The ropes that held Sakura in bondage were gathering energy as her soul was being surrounded by dispair. The Ancient Black Dragon stared at her, with tears flowing down, as he laughed maniacally. Naruto, in Kurama Mode, continuing to battle against the lost souls who come close towards him. He then landed on his knees.
'Damn it!' he thought, breathing hard, reverting back to normal. 'I'm using too much chakra... Not enough time to rest...' The ghosts continued to move closer.
"It is almost time..." the Ancient Black Dragon said, "The moon is nearly at the midnight alignment..."
Naruto: From Promises to Wishes
Chapter Ten: Naruto and Sakura
The entire group of Leaf Ninja, including Temari and Cora, awaited patiently. "It's been five hours now!" Kiba said, getting irritated, "What's taking Naruto so long?" "My guess is..." Cora spoke, "The Kuroryuukouseki has entered the midnight alignment. The Spirit of the Ancient Black Dragon is preparing Ms. Sakura's soul to be devoured." "Preparing how?" Ino asked. "It feeds off of negative energy... Right now, Ms. Sakura's soul is being surrounded by it as we speak. That's why Naruto has to hurry..."
"What do you mean, hurry?" Shikamaru asked. "Now that her soul has been injected by negative energy," Cora began, "It's only a matter of time before she's gone forever. The chakra that I placed in her body won't matter anymore." Kakashi stared at the portal, intensely.
'Hurry back with Sakura's soul, Naruto!' he thought. 'Or none of this is going to matter all...'
"It's very close now..." the Ancient Black Dragon said, "Continue to give in to despair until the end."
"DON'T LISTEN TO THEM, SAKURA!" Naruto shouted. "It's too late, Naruto Uzumaki! Sakura Haruno is covered in despair; I will now consume her soul. And soon, I will consume yours!" "Sakura, don't give in yet!" Naruto said continuing to plea as ghosts grabbed him from all sides, "Hinata told me what you did! When you saved me... When you made that wish, she said you did it out of love! I don't condemn your actions..." During Naruto's explanation, Sakura's eyes began to show life.
"You always said to yourself that you can't do anything...That's not true! You saved me more times than you realized! When you tried to stop me and take me back to the village, you gave me an answer to what I really needed to do. Even when I lost Kurama, you did whatever it took to keep me alive!" The tears flowing from Sakura's eyes stopped immediately afterwards. "Maybe it was the promise that we made was the reason I kept going. But, truthfully, you're the reason I kept going on! Sakura, you're courageous, brave, and beautiful; That's the reasons why I fell in love with you!"
Sakura's eyes opened very wide as she regained consciousness. "Naruto...loves me?" she whispered. The Ancient Black Dragon chuckled at Naruto's speech. "How amusing..." he said, "But I think it's about time I have my snack now..." Opening his mouth, he proceeded to eat Sakura's soul. However, a flash came out of nowhere. "What's this!?" He stared at a gleam of light coming out of her eyes. "This purifying light..." the dragon said moving back, "I can't get close to it! I can't devour her soul..."
The ropes that held her in bondage were completely destroyed; she was now floating in dark space as the dragon watched her. "How is this possible?" the dragon said.
"That Naruto..." Sakura said, "...was very different..." "What are you rambling about?!" "That look he had in his eyes..." she continued, "It was more frightful than when Sasuke had them. I now understand what would have happened if Naruto would have left the village. After all, he suffered more heartache than any of us. I gave him the burden of finding Sasuke, because I was too helpless to do it on my own! You talk about despair, but that was the first time I felt that couldn't do anything!" The Ancient Black Dragon chuckled as he said, "Then just save yourself the trouble, and let me eat you..."
"I'm not done!" Sakura interrupted, "I have to live with the fact I put Naruto through all of that; It's my sin to bear! But, let me tell you something, Ancient Black Dragon! Every human in the world, Ninjas, Bandits, even Normal People, we sin everyday...and learn from our mistakes! But, you...a dragon, to give in to such temptation, makes you a monster! When Sasuke left the village that day, I was left heartbroken. But when Naruto smiled at me, I knew that everything was going to be okay. Now...there's not a day that goes by without me thinking about him. We don't even talk much anymore..."
The gleam of light started to create an aura around Sakura as she clasped her hands together. "As long as I have lived," she then said, "I told myself that I loved Sasuke. I still do, but Naruto has my heart now... So, I can finally say it. Loud and clear..."
"I AM IN LOVE WITH NARUTO UZUMAKI!"
The light surrounded Sakura glowed brightly; the Ancient Black Dragon back away more. "That blinding light!" he shouted.
The lost souls that were clamping on to Naruto started to separate from him as light started creating a tear in the dark, empty space. "Looks like that's the way to go!" Naruto said, jumping inside the tear.
Sakura closed her eyes and started praying until someone called out to her.
"Sakura!" She looked up at where the voice was coming from. Out coming from the tear of light, Naruto appeared, diving towards her. "Sakura!" he shouted. Being surprised, Sakura moved towards him as well. "Naruto!" she shouted.
They both hugged each other tightly. Seconds later, they looked each other in the eyes; Sakura started to blush. "You idiot!" she said above a whisper, causing Naruto to flinch, "Look what you made me say..." Naruto just smiled and said, "Sorry..." Sakura then leaned in and kissed him; Naruto did the same. She pulled away and said, "Thank you."
"How is this possible?!" the Ancient Black Dragon shouted, "You shouldn't be able to get to her!" "It turns out that a beacon showed up when you least expected!" Naruto said, "Now that your little despair tactics don't work on Sakura anymore, I'm getting her out of this place and back in her body!" "She may be out of my grasp, but you're not! I'll eat both your body and soul, and you'll be more than just a lost soul!"
Naruto immediately went into Kurama Mode and attacked the Dragon, hitting it in one of its eyes. "I may be exhausted, but I have enough to take you down!" he shouted making a handsign, "Shadow Clone Jutsu! (Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!)" Creating two clones, Naruto preceeded to make two rasengan in his hands. "Take this! Rasenrengan!" Hitting dead on, the Ancient Black Dragon was pushed back, but recovered quickly. "What the!?" Naruto said in shock. "Do you honestly think that would be enough to stop me...?" the dragon said. "What's going on? I hit him with my best shot..."
"He's a spirit, Naruto!" Sakura shouted, "Just like my soul is here!" Listening, Naruto then thought, 'That explains why those kept coming after me, no matter what I did!' Looking up, Naruto was then swatted by the dragon's tail. "Naruto!" Sakura shouted as the dragon lunged in again, opening his mouth to bite. Creating chakra arms, Naruto stopped him from clamping down. Throwing him aside, he then knock him downward, but the dragon hit him with his tail again. 'Damn it!' Naruto thought. 'His recovery rate is too fast! I can't get a clean shot!' The Ancient Black Dragon started laughing and said, "I thought you would notice by now. It isn't me who is stronger... It's you that is weaker..." "What?" "The very moment you entered the Kuroryuukouseki, the chakra within you started to leak out. It's suicide, now! Because once your chakra is depleted, I'll be munching on both your body AND your soul!"
'This isn't good...' Sakura thought watching. 'If what the Black Dragon said was true, then Naruto doesn't have much chakra left! And, he risk everything just to save me...' Then she closed her eyes. 'There's got to be a way for all of me to end..."
"There is..."
Hearing that, Sakura opened up her eyes and stared a sparkle that was right in front of her. "A sparkle?" she whispered. Suddenly, she was surrounded by a sphere of light.
Inside the sphere, the sparkle turned into a transparent women with long hair, wearing a miko, priestess, outfit. "There is a way to defeat the Ancient Black Dragon..." the woman said. "Who are you?" Sakura asked. "I am the Shrine Maiden...the original Shrine Maiden, who fought and defeated the Black Dragon during the days when the World of Ninjas was still in its infancy."
"You..." Sakura began, "...said something about a way to defeat the dragon?" "I defeated the Ancient Black Dragon, by taking away its heart, the Kuroryuukouseki." "The crystal, itself, is its heart?" "However, even when its body gone, the heart possessed such power. But, it was at a terrible price. As I came to possess it over the years, I learned that wishes can be granted by the Kuroryuukouseki, but in order for it to come true, a soul must be sacrificed..."
"And those souls end inside the Kuroryuukouseki..." Sakura finished, "But why am I surrounded by light?" "Over the years, after my death, many people used the crystal to grant wishes out of lust, greed for power, evil temptation, and much more... You, however... When you granted your wish to save your friend... Your heart spoke your truth. You spoke out of love; that is why my light shined upon you..."
"Thank you for saving my soul," Sakura replied. "Now, it is time for you to understand the prophecy..." the Shrine Maiden began, "...Upon my death, the Shrine Maidens, after me, burned the Kuroryuukouseki with my body. But, not before I foretold a vision that I foresaw: When the One True Wish is granted, the Kuroryuukouseki will lose its power forever, and the lost souls will be free..." "But, how can the One True Wish be granted if we don't know what to wish for?"
The Shrine Maiden then moved closer towards Sakura and whispered in her ear.
"What The Dragon Wants, He Can't Be A Part Of..."
The sphere of light and the Shrine Maiden disappeared. Sakura regained her focus back to Naruto, who was knocked out of Kurama Mode. The Ancient Black Dragon wrapped himself around the Ninja and started to squeeze the life out of him.
"Naruto!" Sakura shouted. "Your chakra is almost gone!" the dragon said, "I'll devour your soul now!" Naruto was almost unconscious until Sakura shouted out in fear. "STOP IT!" she shouted, "Please, stop...If you do, I'll make one more wish..." Hearing that, the dragon released Naruto, who floated around the vast darkness.
"I see..." the Black Dragon replied, "But, if you do that, clearly your soul will stay here forever..." "I understand..." Sakura replied. "Sakura..." Naruto said barely moving, "...Don't do it..." "It's okay, Naruto. I know what I have to do now..." "Speak your wish..."
Sakura closed her eyes and began remembering what the Shrine Maiden said. 'What the Dragon wants, he can't be a part of...' she thought. 'That's it! I know what the wish is!' "Speak your wish," the dragon said, "and I shall grant it..." Naruto continued to stare as Sakura began to talk. "I know my wish now," she said, "My wish is... Ancient Black Dragon..." Everything became quiet as Sakura took a deep breath... Then, she made her wish after opening her eyes...
"DISAPPEAR, FOREVER!"
"NO!" the Ancient Black Dragon shouted as the deep, vast darkness started to crumble, "YOU TRICKED ME!" "Just like you tricked others into using the crystal!" Sakura shouted as she flew towards Naruto. "Sakura...What did you do?" Naruto asked as she grabbed on to him. "He's starting to lose his power. Come on, we need to get to the exit!"
Continuing to scream in pain, light began to pierce throught the Black Dragon as Naruto and Sakura flew through the tear of light.
Appearing through the other side, the both of them saw tons of ghosts flying towards an area. "What's going on?" Naruto asked, looking up, "What's happening?" "The lost souls!" Sakura answered, "Since the Ancient Black Dragon is now losing its power, all of the ghosts are flying towards the exit! Let's follow them!" Another few yards passed by as Naruto pointed at something... "There!" he shouted, "That's the exit!" They landed just a few inches away from the exit. "Come on, we're almost there!"
"NO!" a voice shouted. Naruto and Sakura turned around and saw the Ancient Black Dragon, or what's left of him, trying to get through the tear of light. "If I disappear, I will NOT go alone!" he shouted. "Sakura..." Naruto said, standing straight, "Wait here for a second." He then turned around to face it. "Naruto?" Sakura asked, "We don't have time for this! It's going to collapse any minute now!" "I'll make this quick," he said smiling, "For some reason, I just got my second wind. Now that you're losing your power, all the chakra you have siphoned off me is coming back!" He then transformed into Kurama Mode and started gathering chakra in his right hand. "It's time to play you back! For all of the lost souls you consumed over the years, and for trying to take away Sakura from me!"
The dragon lunged in one more time as Kurama Mode Naruto rushed in too. "Wind Style: Rasenshuriken! (Futon: Rasenshuriken!)" The attack hit directly upon the dragon, who screamed in horror as he began to disappear. "Curse you, Naruto Uzumaki! I may be gone from this world, but rest assure, one day, another evil will come and take away your souls! Just as long as there is greed in this world...!"
A huge explosion occurred, engulfing the dragon as the inside of the Kuroryuukouseki. "Come on!" Naruto shouted, grabbing Sakura, "This place is going to blow!"
Cora, who still had her Kagamigan, turned around to look at the portal. "Ms. Ino!" she shouted as Ino and everyone else turned their attention. Naruto jumped out of the portal and Sakura's soul flew back into her body.
"Naruto!?" Kakashi said, "What's going on?" "Everyone get down!" Naruto shouted, "It's going to blow!" A huge explosion came immediately afterwards as fire came out of the portal, causing everyone to fall to the ground. The portal closed causing the inside of the Kuroryuukouseki to implode on itself. The crystal, itself, turned from black to grey and fell on to the grass.
Everything became silent afterwards. Kakashi looked up and looked around. "Is everybody okay?" he asked. "I'm good," Kiba said sitting up, "But, I'll let you know when I'm great..." Cora began to sit up and looked at the Kuroryuukouseki. She noticed that the color had changed as she picked it up. "It has turned gray..." she said. "Sakura!" Naruto said getting up rushing towards her. "Naruto, wait a second!" Cora said stopping as the others ran over, "If Ms. Sakura's soul is back, it's trying to settle back in her body. Any sudden movements may endanger her."
Ten seconds later, the chakra surrounding Sakura's body faded away as her eyes started to stir open. "N-Naruto?" she breathed, "Ino?" "Sakura!" Ino said teary-eyed, "You're alive!" "Sakura!" Both Chouji and Kiba said. "Welcome back!" Temari said. "It's good to have you back, Sakura!" Hinata said wiping her tears from her eyes. "I always knew that the Power of Youth would triumph!" Rock Lee said. "You don't have to put it like that, Lee!" Tenten said. "Sakura, what happened in there?" Kakashi asked.
"Well, for one thing," Sakura said, after Naruto helped her sit up, "The Kuroryuukouseki lost all of its power; I granted the One True Wish..." "You mean...?" Cora said looking at the crystal, "The Spirit of the Ancient Black Dragon is gone? But, how did you stop it from devouring your soul?" Sakura turned her head to see Naruto and said, "Let just say that, I needed some help acknowledging my own feelings..." "You were always truthful, Sakura," Naruto said. Then, he gave her a big smile. She silently gasped as she saw him give the same smile she never seen in a long time. Tears started to fall from her own eyes.
"Sakura?" Naruto asked worried, "What's wrong?" "Nothing!" Sakura exclaimed, wiping the tears from her eyes, "It's nothing..." 'You finally smiled at me...the right way..." she then thought. 'Welcome back, you big idiot!'
The next morning, Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi began to say their farewells to Cora.
"I'm sorry that the rest of us couldn't be able to show up to say their goodbyes," Kakashi said. "It's okay," Cora said, "I'm just that everything ended very well. Speaking of which, how are you two doing?" "The doctor checked us out last night," Naruto replied, "We both made full recoveries! We never felt more alive!" "So, what about you, Cora?" Sakura asked, "Are you going back to your village?" "Yes. Now that the Kuroryuukouseki has lost all of its power, it's nothing more than a rock now. I'm going back to tell the higher-ups everything that took place here. And, even though it was partially my fault, I want to say thank you for all you have for me..."
All three of them nodded in agreement. "Goodbye," Cora said, walking away, "And, once again, thank you..."
As Naruto waved goodbye, Sakura said to him, "All's well that ends well, right?" "Yeah," he replied back, "By the way, Sakura... When Hinata told me about you wish, what did you say exactly?" Sakura quietly blushed. Seconds later, she grabbed Naruto's arm and hugged it tightly.
"It doesn't really matter now... My wish came true after all."
[Eight Months Later...]
Naruto ran down the stairs from his house, wearing a long, white cloak. "Ah man!" he said running down almost tripping over his feet, "I gonna be late!" "I can't believe you're in this much as a rush!" a voice said. Naruto turned around to see Konohamaru stared at him. "Konohamaru! Did you...?" "I just passed her five minutes ago," the young Sarutobi replied, "She's waiting for you."
"Thanks," Naruto said running off. Then, he stopped after a few steps and turned back around. "Hey! Shikamaru told me what you did against that Shaman... I never been more proud of you!" Konohamaru smiled as he watched his teacher and best friend walk off. "Hey, Konohamaru!" He turned around to see Moegi and several other female ninja walking towards. "Was that Naruto-sempai?" one of the girls asked, "Could you introduce us to him?" "Sorry, but today is not a good day for that. His coronation is today; plus, he wants to spend with his fiance."
"Sorry, I'm late!" Naruto said as ran up to Sakura. "I suppose you're going to be late like this everyday?" Sakura asked wearing a new ninja outfit. "I didn't mean to make you wait!" Sakura then chuckled. "It's okay..." she then said, "...I'd wait for you as long as it takes." Naruto smiled at her as they started to walk down the streets of the village.
"So," Naruto began, "have you ask Ino to be your Maid of Honor yet?" "Actually, I asked Hinata," Sakura said, "And, she agreed! Ino has agreed to help me out on my dress." "That's great! But, I heard from Kiba that he and Hinata got engaged. Not to mention, Temari is thinking about moving down here to the Leaf Village. Kakashi-sensei already put in the forms for her transfer."
Naruto then stopped to look around as wind silently blew. Sakura stopped a few steps ahead of him. "What's the matter?" she asked. "So much has changed," he said, "Nothing's going to be the same anymore." "Life will continue to change, Naruto... Especially after we're married." "Speaking of which, I got a letter from Sasuke when you told him about us; he said...Congratulations."
Minutes later, they both came across the Hokage Building. "Well, here I go!" Naruto said as the Coronation was about to begin. "You know, I'm proud of you right?" Sakura said kissing him. Seeing him leave, Sakura was then joined by Rock Lee and Tenten. "I can't that Naruto isn't nervous about being Hokage," Tenten said. "To him, Tenten," Sakura began, "Being Hokage is a piece of cake compared to our wedding in a few weeks." "Oh, that reminds me! Remember that girl, who helped us save your soul?" "You mean Cora?" "According to some of the Shrine Maidens I came across, she's now Head Maiden at the Village Hidden in Diamonds!" "Wow, I guess everything worked out well, huh?"
"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Village Hidden in the Leaves!" a voice said as everyone looked up at the roof. Kakashi was now given a speech. "Although, for the past three years, I have done my best to protect and serve the Leaf Village, it is now time for me to introduce you, to a man, who may be Hokage, for the longest time. I, now, present to you, your Seventh Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki!"
Everyone in the village started applauded as Naruto appeared beside Kakashi, wearing the Hokage's hat. He smiled at down at the people, especially Sakura who was looking at him. Then, he winked.
"Maybe Wishes Do Come True, After All..."
Naruto: From Promises to Wishes Ending ~ Passion
When I remember far far back
The future was bright for as far as I can see
Underneath the beautiful blue sky
We were a little afraid
The windows are becoming stained with a nostalgic color
If I face forward will I meet you again?
The future continues on and on
Underneath a large signboard
I want to watch as the times change
Hidden Away
My heart's a battleground
(snoitome owt deen I)
(wonk uoy naht niotceffa erom deen I)
(snoitome owt deen I)
I open the window to those people and places I can never go to
When I remember far far back
The future was bright for as far as I can see
Underneath the beautiful blue sky
We would keep sleeping
The person I loved a long time ago,
It appears a child is going to be born in the winter
Sometimes I want to have doubt
Over the settlement we had in the past
I still can't forget
I wonder if the New Year's card will have a photo
I think back to the things
We couldn't do together and find them dear
Underneath the blue sky...
(Passion by Hikaru Utada)
A/N: Don't trip! I'm not through yet! The Main Story is done! Final Chapter: Ten years have passed, and their kids now take the chance at being Ninja! Keep in mind, although this is my longest chapter to date, I rushed on the final part!
Anyway, Please Review!
Disclaimer: I don't own Passion by Hikaru Utada. (I combined both versions of lyrics: From the Original and from Kingdom Hearts II.)