Well, after six struggling years, my story is finally coming to an end. It's a bitter sweet moment but I kept my word and finished the story. I told my readers I wasn't giving up on it even though there were many times it looked as though I was. But, I'm proud to say I stuck to it and finished the story. As I reread my story,I realized how much my writing has improved in the six years. (My writing sucked ass in the beginning lol) I don't know about y'all, but I'm impressed with myself. So, it has been a great journey and I thank all of my readers from the bottom of my heart for sticking through with my story. It means a lot that people took the time and gave my story a chance. Thank you so much! And before I leave you alone to read, I've debated back and forth with what I did in this chapter and after much, MUCH thought, I'm happy how I ended it. It wasn't what I previously pictured, but I like this ending way better. So, without further ado, here you go!

~Kairi

'Thinking'

'Kyuubi_talking'

"Talking"

/Naruto Talking to Kyuubi/

"Jutsu's"

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of its characters. The plot idea is my own and the OC's as well.

Without further ado, the last chapter!

Epilogue

"What can we do for you, Naruto?"

The blonde haired man walked into the Hokage's office, escorted by Sasuke. In the room, Tsunade was sitting in her chair with Jiraiya sitting in the window with one leg stretched out in front of him and the other hanging down. He sat with his arms crossed, while Tsunade intertwined her fingers together in front of her. Unlike her, his eyes were closed and a smile on his face. Despite their relaxed positions, their vibe gave off something else that Naruto wasn't quite sure of.

With a half-smile, Naruto came to a stop in the middle of the room. He rolled his shoulders and his personality came back with ease, despite not being himself for months. Choosing to ignore the question asked to him he commented, "Some things never change." And shook his head.

"And what would that be?" Tsunade raised a slender eyebrow at him. She shifted in her seat and put her arms down. She wasn't quite sure why he was here but if it was what she was hoping, she tried not to let it on.

"Two old ass people sitting around when there's work to be done." Naruto came back with, earning a chuckle from Jiraiya and the bird from Tsunade. The mood in the room shifted and the tense atmosphere that was what Naruto felt, eased. The three all shared a short reminisce from the past that felt good before things got down to business.

Tsunade cleared her throat and got right to the point, "What're you doing here, Naruto?"

The smile dropped from his face and a serious expression appeared. "I've decided to come back." He said. He rolled his shoulders back again to straighten his spine. He looked the Hokage in the eye before adding, "Permanently."

Jiraiya opened his eyes and turned to his old student, a little surprised by what he just said. Even Tsunade held the same features. They both stared at the blond, trying to read him. They always wanted Naruto to come back and to finally hear him say it, after all this time of trying to bring him back, of all the different opportunities available to him, he decides now, just out of the blue.

Naruto kept eye contact with the Hokage and didn't budge. He has been waiting for this moment for a long time, even if he never knew it. Tsunade had tried to get him to come back before, time and time again, but she never succeeded. But now, he was coming to her, telling her he wanted to stay.

"Why now?" Tsunade finally asked trying to determine his motives. Her expression became unreadable as she leaned back in her chair. "Why now, after all of this time?" Her voice was masked and then her expression softened as if she was in pain.

Naruto didn't move; he already expected this question. He took a deep breath and kept his eyes locked with Tsunade's. Knowing now what he wanted, he explained, "I had some time to think and to reflect upon everything that happened... And this has always been my home and if I'm going to fight for it, to die for it, lose people to it," He tried not to flinch at that part, "then I want to be a part of it again." At this, Tsunade stood up from her chair and walked around her table. Naruto's eyes trailed the Hokage's, not sure what she was doing. "I shouldn't have left the village to begin with and I should have stayed and fought for my place, but I didn't and that was my choice. I have a better understanding of life now and a different way to look at things. I've had time to think and-," Naruto was cut off by Tsunade putting her arms around him and pulling him into a tight hug.

"You don't have to explain yourself, Naruto." Tsunade whispered, tears forming in her eyes. Naruto stiffened up upon the contact. "You know you are welcome here anytime. I just wanted to hear it from you that you're planning on staying and not leaving us again." She hugged him tighter and Naruto felt himself relax and put his arms around her. Tsunade continued, "I'm sorry about everything, about what you had to go through."

Naruto felt his eyes prickle with wetness but he kept it at bay. "I don't want to leave, not again." He felt a lump form in his throat. He wouldn't admit it, but he missed Tsunade. They always had a certain bond with one another that really no one understood but never actually questioned. He felt like a kid again. Comfortable around her and knowing she only looks out for him for his safety.

Tsunade loosened her arms and took a step back. Her eyes sparkled as she said, "And you're not going to." She turned around and walked back over to her desk. She opened her drawer and grabbed something out of it before closing it and walking back to her favorite blond. "Here," she said and revealed what was in her hand. In the palm of her hand was a blue cloth covering a rectangle shape that was a little bigger than the size of a glasses case. She handed it to him. Naruto took it and began to unwrap the cloth. When he finally pulled the material away a soft smile returned to his face. "I've saved it for you." She told him as he stared at his old headband. "Just in case you ever did come back."

Naruto held the worn material and gently rubbed his thumb back and forth over the metal. "It's been a while." He muttered to himself. He remembered Gaara trying to give him a headband when he first joined the village, but he never wore it and just kept it in his bag. He never felt right wearing another village's headband, even though that became his new village.

No one else in the room said a thing as they watched their favorite blond. Naruto stared at it as it sat in his outstretch palm. He remembered receiving his first headband from Iruka nearly fourteen years ago and then when he had changed the material to black instead of the blue when he changed his outfit again. Many memories passed through his mind as it brought him back to his old life before the banishment. Even with the bad memories, they made him who he was… is today.

Without another thought, Naruto closed his fist around the headband and tightened his hold before looking up, determination entering his blue eyes. He didn't waste any time before he bowed his head and placed the headband on in its usual spot on his head. He tied the black material and straight it up. It was a comfortable fit and he let out a sigh that he never knew he was holding in. He opened his eyes and glanced at Tsunade who smiled at him.

"Welcome back to the Leaf village, Naruto." She said and held her hand out. Naruto took it in his with his free hand. "You are now officially apart of the Leaf village again."

XxxxX

Sasuke walked Naruto out of the Hokage's building a little while later. They were both quiet and kept to themselves the entire walk. Once they reached the opening to the building they stopped and Naruto scanned the surroundings. No one was around though from afar he could hear the bustling of the village. Life continued as it always had and as if he never left. He looked over at Sasuke only to find him watching him.

"So what now?" Sasuke asked. He slouched to one side and put a hand on his hip.

Naruto shrugged. "No idea. I guess find my old apartment and see if it's empty still." He frowned, wondering what had happened to all of his old stuff like his furniture and any knick knacks left behind. He shoved his hands into his pockets, realizing he was going to have to start all over again here because there was no way his apartment was still as it was after all of these years.

Sasuke rolled his eyes and stifled a laugh upon realizing his friends concern. "Someone lives in it currently."

"Oh…" His frown deepened. "I guess I'll go apartment hunting then. And grocery shopping once I find a place…" Shit, he hadn't even thought of any of this. He was homeless with no belongings or anything, save for the things on his back and in his extendable bag. Luckily he had saved quite a lot of money up from all of the jobs he took recently.

Sasuke shook his head at the unorganized and lost blonde. "You can bunk with me until we can get everything situated. I'm sure the Hokage will have something up her sleeve." Naruto opened his mouth to question what his friend meant when a voice called out from the distance.

"Naruto!" A voice yelled sounding rather familiar. Said name looked up to see a man running towards them, a huge grin plastered on his face.

Naruto's frown turned upside down as he recognized the man. "Iruka!" He yelled back just as Iruka ran over and pulled Naruto in a crushing bear hug. Naruto immediately hugged him back.

"I heard from the villagers they saw you walking around this morning and I ran here to see if it was true." He pulled away, leaving Naruto at arm's length. He gives his old student a one over before saying, "Man, it feels like ages since I've seen you." He gently squeezed the man's shoulders to reassure himself before retrieving his arms and let them rest on his hips.

Sasuke looked between the two, noticing they needed a moment to catch up, and said, "Well, I've got places to be. I'll catch up with you later, Naruto. Iruka." Both men nodded in farewell and Sasuke disappeared without another word.

Naruto returned his attention back to the man who he looked to as a father back in his youth. He grinned and said, "You look great, Iruka."

The older ninja reddened slightly and rubbed the back of his neck. "Thanks, so do you Naruto. You are looking more and more like your father." He put his arms down and motioned for the blond to follow him. "C'mon, let me treat you to a bowl of ramen as we catch up." The two began to walk down the main street of the village towards their favorite ramen shop.

"What're you up to today, Iruka?" Naruto started off as he tried to calm his impatient stomach. Ichiraku ramen was something Naruto missed heavily out on. No one else made ramen like Teuchi and his daughter Ayame. He wondered how they were.

Iruka shook his head, aware of the blonde's eagerness even though he tried to hide it. He chuckled to himself and replied, "The newest class graduated three weeks ago so I'm out of a class for a couple of weeks. I was just taking a morning stroll and was about to go to the grocery store when I heard the rumors." He gave a sideways smile. "And the rumors were true." They were passing by a familiar shop when they appeared in front of the little familiar shop.

"It's been way to long!" Naruto grinned real big. And he walked right over to the shop, planting a seat on one of the stools at the bar as if nothing had ever happened.

Iruka heard Teuchi's surprised voice and then Ayame's squeal of delight as they greeted one of their old favorite customers. He grinned. "Just like the old days." He walked in after his former student feeling like nothing had changed between them.

XxxxX

A little while later Naruto was walking around the village by himself. The sun was beginning its descend down into the trees when Iruka had to excuse himself because a young student ran up to him, requesting his help for some problem the young ninja had with his sensi. That had been an hour ago. By the looks of it, Iruka was used to this kind of 'help', looking as though it happened frequently. They parted with Iruka saying he'll be seeing Naruto soon. As of now, Naruto wandered around the village, getting reacquainted to the place he once grew up in.

"Nothing's really changed." He muttered to himself. He stopped on a bridge and leaned against the railing, letting his hands dangle right in front of him. He stared down at the crystal clear blue water below him, remembering back when he used to stare at it as he waiting for Kakashi to arrive back when he was a part of Team-7 before starting a mission.

'Nope. Same old boring village.' Kyuubi added and then yawned. Naruto could see her stretch out of her curled up position in the cage and lay on her back as if she was a kitten wanting her belly scratched. He just rolled his eyes and without giving it one thought, started to preform hand signs. Once he reached the last one, he bit his thumb before thrusting it into the air in front of him and watched as the sign appeared in the air instead of the ground. Within seconds, he stared down at the dusty floor at a small fox with two tails who stared up at him.

Kyuubi gave out a foxy grin before really stretching, 'Ah it feels nice being out after being cooped up for so long.' She gave a big shake and rubbed her head against Naruto's leg and gave a small purr. 'Thanks, kit.'

Naruto nodded his head and gave a small smile. He didn't question the out-of-character moment the nine-tailed fox just gave him but began walking again. He thought she deserved to be out of her cage since it had been a while. Since Sana had died many months ago. And it felt nice outside, so why not?

As they walked, Kyuubi right next to him, she asked, 'So what're you going to do about your living arrangements?'

"Oh yeah," Naruto shoved his hands into his coat pockets and frowned before pulling something out. He pulled out a folded envelope and opened it up. He held the folded envelope out before him and he almost face palmed his forehead. "I forgot, but before leaving her office, Tsunade handed this to me and told me to look over it and if I had any questions, to ask her. She said it had to do something about where I was going to live." He began to with draw the papers only half way from its holders and then stopped in his tracks as his eyes scanned the legal documents.

Kyuubi paused her pace and turned around to stare at him. She sat down and asked, 'What does it say?' She tilted her head and her two tails flickered around.

Naruto continued to read and after a moment, put the paper back in and closed it up. He gave a soft smile and then continued walking. Kyuubi frowned and followed after him. "Well, I own a house now…" He said. He picked up his pace and then broke out into a run. People who were casually walking quickly sidestepped so they wouldn't be plowed over by the blonde. They had to do a double take when they caught sight of the fox but before they could register what they saw; Naruto quickly jumped to the roof tops and then continued his run.

'Hey! Aren't you going to answer me?' Kyuubi growled after her host. Naruto didn't answer her. 'Asshole…' She rolled her eyes but continued after him.

They made many jumps across the roof tops and within minutes, they arrived at a two story, white and red building. There were many trees surrounding it, casting shade over the house. Blooming flowers lined the walls giving it a calm feel he and trimmed hedges notified him that someone took care of them on a regular. Naruto walked up to the door and before walking in, looked at the template next to the door. Uzumaki.

Kyuubi looked between her host to the sign and understanding dawned on her. This was where Naruto's parents lived before they died. It should have been passed down to Naruto as his inherence when he was born but the Third Hokage sought out to protect Naruto's identity in fear the people of the village would blame him for the Nine Tails attack. In the end, the did but he still lived in the little apartment the Third Hokage payed for.

Naruto took a key out of the placed it in the keyhole. Before turning the key, he took a deep breath and released it, calming some nerves that appeared. This was rightfully his. His parents used to live here and this was where he was supposed to have grown up. Different feelings crept up but he shoved them all down. He turned the key and unlocked the door before walking in, letting his fox follow. He stopped in the doorway and from where he stood he could tell someone came here on a daily basis and cleaned the inside too. There was a fresh smell to the house as if someone had done laundry and there were no cobwebs or dust in the corners of the wall. He quickly took his shoes off and ignored the fact that his were the only ones there, before walking down the short hallway. He passed the stairs and followed the hallway until it opened out into a large opening space that was the living room. He smiled at home normal the living room looked and then leaned against the corner of a wall as tears filled his eyes. Sitting in the middle of the coffee table was a vase of fresh, colorful flowers and a picture frame of him and his friends from back in the day. Hanging on the wall was a sign that read 'Welcome Home, Naruto'.

Kyuubi stayed quiet and watched Naruto look around the room. She could sense the many emotions he was holding back and didn't blame him. All his life he had nothing in this village. Why now? Why couldn't he receive all of this before? She crouched down on all four and wrapped her tails around her paws as she continued to watch.

As if reading her thoughts, Naruto whispered, "Apparently, it wasn't very long that Tsunade was here in the Leaf when she found some documents" he waved the envelope he still carried to where Kyuubi could see it, "and tried to give me what belonged to me when she realized I didn't have any of my inheritance. But of course the elder's found out and refused to give me my inherence because they didn't qualify me as a true heir to the fourth Hokage because of what was inside me. Before I left, Tsunade was trying to look for proof because the elders were in such denial and pieced together every document needed to show I was the heir. Most of my documents were scattered and she found every single one but by that time, I had left the village. But now that I'm back, everything that was supposed to be mine is now mine. From the house, to the money and to the will's. It's kind of weird, ya know?" He touched the couch and felt its soft material.

Kyuubi didn't but she didn't say anything.

"It's just weird, that's all. I came back expecting nothing and I get pretty much everything." Naruto then cleared his throat and rubbed at his eyes, unaware of the tears that formed and quickly turned on his heel. He walked back to the front door and quickly slipped his shoes on before rushing out of the house. Kyuubi was on his heel and they both retreated from the area.

'Where are we going? What's wrong?' Kyuubi yelled to be heard from their fast departure. She ran harder and quickly caught up to her host. She jumped and then perched on his shoulder to enjoy the ride.

"I want to see Sana." Naruto said. Kyuubi tilted her head. She herself didn't know where Sana was laid to rest because hers and Naruto's connection was severed when it happened.

'Any particular reason why?' She asked out of curiosity from the suddenness of it all. She watched as they resumed their run on the rooftops.

Naruto shook his head. A little bit of excitement and nerves greeted him but more so of the excitement. Sana had always wondered herself about the living situation Naruto endured before his banishment and she would always question it to him randomly. Naruto could always sense her anger when she thought about it, saying that it was unfair. But now, despite her being long gone from this world, he had to share the news with her, so that she knew his life wasn't going to be the same as it was before. It was the first good news he had in a while and even if she is gone, he still wanted to share with her so she wouldn't have to worry, if she could see him.

Within minutes, Naruto exited the town and met with the forest part of the leaf village. He passed by the training grounds where Team Seven used to train all of the time. After passing them, he entered a small cluster of trees and he slowed to a wal/ Kyuubi hopped off of his shoulders and walked at a slow pace next to her host. Naruto passed by many bushes and all sorts of different sized trees. Before long, a small clearing came up with a small headstone in the middle of it. Kyuubi stared around and saw a small pond a few feet from the grave marker. The waters was still yet serene and she could see tiny colorful fish swimming in the water.

Without noticing, Naruto stopped once he reached the clearing and his eyes teared up at what he saw.

Kyuubi paused once she reached the headstone and then bowed her head in respect as she realized what laid in front of her.

In Loving Memory

Sana Uzumaki

July 3rd 1999 - October 18th 2013

Kyuubi failed to notice a kunai appeared in Naruto's hand and he tensed up. Something wasn't right and Kyuubi sensed it. She looked up on alert, the hair on her back rising as she looked around for a threat. 'What do you see?' Kyuubi asked after a minute had passed by but nothing popped up. She didn't relax her stance but her confusion was there.

Naruto looked around, confusion in his features as well. When it became known that there was no threat, he lowered his knife and straightened his posture. He didn't return his knife but kept it his clenched hand. "I never made Sana a tombstone." He managed to get out. He looked around him again for any signs of hiding or something out of the ordinary. But everything still looked the same, for the most part. "I wonder who found her…" He pondered and then walked over to the stone and sat down crossed legged. He felt angered that someone found her resting grounds but quickly shrugged the thought and feels aside and instead, felt thankful that someone did find her and made her a grave marker to be remembered by.

Kyuubi eyed her host and relaxed her posture. She sat down next to the stone and curled her tails around her paws and glanced around the clearing. She watched Naruto gently touch the stone and ran his fingers over the letters carved neatly onto the stone. She quickly adverted her gaze, giving him a moment before asking, 'Why did you choose this place for her final resting grounds?' She didn't see anything special by it besides the beauty of it. Why here of all places?

Without looking away, he continued to trace the words and answered, "This is the exact place where my father's eyes see." Kyuubi was quiet, understanding dawning on her. But before she could ask anything, Naruto continued, "Before I was banished, I learned of who my father was. Many nights when I couldn't sleep, I would sit on the monument and would look over the village. Jiraiya found me up there one time and told me my father did this exact thing before he died. Well one time I got curious on what my father's eyes overlooked and I followed it once. No surprise that it was the training grounds of Team Seven but then I pinpointed the exact spot to here." Naruto patted the stone. "If I could have chosen anywhere in the world to bury Sana, I would still choose this spot, that way my father could always watch over her. I know they never met, but if they could have had the chance, I bet they would have really liked one another and my mom and dad would have taken Sana in, just like how I did." He smiled at the memory and his fingers traced the last letter to their last name.

Kyuubi missed the act of Naruto brushing a few stray tears away before he stood up. "I never knew if I was going to come back to the village so this spot was perfect for me. If I couldn't look out for her, then my father would. I don't regret it in the least." Kyuubi stood up and quickly followed Naruto as he began to leave the clearing. She looked over her shoulder one last time at the stone where her favorite girl was laid to rest. In a way, she was happy Sana was buried here too. Especially now since she and Naruto was here to stay in the village. Now they'll be close no matter how far they get.

"Hey…" A voice called out. Kyuubi looked back ahead and stopped when she realized she and Naruto wasn't alone. Quickly, she ran up Naruto's back and perched on his shoulder to watch the scene unfold and to make sure no one could see her.

Naruto glanced at all of the people in front of him. They all looked a bit surprised to see him as well as he was them. Some of them even looked a little embarrassed to be caught here in a private place.

Sakura stepped forward, clearing her throat. She shifted the roses that she was carrying in her hands, more of a nervous gesture. She glanced behind her at all of the friends who were there to support her before she turned back and gave her old comrade a soft smile. "Hey Naruto."

"Uh.. hey." Naruto awkwardly said and scratched the back of his head. "What're you guys… um… doing here?" He asked. He mentally kicked himself wondering why his friends were here and how they knew of this place.

"That's more of a question for you." Shino shot back as they remembered how he left the Leaf village the last time.

"Yes, Naruto, why are you here?" Lee asked but his face shone with excitement. He saw his headband but didn't question it just yet.

The rest of the squad was there; Hinata, Kiba, Choji, Ino, Tintin, Neji. A few of them were carrying different types of flowers while the others carried a candle and some incents.

Naruto looked between everyone before he cleared his throat and said, "Nu huh. You first." He nudged his head at what everyone was carrying.

Tintin gave a nervous smile. "Well, we came here to pay our respects." She said and shifted her own flowers.

Ino nodded and stepped forward until she was even with Sakura. "My father donated some bouquets to put on your sisters grave and some of us bought some incents to burn."

"How did you find her grave?" Naruto asked out of curiosity, not at all hostile. If anything, he was a little touched. These people didn't know anything about Sana and yet they came here to pay their respects. They didn't have to, but here they are. He just wanted to know how they came to know Sana was here and not someone else.

Sakura spoke up. "Sasuke found this place a little while after you left." Ah, so it was Sasuke. "He bought the stone and hand craved the writing on it. He told me about it not too long ago and… well… I just thought it would be nice for Sana to have some visitors." She was hesitant when she spoke, like she wasn't sure if this was okay or not. But when she made eye contact with her old squad member, she saw the truth.

Hinata went next, as if to explain their motives. "We all come at different times to clear away the old flowers and put new ones down. But since it stormed last night, we all came to make sure there wasn't anything out of place."

And then Kiba asked the question that had everyone on edge, "You don't mind that we do this… right? I mean, we didn't really know her, but she was close to you. We didn't want to just leave her…"

Naruto shook his head. He held back the tears that were forming rather quickly and looked at every one of his friend's eyes. "No, I don't mind." He said and his voice cracked. "I'm just glad that there was someone here to honor her memory." Everyone smiled and Naruto quickly rubbed his eyes. He quickly cleared his throat and went on, "I really appreciate this, guys. And I know Sana would too."

"It was the least we could do," Neji said lightly. "She also helped saved our village. If it wasn't for her, or for you, I don't know what would have happened."

Naruto nodded his head. "Sana died fighting for a village that wasn't even hers," he admitted. He looked down at his hands and then curled them into firsts. "But she did it because she was a great person and she knew my love for the Leaf. She was part of my life, just like how the Leaf was." He then looked up. "Her death made me realize some things in life and to come to a decision." He looked away from the group and rubbed his arm with butterflies forming in his stomach. When he glanced back up and saw the curious and hopeful looks in some of their eyes, he gave a small smile and told them, "I've decided to come back to the village and to make this my home again."

The reunion between friends was sweet and there was a small celebration later that night held at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Almost everyone who knew the blonde was there, eating, drinking, dancing and having a good time. Naruto watched on from the sidelines, a cup nearly empty of sake in hand as he leaned against the wall. A smile was on his face at being surrounded by familiar faces, faces he never thought he would have been able to be with all at once, again. He took a drink and watched the girls from his age group all dancing and making fun of the guys trying to dance to impress them. The older generation were all drinking and talking in a corner, getting red in the face from the amount they've already drunk.

He downed the rest of his beverage and placed the empty cup on a table right next to him and pushed off against the wall and disappeared from the room, unnoticed by all of the partygoers. All expect for one. This one got up from his chair, grabbed his sword from the table (where he left it to sit more comfortably on the chair) and walked out the door where his friend just left though. When he got outside of the restaurant, he scanned the streets but didn't see the blonde anywhere and paused. It didn't take long to think about where he could find him and before a minute could pass, he jumped high to the roof tops and as silent as the night, made his way up to the Hokage Monument.

Sasuke found Naruto sitting atop the fourth Hokage's head, his legs dangling off the edge as his head was turned up towards the night sky, his arms behind him to hold him upright. Sasuke walked over and sat down next to him, mirroring his friend and stayed quiet. He didn't need to look over to tell that Naruto had noticed him. This part was normal between the two since they had gotten older. It stayed like this for some time and when Sasuke did finally look over at his friend, he noticed something familiar about him again. That sense of ease that used to erupt from the blonde hair man. As of late, he was tense and a different man than what Sasuke had come to known. Now, that man was back. Maybe not in the same way as before, but just enough that he was comfortable.

"What was it like when you came back to the village?" Naruto suddenly asked, breaking the calm vibe. He opened his eyes and stared at the dark sky. The tiny stars seemed to twinkle a little brighter tonight.

Sasuke thought for a second and turned to look up at the stars as well. "It sucked the first few weeks," he muttered honestly. "I thought I was going to go crazy and many times I wanted to leave. I wanted to get away from my 'bodyguards', the glares from the villagers and the heavy onslaught of distrust." He sighed. "But do you know what kept me here?"

Naruto shook his head. "What kept you here?" He asked even though he had an idea.

"You." Sasuke said. "If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have even come back. Or even given it a second thought. Before I left to go to Orochimaru, our friendship was a weird one."

"Keh, that's true." Naruto agreed and chuckled.

Sasuke gave a small smile before continuing, "But alas, our friendship grew and we became best friends. The type of best friend that no one could relate to. And when I did finally leave, you fought with all your power to get me back. Who does that?" He continued to look at the stars as memories from his past sprung to his mind. "When I was training alone, I remembered how hard you fought for me and I could never get it out of my mind. Even after a few years and every time I encountered you, those feelings got stronger."

Naruto took the opportunity to say, "Man, sounds like you're in love with me, Sasuke. But just so we're clear, I'm into woman. Not men." He laughed.

Sasuke could help but let out a soft laugh at realization. "Not in that way, stupid." He said but then looked over to his best friend. Naruto looked over at him and slowed his laughing down until he was at a small smile. "In all serious though, I came back to the Leaf Village because I missed going on missions with you. I missed our bickering fights and your stupid friendship speeches."

"I'm sorry," Naruto suddenly said and the smile was no longer anywhere on his face. He looked away from his friend and his eyes looked down. "You finally came back to the village just for me to leave." He remembered these same words Sasuke had said to him just a few months ago. "I'm sorry that I left."

"It's in the past now." Sasuke said and placed a hand on Naruto's shoulders. Naruto lifted his gaze and stared at his friend. He could have sworn the raven would be yelling at him like he had in the past. Why is he suddenly so calm? But as he thought it, Sasuke answered him, "It's in the past. But I know what it's like to be cooped up here after spending years on the road. When you leave again, I'm coming with you."

Naruto paused. Leave?

Sasuke noticed the look, "You asked me what it felt like when I came back to the village. And I told you. There's no way, after traveling for years that you're going to quietly come back to the Leaf village and be told what to do." He shrugged. "One of the reasons I sought out being in the ANBU. I knew I could make it to the captain position fast and then I'd have more freedom and have more dangerous missions ahead of me. It kept me on my toes."

"So what, are you wanting me to join the ANBU squad as well?" Naruto asked. He would if it was something he could see himself doing. He never really ever gave it thought before. But Sasuke did have a point.

"No you dobe. Weren't you listening?" Sasuke shook his head but instead of smiling he look at the blond. "It won't be long before you want to leave the village. Not-," He continued when he noticed Naruto opened his mouth to argue, "permanently leave, but just leave because you'll feel trapped here. You'll want to ease yourself back into this kind of life, much like how I wanted to but couldn't because I couldn't be trusted. When you do leave, I want to go with you."

Naruto suddenly understood what Sasuke meant. "What about the ANBU?" He asked. He knew there was no way he could get himself out of this one and this was his only means of wiggle room.

Sasuke shrugged and smirked, realizing what Naruto was thinking. "They can take care of themselves."

After a long silence and Sasuke starring Naruto down, Naruto caved and let out a long sigh. "There's no way of getting out of this, is there?"

"No."

Naruto nodded. "Fine. If I leave, then you can come with me."

Sasuke nodded his head and added, "When you do leave, I'll be waiting."

Naruto frowned and stared at his friend as the night was beginning to draw to an end. He could see dark clouds rolling in, probably being here in a few hours or so. Soon, everyone was on their way home and Naruto found himself walking to his home alone. He felt the air getting a little warm yet moist. But he ignored it and thought back to the party and how happy everyone was. He talked with almost everyone and told a few stories about his adventures before his talk with Sasuke. Everyone that was within hearing distance was curious on his life without him. He smiled. And soon enough, he arrived at the house that was finally his. He walked over to the door and took his key out and quietly unlocked the door.

Kyuubi was asleep already so Naruto went through the house lost in thought. It took a few minutes to get situated but he found the master bedroom, his room now, and turned the light on into the room. It didn't look anything special but he could tell everything was clean. He walked over to the bed and still fully clothed, laid down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling.

"How different is it going to be now?" He quietly asked himself. This was a new chapter opening up and this time, he really couldn't see what was in store for him. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax. Is what Sasuke said true? Will he go stir crazy here in the village? Naruto could already see the answer in plain sight but he chose to ignore it. First thing, he needed to take one day at a time and go from there.

In minutes, Naruto fell asleep on his bed, wondering what was going to happen from here on out.

XxxxX

"Already going crazy?" Tsunade asked without bothering to look up from reading a report from the hospital. "It's been what, a week?"

Naruto scratched the back of his head and let a nervous laugh out. "Yeah… I guess I wasn't fully ready to go back in to a quiet life." He admitted. He thought back to the few days he had been here. He already made use of the training hallow at least three times a day but if wasn't exactly like he could train with the field being so small. He already took a small mission that only lasted a day because the person he needed to escort knew a back way to get home that cut the trip in half. And he already socialized with all of his friends and teachers. There wasn't anything else for him to do and it made him realize Sasuke was right. He needed something to keep him moving. This was going to be a hard transition.

Tsunade nodded her head and didn't speak for a few minutes. She read her report and Naruto remained quiet. Once she was finished, she put the paper down and intertwined her fingers in front of her and looked the blond over. She definitely noticed the fidget he was trying to hide. She sighed and leaned back in her chain though her hands stayed intertwined that now rested on the chair hand rest.

"How long do you think you'll be gone for?"

"I don't know. Usually when I left the Sand, I tried to visit a least every few weeks. But, things have changed so I don't know how long it'll be." He admitted honestly.

"Will you notify me every few days that you're still alive?"

Naruto smiled realizing the concern she was trying to hide. "What, don't think I can't take care of myself?" He laughed. "But yeah, Gaara was worried as well. I'll send a fox to notify you with a report of anything and everything that I hear."

Tsunade nodded and a soft smile graced her lips. "I just want to make sure you stay safe. I know you've been out on your own for a long time, but there's nothing wrong with being worried."

Naruto nodded and gave her a thumbs up. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. I shouldn't be gone for more than a few months, if even that."

"As long as you don't leave for months on end, all is fine by me. Don't forget, Sasuke is the captain of the ANBU and he will need to make an appearance every now and then."

The blond raised and eye brow. "You know about…"

Tsunade cut him off with a knowing smile. "Sasuke already talked to me about it ages ago. And I was okay with it." Naruto nodded his head and smiled. Leave it to Sasuke to cover his tracks and ask permission. She continued, "When will you be leaving?"

"Probably in a few hours. I'm in no rush to leave and it's still super early for Ichiraku Ramen to be open. But probably after that." Naruto said. He stuck his hands in his pockets and grinned.

"You do realize ramen is not a healthy breakfast?"

"Neither is sake," he shot back, earning a cold glare. "But I'll be fine. It's good food that I've missed out on for a few years."

Tsunade rolled her eyes and nodded her head. Man did it feel good to have him back. "I guess. Make sure you have everything you need before you leave." She said, feeling like her son was leaving to go on his first mission. "And if you need anything, let me know."

Naruto nodded his head. "Thanks Baa-chan. But I think I have everything." He touched his extendable pouch on his hip that held his weapons as well as a few of his most treasure things. At the thought of it, Sana's necklace seemed to have added weight to his bag but when he blinked, it went back to normal. Naruto smiled to himself, imagining his little sister beaming up at him. Having someone besides the Sand siblings showing him affection before his departure would have had Sana excited. Then he added, "But if I think of something, I'll let you know." He grinned and then turned around to leave feeling ready to face the day.

Just as he took his first step, he heard Tsunade get up from her chair and began to walk over to him. He stopped and as he turned around, he was embraced in a tight hug. "Don't be gone for too long, dimwit." She muttered. She pulled back and gave him a smile which he returned.

"Don't worry, I'll come back home." His hokage nodded her head and watched him turn around and leave her office. She knew this was going to happen. As long as he came back though, then maybe things will return back how they used to be minus all of the extremely bad things. Naruto could finally live in peace in a village that he is wanted in. He saved the village from Orochimaru's war threat by evening the odds and he was considered a hero. There were some villagers that were suspicious of Naruto because they knew Orochimaru was there for him, but then they considered the fact that Naruto came back to save them when he heard of it and didn't leave them alone to face the threat. He could have saved himself and his sister by not coming. But the fact that he didn't and his sister died for the cause, they appreciated Naruto more and considered him as a true member of the Leaf Village.

Tsunade watched her favorite blonde disappear from her office and a smile was on her face. She knew he'd come back and it didn't matter how long it took, because she knew he'd be back when he was ready. And she'd be ready.

Naruto walked out of the building into the dark morning. The clouds in the sky was a dark gray, almost a blackish color that promised a good and hard downpour very soon. He looked around the surrounding areas and remembered a version of his younger self running away from the building as Squad Seven got ready for a longer mission. He smiled to himself and began to walk. He needed to find Sasuke to get him ready for the departure but knowing him, he'd probably be ready anytime. So instead, he decided to walk in the direction of his favorite ramen shop. He figured Sasuke would meet him up there later anyway and after, they'd start their journey together. He knew it was going to be a long journey ahead of him, but he knew he had people who cared about him. He watched some store keepers moving around outside to make everything closer to their store, knowing the rain was going to keep people from venturing out. But they were still going to try to stay open.

Within seconds, the rain started to come down, surprising the shop keepers who thought they still had time. Naruto paused for a second and looked up into the sky. He felt the rain splash on his cheeks and he closed his eyes. Kyuubi 'woke' up and watched her kit in interest. Naruto kept his eyes closed, remembering a few years ago, watching Sana do the same thing. They were on their way back to the Sand but the rain had started to come down, much like how it was now. They took cover in a nearby cave and Naruto remembered telling Sana that rain were tears from those that had left the world, but was still there, watching you.

Without realizing it, the memory caused Naruto to produce tears. They were sliding down his face, mixing in with the rain until they were one droplet racing down his face. He didn't realize and felt the rain soak him from head to toe. When he opened his eyes a couple of seconds later, he smiled up at the sky. Sana might not be here anymore physically, but she would always be here for him. He reached into his extendable pouch and whispered the French word to open it. He didn't have to look but his hand rummaged around until he found the locket and pulled it out. He made a closed fist around the heart and the chain dangled out.

"Jusqu'à ce que nous nous reverrons, Sana." Naruto whispered and a soft smile graced his lips. "Until then…"

"Naruto!"

The blonde looked away from the sky and stared straight ahead of him. Standing about a hundred meters away, Sasuke was standing at Ichiraku Ramen's shop, wearing a traveling cloak over his outfit and a bag slung over his shoulder. He looked expectantly to his best friend and gave a small smirk. Naruto grinned as well and without looking up at the sky again, he jogged over to his waiting best friend to start his newest journey.

XxxxX

Well, that's finally it! I was tempted to do an epilogue to an epilogue ….. or maybe a one shot, but eh.. I don't know. I've had this story 'In Progress' for about six, almost seven years. I always told myself to finish it, and that's exactly what I did. It just took some time! Lol. As much as I'm sad that it came to an end, I'm relieved. I had to reread my own story about two or three times in just the past year, and man…. My writing was TERRIBLE in the beginning. I could see the progress in my own work and I was happy. But cringing at all of the mistakes. Lol. I know there might be some holes but I tried to cover them all up as best as I can and I apologize for any thing not explained. If you're confused about something, definitely let me know!

But without much further ado, THANK YOU FOR READ AND SUPPORTING MY WORK!

~Kairi