A/N: Thank you all for your reviews!
Yea! It's finally over! Well, at least the fight with Orochimaru is. Now it's time for the aftermath. Is Sakura and the crew in trouble for destroying the Hokage's quarters? What will happen after that? What will Kakashi finally say to Sakura? Find out now! Read and Review, please!
Naruto-Heart of Honor: Fifteen
The Shinobi all just stood around the remains of Orochimaru, looking at the massive snake body. They all looked rather impassive as they just stood there, staring. None of them said anything for a very long time. But after almost ten long minutes, all of the friends looked at one another before they all slowly smiled at one another. Then Naruto, Lee, Choji and Kiba jumped into the air, pumping fists with triumph. The others only smiled or shook their heads.
They had won. They had defeated Orochimaru and his men. And they had saved the life of the Hokage. They were the victors.
Sakura smiled as she watched some of her friends practically dance around, doing very strange victory dances while the others just stood around, watching silently and smiling. This was definitely very amusing to her. But her attention, however, went to Kakashi. He was watching the whole fray and she couldn't tell if he was smiling under that mask of his or not. He was so hard to read sometimes. So impossible. Sakura shook her head as she looked around at the mess that they and the wicked snake had made. She only hoped that the Hokage wouldn't be too mad about this. She wouldn't blame him if he did. It was his quarters after all. His office and his home that they just trashed. There was hardly any room at all. The pink haired girl paused when she spotted her father's kunai lying on the ground near the large white snake's body. She just smiled before going over to pick it up. she would never forgive herself if she lost that. She planned on giving that back to her father when she returned home.
Without a word, she bent down to pick it up, only to jump when someone grabbed her roughly from behind and yanked her against them. She could only yelp in surprise, getting everyone's attention.
"Sakura!" Several of the Shinobi exclaimed but they froze when her attacker yanked the kunai from Sakura's grip, holding it up to her throat.
It was Kabuto.
Sakura tried to pull away but stopped when she felt her kunai touch her throat, making her freeze. She did not want to get her throat slit open by this guy. So she just stood there, looking at her friends before her.
Kakashi had moved a step forward but stopped when Kabuto began to press the kunai against her throat. He could not move again without her getting hurt. "Kabuto, let her go. She's no use to you. Your master is dead. You are completely surrounded by Shinobi. Give it up." He said calmly.
"Sorry. But I had one last order from Orochimaru. He wanted her dead, so dead she shall be." Kabuto said smirking before he began to dig the kunai into Sakura's throat, and then froze. He could not move anymore. "What?! What the...!" He gasped before looking at Shikamaru who was now holding his hands outward to him, a sly smirk on his face. The procrasinated genius of a Genin was looking rather dangerous as he looked at Kabuto before he straightened himself to be in the same position the gray haired Sound Ninja was. "Do you honestly think," He began dryly. "That I'm going to let you hurt Haruno? She is one of us." He told him before he threw out his hand down, opening it. And like a mimicry, Kabuto had no choice but to do the same. He cried out in surprise and alarm when the kunai was out of his hand. Then he was forced to release Sakura when Shikamaru opened his other hand.
Sakura immediately stepped away from the gray haired Shinobi before she turned around and gave him a very cold look. She was definitely pissed about that. "How dare you even touch me or my father's kunai?!" She growled before she rose a fist and threw it back, ready to punch this guy.
"Whoa! Whoa! Wait a minute, Sakura!" Shikamaru yelled to her. The pink haired girl frowned as she looked over her shoulder at her fellow Leaf Shinobi with a questionable look. Everyone did the same, frowning in confusion. All of the Shinobi were actually looking forward to seeing her deck Kabuto out. But why did Shikamaru stop her? The lazy Shinobi shook his head as he made a few hand signs before his shadow connecting with Kabuto's pulled away, freeing the gray haired Sound ninja. Then he waved a hand, smirking. "Okay. Now you can hit him." He told her.
Grinning wickedly, Sakura whirled back to look at the surprised Kabuto before she really let him have her fist. She slammed her fist hard into the side of his face, sending him flying nearly ten feet away from her. He was outcold even before he even hit the ground. Then with a satisfied look on her face, the pink haired girl dusted off her hands and smirked. "That's what you get for messing with me, you jerk!" She said before she turned giving Shikamaru a thankful grin and a wink. "Thanks, Shika!"
Shikamaru only nodded back as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. The other Shinobi just laughed and shook their heads, while Kakashi smiled under his mask. He was definitely amused by what just happened. His eyes met Sakura's and he gave her a nod of approval. Sakura just smiled back at him before she picked up her kunai and started over to her friends again as they went back to their celebrating.
Suddenly, there was a shout and a loud bang as the remains of the Hokage's doors slammed open. Everyone whirled around with surprise to see several ANBU filing into the room, now moving towards the group of Shinobi. One of the ANBU, who Kakashi and Gai knew very well by reputation moved forward, glaring towards the group. His name was Danzo. He was not a very nice man, nor was he liked by anyone. At least at some sense. He was a very strict and intolerant man, especially by the rules of Shinobi.
"Where is she?! Where is that girl who has caused all of this chaos?!" Danzo demanded as he stormed forward. But when his eyes caught sight of a startled pink haired Sakura, he glared at her as he stormed towards her, pointing a finger. "Arrest that girl!"
That startled every single one of the Shinobi. They looked wildly at Sakura, whose face went very pale as she stepped back with her hands across her chest. They knew that she was in serious trouble, but exactly why? She had done nothing wrong. Was it because of what she did before, joining the army as a man? Or was it because of the destruction of the Hokage Building? Either way, none of the Shinobi were going to just stand there and do nothing. All of them immediately moved forward and stood around Sakura in a protective manner.
Kakashi and Gai in the front, folding their arms. "What are you talking about, Danzo?! Why are you arresting Sakura?!" asked the black haired, bowl cut Shinobi Elite.
"She has committed serious crimes, Maito!" Danzo snapped as he stood directly in front of the Shinobi, his eyes still on Sakura. "She has committed treason, lied to an official Shinobi, and has caused this mess!" He threw his arms around the room. "By rights, she should have been killed the very minute she was found out!"
Kakashi shook his head as he gave Danzo a very cool look. He was not going to just let this old man insult Sakura, not after all that she had done now. He had kept his silence before when it came to her but he was not going to do it again. "She is a hero, Danzo! She just helped us defeat Orochimaru's army and she has saved the life of the Hokage!" He said roughly.
Danzo shook his head as he motioned his ANBU forward to grab a hold of Sakura. But before any one of them could move, several blurs rushed past them and the rest of the Shinobi army were there. Asuma, Iruka, Genma, everyone. They were all giving Danzo a very hard look as if daring him and his men to even touch Sakura. Even Sakura's female friends moved forward to protect her.
Ino glared fiercely at the old man and the ANBU, her fists in tight balls. "Touch Billboard head and you will be dealing with me, old fart!" She snapped.
That brought a grin from some of the Shinobi. Choji actually smiled goofily as he stared at her. "Oh, yeah. I'm really beginning to like her." He muttered to Shikamaru, who smirked back and shook his head.
"How dare you!" Danzo snapped at Ino. He shook his head as he threw his finger towards her. "I should have you arrested as well! This is treason! That girl has lead the entire Shinobi Army into deception and she has broken serious Shinobi laws! She will be killed right here and now! As for those vixens," He motioned to the other women. "You all will dishonor your families! Women are to be seen, not heard!"
This didn't seem to sit too well with the Shinobi who were defending Sakura. Some of them actually had outbursts and started forward only to have the Elites hold them back. Kakashi just shook his head as he gave Danzo a serious look. "All of these women has helped us a great deal, Danzo-san. They should be honored, not scolded. They have done well." He said still calm, but there was a hint of anger on his tone.
Danzo gave him a sharp look. "They are women! Women should be punished for speaking out place! They are worth nothing but..."
"Shut up, you old baka!" Naruto roared as he started to leap forward. He wasn't the only one who looked ready to teach this old man a lesson. Several of the Shinobi looked like they wanted to beat him. Beside Kiba, Akamaru was snarling and baring his teeth at the man. Even some of them shouted their outrage.
"That will be enough!"
Everyone went quiet when they heard that demand. All heads turned to see the Hokage walking into the room with Minato, Ibiki and surprisingly Uchiha Itachi behind him. They all looked rather grave as they walked towards the large group. The Hokage walked right up to the Shinobi protecting Sakura before tilting his head to see her.
Kakashi immediately stepped forward to defend her. "Hokage-sama, I will take full responsibility..." He was saying but shut up when the Hokage held up a hand for silence.
And when the Hokage motioned for them to step aside so he could see Sakura, all of the Shinobi hesitated but then did as they were told, though Sakura was moving past them anyway. She bowed before the Hokage, staying bent at the waist in front of him. The Hokage looked Sakura over before he slowly shook his head. He didn't look happy at all. Especially when he let his eyes make an observation of what used to be his living quarters and office. He paused as they landed on the dead body of Orochimaru but then slowly went back to Sakura, who remained bowing. "I have heard a great deal about you, Haruno Sakura. I have heard of what you did. You stole your father's Shinobi supplies and the War orders. You entered the Shinobi Army under the pretense of being a man. You lied and decieved a commanding Shinobi. No, you lied and decieved the entire Shinobi Army! Much damage has been caused because of your deception! The Hokage Building has been completely destroyed!" His voice rose rather loudly, making Sakura flinch. And she wasn't the only one. Several of the Shinobi flinched but they didn't say anything but listened.
There was a moment's pause though as the Hokage's words echoed around the pink haired girl as she lowered her head even more, straightening a little. She didn't mean to straighten up but it didn't seem to bother the Hokage. She kept her eyes lowered to the ground, not daring to look up at all. She couldn't even spare Minato a glance, and she could feel his pity filled eyes on her.
"...However, you saved the life of the Highest ranked Shinobi in the Army with only a few weeks knowledge of medical techniques and you defeated half of Orochimaru's army with a single punch." the Hokage spoke more softly. This made Sakura blink in surprise before she lift her head and dared to look at the Hokage, whose face had gone very soft as he looked at her. Minato was now faintly smiling, as was Ibiki. "You saved countless of lives, including my own at the risk of your own life and your honor. You have even risked the honor of your clan. And you have saved the entire Fire Country. For that, I would have to say, all of Konohagakure owes you their lives. Therefore, an old man bows to you in great respect and many thanks." The Hokage said softly before he bowed.
Sakura blinked in surprise as she stared wide eyed at him. She could not believe her eyes. The Hokage was actually bowing to her, thanking her for what she had done. She was even more surprised when Minato and Ibiki both followed suit, bowing down to one knee in front of her and lowering their heads. She was ten times surprised when slowly all of her friends bent down to one knee, bowing before. She turned and looked wide eyed at them, noting smiles on their faces. She might not have been able to see it, but she knew that Kakashi was also smiling. Even Ino and the women were bowing to her. Uchiha Itachi was bowing to her, a faint smile on his face. And he had once been an enemy!
The only one not bowing was Danzo.
"Danzo-san," Spoke Sai quickly, catching everyone's attention. His head remained bowed and his eyes were closed but he was definitely talking to the old man. The emotionless Shinobi finally lift his head and opened his eyes, giving the old man a very dry look. "Haruno Sakura-kun has just saved the million lives of the Fire Country, including your own. The least you can do is bow your head to her. Or are you that stupid and too proud to bow to a woman?"
That was rather shocking. No one had even expected Sai to stand up for Sakura. He hardly ever said a word to her during the training anyway, much less looked at her. They weren't even that close either. But here he was, defending her. Her, Haruno Sakura. A woman.
There was a pause before Danzo sighed and then dipped his head in what seemed to be a bow, but he was not going to bow any lower. He was too stubborn of a man to do so. But either way, Sakura was touched as she looked around at every bowed head. Not a single person other than the Hokage and Danzo were standing up. They were all bowing to her. She couldn't really believe it, even though it was happening. She looked around at them before turning her eyes onto the Hokage, when he straightened, smiling at her.
"Now, Haruno-kun. For your service to the Fire Country, I would like to reward you a permanant position as Shinobi. You have earned the right to be called the first Kunoichi Elite." He told her.
This brought many smiles from the other Shinobi. Her friends began to smile and look at one another excitedly. They were definitely going to support her on this. Sakura, however, shook her head. "As much as I would love to accept all the credit, Hokage-sama, I can't. I couldn't do all of this without my friends." She looked around at her fellow Shinobi, smiling while they smiled back. "I had so much help from the Elites and my friends. And without the women's help," She looked to Ino and the other girls. "I don't think they would have gotten past the doors to help me in time. I owe most of my successes to them, and Minato-senpai." She told the Hokage as she looked at the golden haired Shinobi beside him.
Minato smiled at her but shook his head. "Sakura-kun, though you had help, you owe your successes to yourself. You have succeeded because you are the most stubborn but determined woman I have ever met." He said to her softly. Several of the other Shinobi nodded in agreement.
The Hokage just nodded as he glanced to his Shinobi General before looking back at the pink haired girl. "He is right. And I would still like to reward you a position among the Elites. You and your friends will be made Chunin, perhaps Jounin. You will all now hereby be equals with all of the Elites. Elites your selves. And as the first Kunoichi Elite, I would like you to be in charge of training new Kunoichi, Haruno-kun, as Kunoichi Commander. From now on, not only men will become Shinobi, but women."
Though everyone else looked excited to hear that. Especially the women. They all felt honored that they were now allowed to become Kunoichi. However, Sakura smiled and shook her head. She knew that this was a great honor to become a Commander. Especially a Kunoichi, a female ninja. But there was one thing that bothered her. She knew she could not stay. She had things to do before doing anything else. "With all due respect, Hokage-sama," She began, making all shush and look at her with surprise. "I must decline the offer."
"What?!" Several of her friends gasped, including Ino.
Sakura shook her head as she glanced around at them before looking back at the Hokage, who just smiled at her. It was if he knew what she was about to say but he motioned for her to say it anyway. "I have been away from home for nearly seven months now, Hokage-sama. It's time for me to return to my family, to reassure them that I'm okay. I should go home to them and let them know what I've been through. I miss them. I miss my father and my mother. I miss our cherry orchards. It's time for me to go home. So I must decline your offer." She bowed to him at the waist. "Forgive me."
There was a short pause before the Hokage faintly smiled and he nodded. He reached out and gently took her arm, surprising her. Gently, he pulled her with him towards the remainders of the balcony. The Shinobi watched in curousity but somewhat followed. They all stood behind as the Hokage pulled Sakura out onto the balcony, overlooking the entire village, at all of the people below. There were cheers when they saw him. They all were glad that he was okay. But slowly, everyone went quiet when he released Sakura and held up his hands for silence.
Once it was quiet, the Hokage lowered his hands and folded them before him. "My beloved people, today we celebrate the freedom of the Fire Country. We have been saved by Lord Orochimaru and his Sound Shinobi." As expected there was a burst of cheers. But again, the Hokage held up a hand for silence. "There have been many losses, as we all know. Loved ones have lost fathers, brothers, uncles and friends. But they will never be forgotten. Every name of the men who lost their lives in this terrible war will be written down for history. They will all be remembered as the greatest heros in Konohagakure. However, if we all would not be here if it weren't for some of our Shinobi. Lord Orochimaru and his Shinobi have been defeated by a some of our most talented Shinobi. If it were not for them this night, we would have lost our freedom and perhaps our lives." The Hokage then looked at Sakura. "However, there is one thing that none of us had ever counted on. There is a certain amount of courage that none of us could have dreamed of. The courage to stand up and fight for what we believed in, even if others didn't agree. And the one with that courage has my greatest respect. That one is this young woman, right here. Haruno Sakura, of the Haruno Clan!"
There were murmurs in the crowd as several hundred people looked up with surprise. Sakura was definitely one of the most surprised of the entire crowd.
But the Hokage continued on. "This young woman has shown a great deal of courage, determination and skill. With her help, Lord Orochimaru was defeated! She, along with her fellow Shinobi, have saved us! She has broken traditions to create new ones! She has proven that even a woman can do some of the extreme. From this day forward, not only men will become Shinobi, but women too! Let this day be remembered forever! The birth of the Kunoichi shall begin from this moment on!"
Sakura had not expected the entire Village to burst into cheers and applause. She had actually expected that all of the men would deny her. They would reject the thought of a woman becoming Shinobi. But she was wrong. Every single person, man and woman, boy and girl, started cheering and screaming their approval. Almost every single villager rose their hands into tight balls in triumph. It was enough to bring tears of happiness to her eyes. She couldn't believe that she was actually being accepted.
"Haruno Sakura," The Hokage said again making her look at him. "You have done great in your servitude of the Shinobi Army. I give you my greatest gratitude, as does the entire County of Fire." He then touched the forehead protector she wore around her brow. "Take your Shinobi headband home so that your family will know that you have become a Shinobi." He then motioned to the crowd below still cheering her name. "And let the world hear your name, so that they will know what you have done for Konohagakure, for the Fire Country. You will always be remembered as the pink haired Shinobi, Haruno Sakura."
Sakura only smiled as she bowed her thanks to the elderly man. She didn't know what she could say to that. She was so happy that she was not in trouble with him. She was happy that she had changed the opinions of people all over for the good. She had done something that no woman ever dared to do. She had become a man, and then became a great Shinobi. "Thank you, Hokage-sama. And I'm sorry about your house." She said with a wince.
The Hokage chuckled as he looked around the ruins that had once been his living quarters before he shook his head. He didn't look troubled at all about it. "Oh, don't you fret, Haruno-chan. I was thinking about remodeling anyway." He told her then motioned to all of the smiling Shinobi and the women who had helped her.
All of the Shinobi she had trained with and befriended smiled at her as they moved forward and stood around her. They all were happy to know this brave young woman. All of the Elites were smiling as they nodded to her. Naruto grinned as he threw his arm around the pink haired girl's shoulder, giving her a one armed hug. "You did it, Sakura! You've saved Konohagakure! Great job!" He said rather loudly. Sakura winced a little but kept on smiling. She looked around at all of her friends. "Thanks, Naruto. But it's true what I said. I couldn't do it without all of you. I will never forget you, guys. Even though I decieved you and lied..."
"Sakura, we really don't care anymore." Kiba said grinning at her from the crouch he was in. His hand was running through Akamaru's fur, who was wagging his tail so hard that it shook his whole body. "You're our friend. That's all that matters."
Everyone nodded in agreement. They all agreed with Kiba about what he said. They didn't care if Zaku was actually Sakura and was a girl. She had done more than they could even imagine and they liked to think that she would stay as their friend. Sakura felt the same as she looked around. "Thank you all. And thank you, senpai." She said looking at all of the Elites standing around her. "If it weren't for all of you, I wouldn't know what I had needed to know to survive this war. Thank you."
All of the Elites smiled at her before they bowed their heads to her in respect. Gai just gave her a sparkling grin and a thumbs up, which Rock Lee immediately followed suit. "No thank you, Sakura, for helping us. You have showed us what it takes to be a true Shinobi." Iruka said with a kind smile. Again, all of the Elites nodded. But then Sakura's eyes flickered over to Kakashi, who still remained in the back of the group, watching her interact with the others. She almost held her breath as she met his mismatched eyes but then let it out again before she pushed past her friends to go to him. All of the Shinobi, however, did not follow her. Instead, they all smiled as they watched her walk up ti the silver-white haired Shinobi Elite then every single one of them turned their backs to give them a little space. Instead, they began to talk to Ino, Hinata and the girls who each seemed to be fond of one of the Shinobi or the other.
Sakura stepped up to Kakashi, who kept his eyes on her. They faintly smiled at one another as they glanced over to the other Shinobi then back at one another. "Well, this is it. I'm heading home." The pink haired woman said as she folded her hands together.
There was a short awkward silence between them as Kakashi glanced away then back at her while rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. I hope you get home safetly. I wish you all the luck in the world too." He told her.
"Hmm. You too." Sakura said, pausing again. She looked sheepishly away, while the Inner Sakura was screaming at her to do something, to say something. Anything to Kakashi. The inner personality was begging her to just kiss him or something. But she knew that wouldn't be proper. They were not even paired up with another as it was. Plus it would be way too weird. "Kakashi, what I said to you before, when I was pretending to be the Hokage, it was all true." Sakura told him as she tilted her head to the side. "You were a great Commander. I'm really happy that I got the chance to meet you and serve under you. Being Zaku or Sakura. Thank you for all that you've done for me. And I know that your father would be so proud of you if he was here today."
Kakashi looked directly into her eyes, a smile in them. He looked rather touched to hear that from her. But he couldn't find something to say. He wanted to say something, anything to her. But the words wouldn't come out. It was if they were lodged into his throat. But with a nod, he stuffed his hands into his pockets. "...Thank you...er, Sakura. I really appreciate it." He told her.
Another long awkward silence before Sakura breathed out a quiet sigh dipping her head to him. She wished he would have said something else but he hadn't. She felt almost disappointed that he hadn't. But it was up to him. He had said what he needed to. So it was time for her to go home. "I hope to see you around, Kakashi. And good luck." She told him as she started to walk away. There was a strange pinch in her chest. It hurt a little but she didn't acknowledge it. She had been disappointed that Kakashi didn't say more. But what was done was done. It was time for her to return home.
"Sakura." Kakashi suddenly said.
Sakura quickly turned on her heel, feeling a flicker of hope within her. Her eyes met his as she looked at him with hope and curosity. "Yes, Kakashi? Is there something you needed?" She asked, trying not to sound too hopeful.
Kakashi opened his mouth to say what was on his mind but he just couldn't bring out the words. He was cursing himself inwardly as his mouth moved without sound. But then with a sigh, he gave her a soft look. "You did very well. You are certainly a true Shinobi. Thank you...for being there for us." He told her.
"Oh." Sakura said, slightly disappointed again but then she smiled at him and waved at him. "Thanks. And you're welcome. Goodbye, Kakashi." She then turned and walked away, still feeling slightly disappointed. But as she thought before, it was all that Kakashi needed to say.
Kakashi really wanted to punch himself for not telling her what he really wanted to say. His inner self was just screaming and hollaring at him about what a true idiot he was. He felt the greatest urge to go over to one of the still standing walls and just bash his head against it till it started bleeding. But he didn't. He just watched as Sakura walked away, disappearing around the corner. Only then did he realize that there was someone standing beside him. He turned his head to look at who it was and found that it was the Hokage, his sensai and his rival.
Minato was shaking his head along with Gai as they also watched Sakura vanish before they both turned to him. "Kakashi, as much as you are a genius," the black haired Taijutsu specialist said as he folded his arms. "You are the biggest idiot on the planet." And then he went back to the other Shinobi.
"What?" Kakashi asked in offense.
Both the Hokage and Minato shook their heads as they smiled forcefully at him. They had expected him to say something a little more to Sakura but were sorely disappointed that he hadn't. So it was up to them to fix things, or at least shove Kakashi in the direction. "Kakashi, there is an old saying that I was told by my father and his father told him. When a bee is in love with a spring flower, he usually hums what he feels." The Hokage told him, getting a confused look from the Elite.
Minato now shook his head as he patted Kakashi on the shoulder. "A girl like Sakura is not born every day. When you meet someone like her, you should reach out and take her and never let her go." He said and then he and the Hokage left Kakashi to ponder their words. They knew that sooner or later, those words would hit him. And he would make the right decision.