I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR ITS CHARACTERS, I OWN THIS STORY AND CHARACTERS I CREATE
Got some feedback, hope to see more though, now this is the two year time skip, I will only be describing Naruto's, Sasuke's, Sakura's and Hinata's appearance but basically it's "the Last" for everyone.
I decided to move the wedding to the next chapter
Chapter 2: What the Future Holds
Home is where the journey starts
Two years of travelling later
Two years have passed since Naruto and Sasuke set out on their separate adventure, now at 19 years of age and a foot taller with his hair cropped short and moved the metal portion of his forehead protector to a simple black elastic headband. He wears a black uniform-style jacket with an orange zipper that features several buttons on the waist and sleeves, allowing him to fold up the left sleeve and rear coattails, giving him easy access to the pouches on the back of his belt. He wears a red armband with an Uzumaki crest on his left arm. He learned about Kakashi's ascension to Hokage and his immediate popularity with the villagers, Tsunade became one of the Village councillors or as she called it "So calling her Granny Councillor" he smirks to himself as he jumps from the rock formation and begins walking towards the new town that had been built since the war ended, the location was the final battle field where he, Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi fought Kaguya. The centerpiece was a memorial stone like Konoha's only larger with all the names of those who died in the war, this is the second time he has visited this town, the first time he came not many people lived here but since a year has passed there where kids playing on the streets, shops selling rare self-made goods and even brothels which reminded him of Pervy Sage.
Of course the only reason Naruto came to this town was to pay his respects to those who died in the war, his eyes locked on Neji Hyuga "It's hard to believe you died even two years later" he thinks while praying.
"Hey Mister" he stops and looks down to see a boy and his friends looking at him, "Since you wear those headband things did you fight in the war?" he asks and Naruto nods and all their eyes light up "That's cool!" they say together, Naruto couldn't help but see himself when he was there age, being a Shinobi was like a game to him.
"See this rock?" he asks looking at the rock and the kids do too "These people think wars are lame" he says and they read the plague which read "For those who died so peace could prosper, never forgotten", "But enough of this depressing place" he says seeing the saddened expression forming on the kids faces, "How about I show you some cool Jutsu?" he offers and their faces perk and they begin to drag him to an area where he can demonstrate his skills. "I almost put them off becoming Shinobi...Don't worry, I will never let another war break out" he thinks...how wrong he could be.
_With Sasuke, Suigetsu and Jugo_
((Flashback))
"Yo...Sasuke" he grips his sword hilt but is surprised when he see's Suigetsu and Jugo standing in front of him, both still wearing their Taka Robes, "It was a hassle tracking you down" the Swordsman sighs as Sasuke posture becomes more relaxed.
"What has you two looking for me?" Sasuke asks and judging by their worn out faces they've been travelling without much rest, "I thought you would have returned to the Mist" he says and Suigetsu scoffs.
"I intended to do something like that but the Mizukage named that Chojuro dork the leader of the Seven Ninja swordsman so I decided to be a wandering sage like you...only I seem to be less popular with the ladies" he flashes a toothy grin.
"I see, and Jugo...are you still intent on following me?" he asks, he actually didn't mind the idea of his team being around for awhile, he also knows Jugo has nowhere else to go. Seeing Jugo nod he walks over to them "Then I will tell you what my plan is" he says as they begin walking "Before I left Konoha I visited the Naka Shrine and read the Stone tablet with my Rinnegan" he begins "AS I suspected there was mention of locations which The Sage of the Six paths sealed away other secrets" he states and their eyes widen "It is likely Madara found some of these but from what I gathered he never had the chance to fully decipher the tablet"
"And...What do you intend to do with these...secrets?" Jugo asks, he didn't like the idea of Sasuke rummaging around tombs which were filled with ancient power like Obito and Madara did.
"Destroy them" Sasuke says "These are too tempting for ordinary people who desire power to be kept around so I will destroy them and erase any evidence of Hagoromo Otsutsuki from the world" he adds "Naruto and I will be the last thing connected to him" he finishes.
"So...you're plan is to make sure nothing like the Mugen Tsukuyomi can happen again" Suigetsu says and Sasuke nods "Well it sounds interesting so I'll tag along" he smirks and Sasuke nods in acknowledgement as they pick up the pace.
((Flashback End))
Ever since then the trio had become a team of sort again, however they all knew it would be temporary, Sasuke would return to Konoha and do whatever he was planning...and Suigetsu and Jugo would likely go to the Sound Village like Karin.
Over the last two years not much has changed with Jugo regarding looks, he grew a bit of stubble and his hair was longer slightly, he wore navy cargo pants, a tan shirt with a high open collar and black sandals. "Sasuke's been in there awhile" he says as he stares into a cave entrance, The Uchiha told them to wait outside and make sure nobody came in after him.
"Relax big guy" the casual tone of Suigetsu comments as he leans against a bolder resting the Executioners blade beside him, while he wore the same attire as he did two years ago his hair was notably shorter and clean cut. "Sasuke has a Rinnegan, which makes him stronger than pretty much everyone on the planet.
It was true, over the last two years Sasuke has all but mastered the Rinnegan Jutsu thanks to the scrolls he found in tombs and buried monuments to the Sage himself.
"Calm down Jugo" the two here Sasuke say as he emerges from the cave with his usual cool step he too has grown in the last two years and has undergone a considerable wardrobe change. His attire now consists of a navy blue sash that is wrapped multiple times around his head, which ties his spiky hair down and once again pushes his hair over his forehead, he wears a black high-collared shirt, similar to what he wore throughout the majority of the invasion during the Chunin exams before he defected, his right forearm is wrapped in navy blue bandages, matching his headband. His left sleeve blew with the breeze due to him still missing his left arm, Sasuke wears a midriff-exposing flak jacket similar to those worn in Kumogakure, which covers his right shoulder as well. He now wears tattered light blue pants, while his ankles are wrapped in bandages that wrap all the way around his open-toed sandals... "There is nothing about the Sage in this place, but it's better to seal it in case" he states raising his hand at the entrance "Banshō Ten'in" and the Cave collapses with the back of the cave being pulled towards the Uchiha effectively sealing the entrance, he finishes by placing an Uchiha seal on it meaning only an Uchiha can remove the seal.
"Here" Suigetsu says throwing Sasuke a tattered light brown poncho with a hood that covers the majority of his upper and lower body, and serves the purpose of concealing his missing left arm, he is also noticeably wearing three necklaces, which are each coloured a faded green, red, and yellow, over top of his poncho. He picked up his sword and looks around as Suigetsu begins to speak...
"So what's next?" Suigetsu asks and without answers Sasuke begins walking clearly lost in thought, he looks up to the setting sun which as cast an orange glow over the sky...
"I am heading back to Konoha" he says to them "I don't know how long I will be gone but this is the end of my current mission" he states...he and Naruto had an appointment to keep...
Konoha the following week
Kakashi, now the Hokage of two years, has barely changed in appearance. When on duty, he wears his forehead protector levelled again, exposing both eyes. His boots now reach his calves and his flak jacket is changed to a simple chest-guard that has clipped-on shoulder pads with high collars and a dark blue strap across his waist with rectangular pouch behind the left of his back. On the back of the flak jacket, Kakashi has the kanji 六火written vertically. In addition, he wears a red armband with the Uzumaki crest over his left bicep.
"You know something Guy, in the two years I have been in office since Tsunade decided she was tired of being Hokage" he says looking out of his office window, "In two years I have been in office not once have I felt nervous...until now" he says as Gai brings himself closer to the table.
Guy's general appearance remains essentially the same. His flak jacket is changed to a simple chest-guard which is a darker green and has clipped-on shoulder pads with high-collars coloured light grey and his forehead protector is across his waist, covering his flak jacket. He wears a heavy-bandaged cast on his right leg which now restricts him to a Wheelchair for mobility. "It's not every day you get married Kakashi" his long time rival turned adviser says, Kakashi and Shizune decided to have their wedding when the backlash of the war ended and the state of the war had become calm. Plus Kakashi has been super busy with renovations to the Village, but now all that seemed to be behind him and the two would be married within the fourth night, he finally got a reply from Sasuke and Naruto a week ago, learning the two were making their way back from wherever they were to be at his wedding.
"It will be good to see them, they will have changed greatly in the last two years" Kakashi says sitting back "it's been half a year since I've heard anything from Sasuke and Naruto has been popping up all over the place.
_The outskirts of the village_
"Man... just like I remember, apart from the new face on the Mountain" Naruto smirks using his hand to keep the sun from his eyes as he gazed down at the village, "I wonder how everyone's is...and how they've changed" he says thinking of only one person in particular, "I hope you can recognize me...Hinata".
"It would be hard not to" Naruto smirks turning around seeing Sasuke standing behind him clearly after hearing everything Naruto just said "I mean, only you would wear bright Orange like that" he says as he walks closer.
"Never figured you a fashion expert Sasuke" Naruto smirks himself "Though you do always have cute little outfits every time I see you, do you carry a wardrobe around with you?" he asks crossing his arms confidently.
"Still can't use Fūinjutsu?" Sasuke asks deflating Naruto's confidence before the two shake hands "Are you sticking around?" Naruto asks and Sasuke shakes his head. "I still can't look at this village without getting angry" Sasuke states and Naruto nods "But...I feel like I should stop in and Say hello to Sakura...or something" he finishes.
"You should stay...at least for awhile, Sakura will keep waiting for you but she shouldn't have to...you should give her an honest answer to her feelings" Naruto says and Sasuke looks away thoughtfully "Now I am hungry so let's go get the scolding by our illustrious Hokage and get some Ramen" the Blonde smirks and Sasuke nods. "Also...Complain all you want but I'm not letting you leave this village without seeing Sakura" Naruto says and the two stop.
The tension was clear but surprisingly Sasuke relented "Fine... but why are you so fixated on me talking to her...I can't give her a happy future or any kind of future" he says and Naruto pats him on the back.
"It's time to grow up" he says whacking the Uchiha on the back of the head "At the valley you said you intended to severe the past yet now you hold onto the past like a shield because you are afraid of what...becoming domestic?"
"Unlike you I had no interest in forming bonds with people...all I had was my goal," Sasuke says surprised they hadn't actually bumped into anyone yet as they made him slightly relieved, they entered the Ramen Restaurant and Sasuke watched as the two cooks greeted Naruto like a returning family member. "And it's not something I have experience in, besides...apart from you, Sakura and Kakashi I don't care for this village" he says looking around.
Due to Naruto's fame and well known love of Ramen Ichiraku had become a larger franchise over the two year gap, many people believed they would become strong like Naruto if they followed his workout and diet...and Teuchi and Ayame weren't about to correct them.
"Forming bonds takes time, but act the way you do and they'll never get started" Naruto states, "Don't blame our friends for being kept in the dark, Obito only told you everything he did because he wanted to turn you into a resource...otherwise you'd still believe Itachi was just a criminal who slaughtered everyone of the Uchiha" they relax and wait for the food. "So what were you up to while you were travelling?" Naruto asks as he is surrounded by 4 huge bowls of his favourite meal while Sasukes smaller much more balanced meal paled in comparison, "I wanted to find the state of the world for when I became Hokage..." Naruto says before the Uchiha can say "You first".
"I travelled around looking for any hint of the Sage of the Six Paths and destroyed any evidence, this way no one will be able to re-create the Infinite Tsukuyomi" Sasuke begins "The last part is the sacred tablet underneath the Uchiha shrine" he finishes "That's the reason I came back here" he adds and Naruto nods.
"Sounds like a smart thing to do, its better that the Sage vanishes when we go" Naruto says finishing his fourth bowl while Sasuke neatly cleans up his for Ayame, "But where do you plan on going next?" he asks.
"I was thinking about finding more Uchiha Bases" Sasuke says "Before Villages were founded the Uchiha's had bases set up in strategic areas and are only accessible to an Uchiha" he explains and Naruto grunts.
"I guessed" the blonde states sitting back in his seat "Still I want to find a girl and get married, Kakashi and Shizune are starting a life together...I want that too" Naruto says, he see's Sasuke looking away thoughtfully, the bottle of Sake is placed between them, it was weird for the two of them despite being of age never sat down and had a drink before...but when is a better time than now?...
"Besides your goal...you also mentioned your desired to restore your clan" Naruto says taking a sip of Sake, as Sasuke closes his eyes expecting what followed "And you need a girl for that...Sakura seems like she's willing" he grins at Sasuke blush who pours himself a drink after snatching it from Naruto.
"Dobe" Sasuke sighs taking a sip of his drink, unlike Naruto who seemed to now have a taste of the alcoholic beverage, Sasuke new to better pace himself "I understand and acknowledge her feelings...but this experience is out of character for me" he explains.
"You think it's easy for me, I may have been easy going with my feelings for Sakura...but that was only because somewhere deep down I knew she would never return them, and I was used to rejection" he explains "But Hinata...she worries about me, thinks about me and wants to protect me...even as I am now, I'm terrified I'm not good enough for her...but that doesn't mean I won't try to be" he says in his usual determined tone.
"...try huh?" Sasuke says staring at his drink "But before all that we should see Kakashi" the Uchiha says and Naruto nods, Naruto tossing's the money down for the meals and the two walk out and head for the Hokage Tower.
_Elsewhere_
"Sakura!" The Pink haired Kunoichi looks around after hearing her name being called, her short hairstyle, cutting it even shorter so it now reaching around her chin, with her bangs now parted to the left keeping it out of her eyes, and her usual red cloth forehead protector, used as a hair band. She now wears a sleeveless red qipao dress that reaches her upper thighs, with white trimmings and a white circular design on the back. It is tied with a black obi and she wears black shorts underneath as well as her usual black gloves and pink elbow protectors, which she now also wears as knee protectors.
"Ino?" she says with surprise, after finishing her rounds at the hospital she was on her way home, she moved out of her parents a year ago and found a nice apartment in the newer section of the village, sure it was a walk and a half to the Hospital but it was perfect.
"I'm surprised you haven't heard yet but Sasuke and Naruto are back" Ino says and Sakura's eyes widen, Sasuke's last letter came half a year ago and it didn't mention her at all "Yeah and from what I've heard they were heading to see Lord Hokage" the blonde says and Sakura runs off towards the tower.
In the Tower
Standing in the small office of the 6th Hokage, the two looked around the room awkwardly while the single eye of their sensei bore a hole into their heads. Kakashi was amazed by their appearance; short hair suited Naruto and made him look mature, and then looking at Sasuke he could tell the Uchiha had the wandering Shinobi look down.
"So...how's life guys" Kakashi asks while leaning forward resting his hands on the table, "Sticking around or just showing up for my wedding?" he asks in that cool yet sarcastic tone.
"Wedding" Sasuke says with his eyes closed, while Naruto looks around "Uh...both?" the blonde says scratching the back of his head, Kakashi was surprised they didn't pick up on his sarcasm...had they forgotten his witty sarcasm?
"So... anything to report?" Kakashi asks deciding after about 7 minutes of awkward silence leaving his pupils to suffer in the moment of being at his mercy, "Naruto, did you find what kind of Kage you want to be?" he asks but before the blonde can answer "Have you seen enough of the world?" he asks the Uchiha.
"No" they say in unison suprising, "The last part of my journey is here though" Naruto says and Sasuke turns to leave "Hey Sasuke...you should at least get your artificial arm before you go" the blonde turns around "And say hello to Sakura" he grins and Sasuke turns around with a serious look.
"I don't want it" Sasuke says, "I've gotten too used to one arm to bother with a fake" he explains "and I'll speak to Sakura tomorrow" he adds pulling out a scroll "From Orochimaru" he says suprising the two, "Something about the Chunin exams" he states and Kakashi opens the scroll.
"So he wants to send some Genin here for them?" he questions, Orochimaru had turned the Sound into a legit village in the last two years, allowing the other Kage to oversee everything that went into its formation, giving up the locations of his old bases and whatever they requested, signing a peace treaty with the neighbouring lands. However the Sound still attacked the Leaf and used the Sand... "I'll get in touch with the Kazekage before giving my answer" Kakashi judges and Sasuke nods "Does this mean you are a part of the sound now Sasuke?" he asks and suddenly Naruto is wondering the same.
Sasuke answers by pulling out his old head band "I need a new one" he says simply as the door bursts open and Sakura enters...
"Sakura" the three say in unison as she takes in their appearance, her first thought was to beat Sasuke and Naruto into the frame of the mountain for not seeing her first but she also wanted to hug them...thankfully she chose the latter and pulled the two into a hug.
"You guys are lucky I'm too tired to pummel you right now" she says and Naruto grins while Sasuke closes his eyes with a small smile. "So Kakashi I take it these guys are a part of your Groomsmen?" she asks and Kakashi nods.
"If they can handle it" he jokes casually, he never thought he'd be in this position...Hokage and getting married with his students as his groomsmen, of course Gai was his best man though.
"Sure I mean I'm honoured" Naruto says and Sasuke simply nods "Well...I'd hang around but there is someone else I want to say hi too" he says running out before Sakura could stop him.
"Jeez" Sakura sighs, but turns to Sasuke who is looking at the door too, "Um Sasuke...I figured you've eaten but...of you need a place to stay...my house has an extra room" she says and he looks at her.
A part of him wanted to flat out refuse, however that part was what he needed to forget, the part that held a grudge against Konoha for what happened to Itachi and his clan. His eyes soften "That would be really helpful Sakura" he says and she blushes smiling as the two walk out
"I'll get your headband back to you as soon as possible" they hear Kakashi say and Sasuke acknowledges him with a simple wave.
"So...before we go to my place, I need to do some shopping...you can go somewhere to wait or whatever" she says and he shakes his head.
"Its fine, it's not like I have anything to do anyway" he says and she smiles brightly but he fails to notice.
Elsewhere with Hinata
In the two years Hinata's look had changed a lot form what he remembered, changing her previous outfit to a slightly more revealing and form-fitting one. She is now seen wearing a light lavender, sleeveless kimono-style blouse with vertical lines, tied with a dark purple obi around her waist. She wears a pair of short dark navy shorts with thigh-high stockings, revealing parts of her upper thighs, and has changed her regular ninja sandals to black high-heeled boots. Hinata's hair increase slightly in volume and grows to hip-length, she also no longer wears her forehead protector or at least when she's off duty.
She was unaware of the approaching Naruto who was waiting for the perfect moment to strike, since becoming a sensory type Shinobi he was able to extinguish his presence perfectly. He watched her doing what must be a daily routine as he heard her mention how she'd see them tomorrow, he couldn't help but notice how she'd grown to look more mature feminine woman, then with the coat she wore during her early years it was hard to notice.
Closing in he puts his hands over her eyes "Guess who" he smirks at her gasp...
"N-Naruto?" she answers and he removes his hands as she whips around bright red after being caught off guard.
"It's been awhile" he smiles at her blush, "I hope you got my letters from Kakashi Sensei" he says and she smiles nodding "Good, I just ate... but if you are going somewhere and are looking for some company..." he trails off blushing himself.
"I was going to visit Neji...I'd be happy if you came" she says with a sad smile, leave it to Naruto to return on the sad part of her day.
"Of course...I was going to see him too...at some point" Naruto says, he left not long after the funeral and hasn't seen his friends grave since. They walk close together occasionally glancing at each other before arriving at the grave, Naruto spots all the items from their friends, a bag of chips from Choji, the Shogi knight tile from Shikamaru, Flowers from Ino's store, A Kunai from Tenten, a pair of Nunchaku from Guy and Lee, a small picture of a bird from Sai, The Yin-yang pendant from the Hyuga clan, A Heaven scroll that must have been from Shino and Kiba since they met during the Chunin exams...and finally from Sakura, Neji's old head band with "Hero" engraved under the leaf symbol.
"Everyone visits when they can...Sakura helps keep the Grave clean when I'm away" Hinata says and Naruto knees down pulling out a feather, it was brown similar to Neji's hair. Placing it under his headband...
"I promise Neji, I'll be here for Hinata and everyone from now on" Naruto thinks placing his palm on the granite stone "Make sure to watch over us though" he adds looking to see Hinata praying with her eyes closed.
The End
With Sasuke and Naruto back in the village how will they interact with everyone after a long gap away
The next chapter will focus on Kakashi's wedding
Tune in next time and make sure to leave lots of reviews
Till Then
~DoTheBartMan