apartment. Naruto watched her go, the place she had kissed him on his cheek burning. He turned and headed for Sasuke's grave not really in any hurry, he would get there when he did and wouldn't be long. Sakura knew her way around his apartment so he wasn't too worried. The trip didn't take very long, however he got quite a shock when he arrived.

Sitting on their knees in front of the grave was Ino Yamanaka. Her shoulders were shaking rapidly and her breath was coming in gasps, she was crying. Naruto walked over to her and put his hand on her head. Startled, she look up.

"Naruto?" she asked confused "wha, what are you doing here?"

"Visiting my best friend," he said "Why are you crying?" Ino's eyes fell.

"It's just, well, I miss Sasuke so much," she said "Naruto I'm trying so har not to blame you but I just can't help it you were there when he died why couldn't you save him?" Naruto fell silent for a long time. He had asked himself that question thousands of times and he knew that if he couldn't answer it for himself he wasn't going to try to answer it for Ino.

"Ino, Sasuke and I fought with everything we had that day," he finally said "we gave it all we could muster and then some. Haku was just better." Ino looked up at him in shock Naruto realized this was possibly the most he had said to her in the year since Sasuke's death. Tears were still streamong done her cheeks but the sobs had stopped. Naruto sighed.

"Look I'm not going to sit here and apologize to you for his death, Death is on it's own clock. Sasuke's clock ran out, it is sad I know that," he said "But I'm not being depressed over things I can't change, will I ever be the same? No. But I'm not going to sulk over it anymore." Ino blink several time trying to wrap her head around everything he had just said. But one thing constantly ran through her head. When had Naruto grown up this much. Deciding that their conversation had reached its end. Naruto walked over to Sasuke's grave and knelt to one knee. He brushed the leave off the head stone and read the inscription a few times before standing and turning to leave. He had walked about twenty feet when Ino called out to him.

"Naruto?" she said. He turned to look over back at her. "Thank you." His reply was a simple nod. The he turned ad left the clearing. His trek home was a short one taking him less than fifteen minutes. He climbed the steps to his apartment and opened the door. The sight he was greeted with was like something for a dream. Jiraiya sat on the couch, sipping some tea, but that wasn't the dream part. Sakura walked out of the kitchen and upon seeing him gave him a smile.

"Welcome home, Naruto," he stood in his own doorway staring at her for a moment before remembering that they had company.

"Jiraiya-sensei?" asked Naruto "What are you doing here?"

"Naruto, nice to see you too," scoffed Jiraiya.

"Oh sorry, it is nice to see you," said Naruto "I'm just a little shocked is all." Jiraiya let out a deep chuckle.

"Understandable," he said "Actually I'm here to see both of you. You see I have been offered the Title of Hokage-"

"Master Jiraiya that's great!" cut in Sakura.

"Yeah Congratulations Jiraiya-sensei," added Naruto.

"Wait, Wait," said Jiraiya said "I didn't accept."

"What?" asked Naruto"You didn't accept?" Jiraiya shook his head.

"No," he said "I failed to protect Sarutobi-sensei, the Third Hokage, what right do I have to take the position? No the reason I came here was to tell you that I'm leaving in the morning to go after an old friend of mine and bring her back the village. The Council had agreed that if she were to return she would be made the next Hokage. I would like to have the two of you along with me. Naruto there is a technique I wish to teach you and our travels will be a good opportunity for that. Sakura I thik you need sometime away from the village as well, plus I do know a water justu or two you could benefit from the trip as well." The two Gennin were silent for sometime before aswering.

"I'm in," said Naruto "any jutsu you teach should help me in the long run. I'm with you Jiraiya-sensei."

"I'm with you too," said Sakura you're right I could use some time out of the village."

"Excellent, said Jiriaya "meet me by the main gate at seven A.M. I'll speak with Kakashi." the two nodded in agreement and escorted Jiraiya to the door before they turn in themselves. They had an early morning and wanted to be well rested.

000000

And that as they say is that. Again sorry for the extremely late up date, but I have to be honest with you all, updating for this story may be a bit sporadic for awhile my wife has recently fallen very ill and the doctors don't know what's wrong with her. I ask any of you who follow a faith keep her in your prayers.

But I will do my best.

P.S. New poll. Check 'er out.