Author's Note: Hey, everyone! Decided to finally get serious with this story, so I'm skipping to 'two years' later. It'd be too much to go write through if I actually went by the story in the manga, so yeah. I have more chapters coming! Be excited! R&R like always, my pretties!

CHAPTER 10

Two Years Later—

Within the last two years, Naruto didn't attempt to go after Sakura and eventually stopped going after Sasuke. He came to the conclusion that if they left to become stronger, then he should, too. Only, not like his team mates. Naruto went off with Jiraiya and trained with him during that time, hoping that the next time he comes across his friends that he can bring them back in some way if not by force.

When Naruto came back to Konoha, however, Team 7 was an imbalanced team of only one now. Tsunade had ordered for Sakura and Sasuke to be replaced. In their place, two new shinobi became Team 7's newest members. Their names are Sai and Shiki. Sai had an eye for art and wasn't in tune with his emotions, so he always appeared and spoke apathetically. Shiki on the other hand, was very energetic and enthusiastic. Naruto was against the order at first, but had to accept that his friends weren't going to come back any time soon and that this was temporary. Naruto didn't get along with Sai but that eventually changed. Naruto did get along very well with Shiki, seeing as their personalities were similar. They often hung out and enjoyed their time during missions.

This made Hinata jealous. Whenever she would see them together, she'd get upset. She started feeling discouraged, feeling foolish that she believed they had something. Kiba noticed, "You know, Hinata, you could always try talking with him, too."

Hinata smiled, "Thanks, Kiba, but he hasn't seen me all this time. It'd be weird if I suddenly showed up, right…? He hasn't come looking for me, either…"

Kiba got upset, "Hinata, you're beautiful, and a wonderful shinobi. I am proud to have you on my team. If Naruto can't recognize you for that, he's obviously not worth your time."

Hinata looked at Kiba, startled by the sudden outburst. Kiba looked straight back at her, smiling, "Go say hi, Hinata. It doesn't hurt to say hello to someone you missed. C'mon, go."

Kiba nudged her to go talk to Naruto, who of which was eating ramen with Shiki. Hinata looked back at Kiba, and smiled, "Thanks, Kiba. What would I do without you?"

Kiba snorted, "That's a good question." He walked away, wishing her luck.

Hinata grinned and walked over to Ichiraku…Slowly. When she finally reached the ramen shop, she could hear Naruto laughing with Shiki. Hinata was wondering how to approach them, but couldn't find the words. She stood behind Naruto, frozen. She missed him so much but couldn't have seen him when he came back due to being out on a mission. It was actually him. He's back home. That was all that was on her mind.

Shiki noticed Hinata's presence, and gestured to Naruto that she was there. Naruto turned to look at her and this huge grin spread across his face, "Hinata! Wow, you totally grew so much!" He stood up, blushing slightly, "I'm sorry I couldn't have said hi sooner… I really missed you."

Naruto smiled and Hinata couldn't believe what she just heard. She started to tear up.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

He leaned towards her, and Hinata choked back a sob, "I missed you so much." She leaned towards Naruto and hugged him. He hugged her tight, fully realizing how much she grew.

Shiki sat there with a small smile. She knew what she was looking at. She snuck out and left them alone, 'They need some catching up to do!'

She left and went looking for Sai. She found him more amusing to be with anyways.

Naruto was still holding Hinata. Hinata loved every moment of it. She felt safe in his arms and that was the most comforting feeling of all. But she pulled away, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean-!"

Naruto wiped a tear from Hinata's cheek and grinned, "You don't have to be sorry for missing me…ever," He hugged her again, "I really did miss you, Hinata. It makes me happy that you came out looking for me."

Totally forgetting all about Shiki, Naruto spent the rest of the day with Hinata, and almost every day after that.

Sasuke spent the last two years preparing for the day he would be able to kill Itachi. He felt he was ready, and prepared for his encounter with his brother, finally.

'The time has finally come.' He thought.

Even though Sakura is a part of a sinister organization, she knows who she is and that never changed. The only thing that changed was her power, which with every second grew and grew. As her power increased, she was able to transform into her true form; the form of a wolf. She realized that if she transformed with her full power, her form would become more enormous and invincible. At this point, she was already considered an S Rank ninja. Perhaps even stronger than that.

Ryu was also powerful. The only one who can match Sakura's power was Ryu. He was recognized as Sakura's complete equal and Sakura's most compatible partner. Their teamwork was pure art in itself. To say the least, the Akatsuki were proud to have them both in the organization.

Sakura was outside, watching the sunset. She was wondering if it was time to abandon the Akatsuki. She felt it was about time.

Sakura was waiting for Itachi to arrive. He broke through the greenery, and noticed Sakura. She wore the same black outfit, wearing all her sleeves. Her hair is also a lot shorter than it was before. She cut it boy short with a lot of layers, making her hair always look nappy and cool.

Itachi walked up beside her, "What is it that you wanted to discuss with me?"

"I will speak with you telepathically. I'm thinking it's time for me to leave the Akatsuki. They served their purpose." Sakura didn't move her gaze from the sunset. Neither did Itachi.

"I see. Once you leave, don't be surprised if the others come looking for you. They won't like losing you and Ryu." Itachi closed his eyes, "I also have something to say."

Sakura turned to look at Itachi, waiting for him to continue with his mind.

"Sasuke will come for me soon. As I asked of you, I want you to be present. And this is what you will do."

Itachi gave Sakura the details and Sakura faced Itachi fully, "You're not saying that—"

"I am, Sakura. I am already dying as it is. I can feel myself slowly fading as time passes on. Please, do this for me. If not for me, do it for Sasuke. Don't let that man get near him. And," Itachi paused for a long time before continuing, "Thank you."

Itachi faced Sakura, and gave her a smile that Sasuke only ever saw before. Itachi put all his feelings into it and Sakura felt that entirely. He basically said, 'Thank you. I am glad and honored to have known you. I will miss you.'

Sakura knew Itachi was tired, physically and emotionally. She only wished she could have done more for him. Knowing that all he's ever done is for Sasuke's sake. She only wished she could tell Sasuke the truth, but she promised Itachi to keep it a secret from him. It pains her more than anything to know that a dear friend is going through such hardship.

She shed a single tear, and couldn't contain herself. She leaned towards Itachi, and gave him a strong, warm, heartfelt hug.

Itachi was surprised at first, but decided to just let it happen otherwise she'd throw a fit.

"I'll miss you, too." Sakura released her grip and smiled. She nodded at Itachi, who did so in return, and left him alone.

Itachi and Sakura only had one thing running through their thoughts.

'The time has finally come.'