DISCLAIMER: I do not own "Naruto"

EPILOGUE: Promises

Sakura picked up a scalpel from the tray of bloodied instruments. A grim shadow passed over her features as she began cleaning the tool. Her last patient was lucky…luckier than others. His injuries had been critical, but with Shizune's help, they'd saved his life. There were many other shinobi who they'd failed. She couldn't believe how much death she'd already seen—and the first week wasn't even over yet. She was so tired…

The flap of the medical tent opened, startling Sakura. She'd heard about the imposter roaming about camp, one could never be too careful. When she turned to the visitor, she recognized him as one of her earlier patients. He was an Iwa shinobi with a shattered left arm and a head injury.

"Oh, it's you," she said. "Are you still in pain?"

"Uh, no…I'm fine now," he replied.

Sakura's brow ticked up. She wasn't sure if she believed him, he was clearly sweating and his speech was broken. Perhaps he was suffering from a fever. Many of the wounded were having similar symptoms. If that were the case, she'd give him a quick look.

"T-the thing is," he said, "ever since you treated me…I haven't been able to get you out of my head."

Her eyes widened. He…couldn't stop thinking about her? She didn't even remember his name.

"I-I wrote a little love letter…"

Her brow furrowed and there was a small ache of sympathy in her chest. The war had cost everyone so much and had everyone on edge. She wasn't surprised that people were searching for some semblance of hope, some sense of protection. She knew well that nothing was as comforting as the arms of another.

"Listen," he continued. "I don't know whether or not I'll survive this war…so I wanted to—"

"Thank you," Sakura said with a smile. "But…there's someone else I…"

"Oh…oh well…I figured as much…"

"I'm sorry," she replied.

He retracted his hand and stuffed the love letter into his pocket. "Well, it'd be pretty uncouth to start prying into who this other guys is, so I guess I'll get going."

Sakura smiled a little, sad that this man had chosen her over all the other women in the alliance.

"I hope it works out for you. He must be a great guy if you're in love with him. He's lucky."

Sakura laughed a little. "No, I'm the lucky one."

"Well...I hope you two make it back to each other."

Sakura nodded and he left the tent. She thought about all that had happened between Pein's invasion and the start of the war. The day Sasuke left for the Land of Iron as a part of Tsunade's guard was one of the hardest. She'd known that the journey was going to be dangerous, but she would never have imagined Madara's attack on the Summit. He'd been very angry at Sasuke for betraying him. It took all the Kages to protect Sasuke and convince Madara to leave.

Sakura had known they would face danger, but she could've never foreseen Danzou's appearance or his attempt on Tsunade's life. Sasuke had reacted instantly, fighting with everything he had. Their battle revealed just how dark a life Danzou lead. He'd had Sharingan eyes implanted in the arm he always kept hidden, giving him a strange ability. The battle nearly cost Sasuke his life, but he'd been able to figure out Danzou's ability and that ultimately lead to victory. He'd saved Tsunade's life.

It was fortunate that the samurai were sympathetic with the shinobi, otherwise the Foundation might've killed everyone. The Foundation was kept at bay by the samurai, but as soon as Danzou fell, the seal on all Foundation members broke and the fighting ended.

The reports came to Konoha only two days before the team returned. Those two days had been the longest two days of Sakura's life. She'd spent them in a haze. Her parents told her that she'd healed an entire ANBU squad, but she honestly couldn't remember doing anything but worrying about Sasuke. When he finally made his way home, back through the gates, Sakura pulled him into a hug and stayed like that, wrapped in his arms, for what seemed hours. He stroked her hair and whispered that he loved her and that he'd made a promise to never leave her, that he'd always come back.

He would always come back.

Sakura pulled a letter from one of the pockets of her flak jacket. She ran her fingers over the rough surface of the paper and smiled. She'd read the letter so many times since it arrived just that morning. She unfolded it and allowed her eyes to roam over the words, allowed her heart to swell with hope.

Sakura,

I've heard reports about imposters in your division. Stay sharp. You're one of the head medics—they'll come for you. Be careful. Promise you'll watch your back…

You sounded scared in your letter. Don't be. I can handle the scum Kabuto's thrown at us. I trained with him for three years. I know a thing or two about his abilities and I've picked up a few tricks of my own. Besides, I made a promise that I intend to keep.

Maybe when this war is over, I'll take you out like you've always wanted.

Next time we see each other, I have something to give you.

Sasuke

~.~.~

Squad Two had finally been given a respite. There was no guarantee it would last the night, but while there was time, the division was thankful for the chance to rest. They all needed it.

Sasuke sat by a fire. His eyes were half-lidded as he stared into the flicking tongues of fire, the amber and gold dancing gently to the sway of the breeze. The warmth did little to comfort him. He was restless…aching for peace. The war had everyone coiled tight like springs, ready to act, ready to snap. He couldn't wait for the end. He longed for home…he longed to be near Sakura. He worried about her and he knew he shouldn't. She was strong. She'd gone so long without his protection and, in a way, he was soothed by the knowledge. Now, when it all counted, he couldn't be there to protect her, but he had no doubt she would be safe. Worrying, however, was natural to him. He'd been doing that his whole life. What he wouldn't give to be with her now.

The separation was difficult. The hardest part was not knowing what was happening in the other divisions. The communication division was busy with other more important tasks, so information on the other divisions usually came a day late. Sakura's division was busy in the medical tents and Naruto…well, he wasn't even aware of what was happening. Everyone said it was better that way, but Sasuke wasn't so sure.

All he knew was that he missed them. He wished that they could have been all together in the same squad…but so did all the other teams who'd been split up. Team Seven wasn't the only one. He wasn't the only one separated from the person he loved.

His eyes hardened. He didn't like this separation and, if it had taught him anything, it was that Sakura's presence made him happy—made him feel whole. He loved her and he needed her.

Sasuke took an object from his pocket and lifted it, admiring its beauty and imagining Sakura's face. How would she react? She'd smile, of course, and maybe even cry. They would be happy tears. He smirked at the thought. Between his forefinger and thumb, he held a small diamond ring at eye level. The soft glow of the fire refracted through the perfect diamond and cast a rainbow on his face.

"Next time."

.

.

.

Fin.

A/N: Well...there you have it. This is the end of the tale. Thank you all so, so much for reading and favoriting and reviewing. You've made this journey so enjoyable. Thank you. This story is dedicated to all of you.

Again...keep an eye out for my upcoming stories. I can't make any promises, but I have a good feeling that "You are Not the End" will be the next story to be posted.

Until next time...peace.