Do I Have A Purpose Anymore?
Chapter 34: "Sad Farewells to a Leaf Shinobi"
"Die you damn demon!" Kiba shouted, as he ripped the zanpaktou out of Naruto, who fell to the ground in a bloody heap.
Kiba then held his stolen zanpaktou high above his head and with a maniacal grin on his face prepared to bring the blade down and stab Naruto once more. Suddenly, Sasuke appeared behind him and shouted with vengeance, as the sound of a thousand birds crackled in the air.
"Chidori!"
Kiba spat out some blood, while Sasuke thrust his electrified hand into his back and severed the Inuzuka's spine, as he dropped the sword he had impaled Naruto with.
As this was going on Naruto found himself in his mind-scape lying in front of the Kyuubi's cell, as he weakly called out to his tenant.
"Kur-Kurama, what's happening, I feel so cold?"
"We're dying kit, that's what's happening."
"Can't, can't you heal us?"
"I, I wish I could, but that blade that was used on us was specifically designed to kill demons. I can't counteract and heal any wounds suffered by it. And your wound is too severe to be healed by normal means. I'm sorry kit, but this is the end for us." Kyuubi answered in a sad and regretful tone of voice.
Naruto heard this tone and closed his eyes, before he stammered and declared.
"It's, it's alright Kurama; you've saved my ass plenty of times in my life. I can't really get mad or blame you for the one time you can't."
"It was a good ride Naruto; I might not have thought you were a worthy vessel to contain me when you were younger. But you proved me wrong as you grew up and I can't think of a finer mortal to go meet Kami with on the other side."
"Thanks Kurama, as far as tailed-beast demons go, you're the best one out of all of them." Naruto replied with a small smile, before he and the fox-demon drew their final breaths.
Meanwhile, back in the living world, Sasuke ripped his hand out of Kiba who fell to the ground onto his back. The Inuzuka heir tried to move, but to his panic found he was unable to move. Kiba was frozen in absolute terror, as the killing intent directed upon him by Sasuke was overwhelming, as the Uchiha ground his boot into his chest, he heard Sasuke's angered voice growl out with malevolence.
"I've severed your spine you mangy-mutt, that's why you can't move! Now I'm going to end your life!"
Sasuke reached around and grabbed his zanpaktou off his back, before raising the segmented blade above his head with both hands, fully intent to cleave Kiba in halve. However, before Sasuke could follow through with his killing blow. Kakashi suddenly appeared in front of him blocking Kiba, as he kept Sasuke at bay and commanded.
"Sasuke stop…..don't kill him!"
Sasuke glared at his former sensei, before turning his head to see the lifeless body of his only true friend lying in a pool of blood. Becoming even more enraged at this sight, Sasuke turned back to Kakashi and spat with fury at being prevented from seeking justified vengeance for Naruto.
"Why are you stopping me? Look over there, Naruto is dead and this piece of shit is the one who killed him! He deserves to fucking die, so get the fuck out of my way and let me avenge Naruto!"
"Believe me Sasuke, I would like nothing more than for you to take revenge on Kiba for what he has done, but I can't let you kill him. Lady Tsunade's orders to Kurenai and I were for everyone to return, safe and unharmed."
"I don't give a damn about the Hokage's orders; this bastard is going to die one way or another for what he did! And if you try to stop me, I'll kill you to Hatake!" Sasuke screamed in a blind rage.
Before Kakashi could respond to his student's threat, a scream ripped through the battlefield, as Ino came running up Naruto's body. She immediately dropped to her knees, before she cradled Naruto's head in her lap and frantically pleaded over and over again sobbing.
"Wake up Naruto-kun, wake up! ...You can't be dead; you're too strong and stubborn to be killed. I promised Hinata that I would bring you back to both of us. So, so quit messing around you baka and wake up! You have to wake up, you have me and Hinata and a baby on the way! We, we were all going to be so happy together, so you have to wake up Naruto-kun!"
"Ha, ha, ha, cry all you want for him to wake up, he's not going to you demon loving whore!" Kiba spat out in malicious enjoyment.
Instantly, and with Kakashi unable to stop her as he was still keeping Sasuke at bay. Ino was on top Kiba and was gouging his eye out with a kunai. Kiba's screams of agony echoed through the battlefield, before Kurenai arrived and was able to pull the blonde kunoichi off of her former student. A moment later, all of the shinigami along with Yugito, Nelliel, and Sakura supporting the injured Momo, who got her first look at Kiba and stammered.
"That, that's the man who attacked me."
Sasuke heard this and redoubled his efforts to break-away from Kakashi and inflict some pain onto the Inuzuka heir. Ino herself was still being restrained by Kurenai saw Sakura and shouted in desperation.
"Sakura do something, save Naruto-kun! You were trained by Lady Tsunade, you can do it, you can save him!"
With tears welling in her eyes at the sight of Naruto, Sakura approached and knelt down over him. The pink-haired medic's hands began to glow an ethereal green, as she activated her Shousen Jutsu, which allows a ninja to heal wounds by focusing their own chakra to their hands. The shinigami shook their heads sadly, as they watched the young girl pour more and more of her chakra into Naruto's wound trying to heal him. Being spirits of death, they could sense when a human had passed over and they knew Sakura's efforts were futile. After a few minutes, Sakura turned to face everyone and with tears now streaming down her own face said in a pain-filled voice.
"I'm, I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do, I can't save him…..Naruto-kun is dead."
"No…..that can't be true! Naru-kun promised me he wouldn't go away like Ichigo and the others! He said it was the promise of a lifetime! Naru-kun wouldn't lie to me, he can't be dead!" Nelliel shouted in grief-stricken horror, refusing to believe that Naruto was gone.
"I'm, I'm sorry Nel, I'm sure he didn't want to break his promise to you, but, but Naruto-kun is gone." Sakura stammered in sympathy, as the pain the green-haired was feeling she was going through the same pain as well.
Nelliel just stood rooted to the spot, her entire body shaking, as everyone stared at her. Suddenly, Nel's Arrancar powers erupted and violently whipped around her entire body. The power emanating from her was staggering, as everyone around her looked on with trepidation and prepared themselves to try and subdue the young woman. However, before they could act Nel raised her arm and let loose a blood-curdling scream of anguish, as a massive bolt of reatsu discharged from her hand and shot skyward before it exploded. It was then that the remaining energy surrounding Nel's body began to disappear and she began to transform back into her child-like form and collapsed onto the ground.
"Nel-chan!" Ino shouted in concern, as she broke away from Kurenai and rushed over to the unconscious little girl.
"What the hell was that?" Ino openly asked, as she knelt down and cradled the young girl in her arms.
"It appears that Nelliel in a moment of unbridled pain and grief over Naruto's death her Arrancar power exploded from within her. We were most fortunate that she directed the blast up and away from us." Yamamoto offered in explanation.
A sad pall of silence enveloped the battlefield like a shroud punctuated only by the sobs of many of the people there, as everyone attempted to come to grips with Naruto's death. The blonde shinobi had touched all of their lives in significant ways. Even in the short time the shinigami had known him, they had felt a kinship with Naruto and his passing had affected them to degrees they hadn't realized. Finally, it was Yamamoto who broke the oppressive mood surrounding them when he declared.
"I know it is of small solace to everyone, but Naruto's spirit should appear before us soon and we will perform the ritual of Konso for him."
"What is this Konso ritual?"
"Konso or Soul Burial is the process by which a shinigami sends wandering spirits in the Human World to Soul Society, if they are good in life or Hell if their life was full of evil acts. Konso is performed by using the hilt of the shinigami's Zanpakuto, tapping the soul on their forehead and transporting them to the afterlife young Uchiha."
"Will, will we be able to see Naruto-kun when he appears?" Ino stammered through her tears.
"I'm sorry Ino, but only a shinigami can perceive and see a wandering spirit."
Ino became even more saddened upon hearing Yamamoto's reply, before the elder shinigami added.
"However, we do not need to immediately send Naruto's spirit to the Soul Society, so all of you can say your final words and goodbye's to him and we will relay his responses back to you."
Meanwhile, Sakura heard all the conversations going on, but could only stare at Naruto's lifeless face, as tears streamed down her own. She couldn't believe that Kami was so cruel as to take Naruto away, not when she had finally recognized and admitted to herself he was the one she truly loved. As the pink-haired kunoichi looked around at all of the sorrow-filled and dejected faces of the people around her. She realized how many others loved and cared for Naruto and were feeling the same kind of pain she was experiencing over his passing. Suddenly, an epiphany struck Sakura like a lightning bolt and she knew without question what she had to do and said.
"Kakashi-sensei, why don't you and the others go somewhere else to wait for Naruto-kun's spirit to appear, while I close up and clean the wounds on his body. I think it will be easier for all of you to not have to see me do that and get him ready for transport."
"Are you up to it Sakura?"
"Y-yes, I don't want to return Naruto-kun to the Leaf village looking like this."
"What about Kiba?" Sasuke angrily asked.
"I've already run a medical scan on him and the wound you inflicted on him Sasuke is a mortal wound. I can't save him and he should bleed out shortly. I'll take care of the bastard after he passes on and get him ready for transport as well."
As Sakura watched everyone she knew move off with the shinigami to wait for Naruto's spirit to arrive, she gave a small sad smile, as she would miss all of them. Exhaling a sigh, Sakura reached down to stroke Naruto's cheek and move a strand of his blonde hair out of his eyes. He looked so beautiful she thought to herself and silently admitted with regret to herself.
'Oh Naruto-kun, I've made so many mistakes in my life with regards to you and caused you so much pain. I'm such a stupid fool for throwing away the best thing that ever happened to me in my life. I came here to try and atone for the sins I've committed against you and pray to Kami that you would find it in your heart to forgive me. Would you have forgiven me, could you have forgiven me? I couldn't very well blame you if you didn't. If I'm honest with myself, I know I'm not deserving of your forgiveness. All I truly deserve from you is your hatred.'
Sakura then leaned down and placed a loving kiss onto Naruto's forehead, before she softly whispered.
"I know you can't hear me, but I just wanted say that what I'm about to do isn't about me seeking your forgiveness. Like I said I don't deserve it. But you mean too much to too many people Naruto-kun, more than I ever will. So I do this to bring you back to them…...not for me."
Sakura then placed her hands onto Naruto's chest and she softly said.
"Kishou Tensi no jutsu." (One's Life Resurrection technique)
Sakura then began to release her chakra into Naruto, as her hands began to glow a pale-blue color, while she channeled all of her life essence into him. As Sakura was pouring her life force into Naruto, a small smile spread across her face, as she felt no regret in doing this, but peace and contentment. Nearby, Kiba regained consciousness and craned his head to see what Sakura doing. Suddenly, he noticed Naruto's chest slowly began to rhythmically rise and fall and the mortally wounded Inuzuka heir shouted with fury.
"Sakura you bitch, what are you doing?"
Kiba's shout had alerted everyone and they turned to see what Sakura was doing. After a few seconds, it was Kakashi who realized what jutsu his former student was performing and cried out in a panic.
"WE HAVE TO STOP HER!"
The silver-haired Jounin immediately shushin'd over to where Sakura was, but he was too late when he saw her slump over Naruto's body. He immediately lifted her off of Naruto and checked her pulse, before he cradled the young girl against his chest and began to softly weep. As everyone came running up, they saw Kakashi tears and were confused about what was going on. Suddenly, Naruto body convulsed once startling everyone, before his eyes fluttered open and a moment later, he abruptly bolted upright and gasped for air.
"Naruto you're alive!" Several people shouted in shock and disbelief.
"Umm…yeah, I guess I am,….. what happened?"
"That worthless mutt Kiba stabbed you from behind and killed you dobe." Sauke answered, as he helped Naruto to his feet.
Both of them turned to gaze at Kiba who glared at both of them, before using his last remaining strength spat with bile and rage.
"Damn you both, I'll see you in Hell!"
"You first dog-boy!" Sasuke spat in insult, as they watched Kiba take his final breath.
It was then that Sasuke's words finally registered in Naruto's head and he exclaimed in confusion.
"Wait…..what do you mean I was dead teme?"
However, before Naruto could get an answer, he was suddenly gang tackled by Nelliel, Ino, and Yugito. All three of them crying tears of joy of Naruto being alive, as they hugged, kissed, and berated the blonde jinchuuriki.
"You baka, if you ever pull something like that again I'll never forgive you and neither will Hinata!" Ino exclaimed in-between her kisses.
"Don't you ever thcare me like that again Papa-Naru, you almost broke your promith to me!" Nel cried in admonishment of her adoptive father.
"I can't believe you're alive!" Yugito declared in happiness.
'Did I really die?' Naruto thought to himself.
"It's true kit, you died, in fact we both died when that wretched mutt on the ground impaled us from behind with a zanpaktou." Kurama's voice echoed in his mind.
"I thought that was some sort of weird dream Kurama, you mean that really happened?"
"It happened, we died, but I have no idea how we are now alive again."
After Naruto got the three ladies currently glomming him calmed down, he turned to Sasuke who had been watching Naruto with amusement and asked.
"Sasuke, if I died, than how am I still alive?" Naruto questioned in puzzlement.
Sasuke's head dropped in sadness upon hearing Naruto's question, before he lifted it slightly and turned to gaze towards Sakura. Naruto followed his friend's gaze until it fell upon his former sensei still cradling Sakura to his chest. Naruto's eyes grew wide in shock and he rushed over to them.
"Kakashi-sensei, what's wrong with Sakura-chan? Why are you crying?"
"I'm, I'm sorry Naruto." Kakashi replied, as he wiped the tears out of his lone visible eye, before adding.
"I'm sorry, but Sakura is gone, she, she's dead."
"D-dead, she can't be dead…h-how?"
"She used the Kishou Tensi jutsu to revive you."
A visage of horror spread across Naruto's face, as he stammered.
"You, you mean the jutsu old lady Chiyo used on Gaara!"
"Yes, that jutsu.
Naruto knelt down and took Sakura hand, while his head dropped low in grief.
"Kakashi, what is this Kishou Tensi jutsu?"
"Kishou Tensi jutsu is a secret forbidden Kinjutsu developed by Lady Chiyo of Suna Kurenai. It's a technique that requires its user to transfer their life in exchange for one who is already dead.
A collective gasp was released by all of the Leaf shinobi present, before Ino hesitantly asked.
"You, you mean forehe…I mean Sakura gave her li….."
"Yes, when someone uses this technique the user will find certain death in exchange for the soul of the deceased. In essence, Sakura willingly gave her entire life force to Naruto, so that he could live once again."
"I-I don't understand, I thought old lady Chiyo was the only one who knew how to use that jutsu?" Naruto openly asked in a choked voice.
"Sakura was always a smart girl, too smart for her own damn good. I can only guess she learned how to use the jutsu by observing Lady Chiyo utilize it on Gaara." Kakashi answered in a sad and bitter voice.
It was at that moment Sakura's spirit appeared on the battlefield, she looked around a moment, before she noticed a strange chain protruding from her chest. She gazed with confusion, as she followed the direction of the links, before abruptly she saw that the chain was severed. When Sakura looked up she saw the direction the chain was coming from led to the sight of all of her friends and the Shinigami standing around something. Sakura began to walk forward to see what they were staring at, when her breath hitched in her throat, as she saw her body being held by Kakashi with Naruto holding her hand. As she got closer, she noticed many people were weeping and Sakura called out.
"Hey everyone, I'm over here!"
"They can't hear or see you young lady." A voice said behind her startling the pink-haired kunoichi.
Whirling around, Sakura found herself facing the shinigami commander Yamamoto, before she stammered in query.
"Wh-what do you mean they can't hear me or see me, you can hear and see me?"
"Your friends and comrades of the human world can't see you or hear you, because you no longer reside in that realm."
"I, I don't understand what you mean?"
"I mean Sakura is that you died in the human world and have now passed on into the spirit realm and only a shinigami can see and hear you now. I know this comes as a shock to you and everything seems a bit confusing, but your most recent memory should return shortly."
As if on cue, Sakura started to remember…..everything and of the choice she made to save Naruto.
"I understand now Yamamoto-san, but what is this strange chain attached to me?"
"That is what we call the Chain of Fate and it connects the soul to its living body. When this chain is severed such as yours, the soul can no longer return to its body and live."
"So what happens now?"
Well, you can move about freely if the chain is broken, but this also causes the chain to slowly corrode. So a shinigami needs to perform the ritual called Konso to send you to the Soul Society, before this corrosion becomes significant."
"What happens if the corrosion becomes significant?"
"If the Chain of Fate is corroded entirely, you will become a Hollow." Yamamoto ominously answered.
"What's a Hollow?"
"A Hollow is a creature born from a human soul, who for various reasons, did not cross over to Soul Society after their death and stayed in the human world for too long. They are corrupt spirits with supernatural powers, which become devourer of souls from both living and deceased humans."
"But why do they turn into such creatures?"
Yamamoto exhaled a sigh, before he grimly replied.
"The majority of souls peacefully move onto the Soul Society after their deaths. However, some stay in the living world to fulfill certain goals, such as looking after a loved one, protecting a particular location, or pursuing a grudge from beyond the grave. However, with only limited abilities to interact with the living, and by definition tied to their goals, many souls find they are unable to cope when their loved ones move on or old enemies forget them. At this point, some will become dangerously obsessed with fulfilling those goals, even if the means to fulfill them renders the soul empty: for example, killing anyone who comes near a loved one in order to keep them from hurting that person. In doing so, the soul warps into a Hollow and ironically, often makes the focus of their obsession into their first victim."
"And the only way to prevent this from happening is for a shinigami to perform this Konso ritual?"
"Yes, if a shinigami gives the soul a soul burial it will not turn into a Hollow, but instead be sent to the Soul Society to dwell until they are reincarnated into the Human World."
Sakura pondered intently about what Yamamoto had just explained to her, before she finally turned her head towards the imposing shinigami and declared.
"I don't want to turn into one of these Hollow monsters. And it's possible I could lose my heart to despair or regret at watching Naruto-kun move on and forget about me. He was starting to do that when I was alive, not that I blame him for it. So it's best for me to move on."
Sakura then took a deep breath, before she nervously stammered.
"Com-Commander Yamamoto, would you do me the honor of performing this Konso ritual on me?"
"The honor would not be yours but mine young Sakura. You made the ultimate and most honorable act one can make in sacrificing yourself to save another. So it is I who is honored that you would request me to perform your Soul Burial. However before I do, I think your comrades wish to say goodbye to you."
"I'm not sure I could face them…..especially Naruto-kun. I love him, but I don't know what to say to him after learning just how badly I've hurt him the past few years."
"Well if you love him as you say, then do not cause him anymore pain by denying him the chance to say goodbye to you."
Sakura took a moment, before she nodded her head in understanding, as she and Yamamoto began walking towards the others.
As everyone stood around Naruto, Kakashi, and Sakura, it was Yoruichi who noticed Yamamoto approaching them and announced.
"Hey it's the old man and he's brought Sakura's spirit with him."
This got all of the Leaf shinobi's immediate attention, before Ino commented.
"What are you talking about, I don't see Sakura anywhere?"
"Remember what we told you earlier, only a shinigami can see and hear someone who has died in the human world and have now passed on into the spirit realm, as Sakura has. You might not be able to see her, but I assure you she is here."
"Correct Shunsui and before I perform the Konso ritual on Sakura, as I was going to do with Naruto's spirit. All of you have a chance to say your final words and goodbye's to her in private and we will relay her responses back to you. Momo Hinamori, would you do the honors of the translation and voice for Sakura."
"Hai, Commander Yamamoto." Momo replied, while bowing her head in respect to the shinigami commander.
The young shinigami then turned her attention to the Leaf shinobi and asked.
"Which of you would like to go first to speak to Sakura-san?"
Everyone began to look around at one another, before Kurenai stepped forward and she and Momo walked a short distance away. Upon arriving at a safe distance from any earshot, the Genjutsu Mistress hesitantly asked.
"What, what do I do?"
"Just speak Lady Kurenai, Sakura can hear you she just won't be able to respond to you with her own voice, as I will speak for her.
"Sakura, you and I were never close and I feel regret for that. However, I just wanted to say that I'm proud of you for saving Naruto's life. The sacrifice you made honors you both as a kunoichi and a woman. Too often praise is always given to a man who has made the same sacrifice, while women who make it are forgotten about. I swear I will not let that happen with you Sakura." Kurenai declared, before bowing in respect.
"Thank you Kurenai-sensei. I too regret that we never became close during my life, as I always admired and respected you. You always upheld and maintained the finest qualities of being not only a kunoichi, but also a woman of impeccable reputation. I can see why Hinata also holds those very traits with you as her teacher and friend how could she not. Thank you for your kind words Kurenai-sensei."
As Kurenai walked away to let someone else speak, it was Yugito who stepped forward surprising many people including Sakura, as the Kumo kunoichi approached and spoke.
"Sakura-san, you and I don't know one another, but I still felt I needed to thank you for saving Naruto-kun. He has become….important to me and the thought of losing him is just…just…..thank you Sakura-san."
"You care a great deal for Naruto-kun don't you." Momo said repeating Sakura's words.
"I, I do care for him, but I'm confused about my feelings. I don't understand how someone in such a short amount of time can become such an important and integral person in my life. Especially after I vowed to myself not to let that happen after what I've suffered the past several years."
"I understand your confusion Yugito-san, I too suffered from it, but for different reasons. All I can say is don't doubt your feelings for Naruto. He has that special ability even when we were kids that people are drawn to him. And if Naruto-kun expresses his feelings for you...accept them, you won't regret it. His feelings are always true and if you're lucky enough to gain his love, I promise you it's genuine."
"Th-thank you Sakura-san." Yugito said with a bow of respect, before returning to the others, passing Ino on her way.
As Ino approached Momo, she wrung her hands nervously, as she wasn't sure what she wanted to say to Sakura, but knew something had to be said between the two former best friends.
"H-hey Sakura." Ino sheepishly offered in greeting.
"H-hey Ino." Sakura stammered in reply, as she was just as nervous as the blonde kunoichi.
Ino and Momo stood across from one another in uncomfortable silence for a couple of minutes, before Ino finally broke down and said.
"Damn you Sakura! Why did you have to go and do something like this for? Just when I finally think I've got how I feel about you settled. You go and do something so unbelievably selfless and noble that now I'm all screwed up about how I feel about you again."
"I'm sorry about that, but don't let this one act affect you so much. I know you love Naruto-kun, so just think of all of the pain and heartache I've caused him in his life, then you can go back to hating me...I deserve it."
Another minute of uneasy silence went by, before Ino declared.
"I never hated you, I was just so angry with you, but I didn't hate you. How could I? I would be a total hypocrite if I hated you for hurting Naruto-kun. I hurt him badly as well or did you forget about that."
"I remember. Kami what a couple of stupid and foolish girls we ended up being. First we fight over Sasuke when we were younger and it costs us our friendship. And what's so sad is the boy we should have been fighting over was there all along, but we were just too blind to see him."
"Hinata wasn't too blind back then." Ino pointed out.
"No she wasn't. It's funny that the shy girl who always stayed quiet and in the background ended up being the smartest and the best out of all the girls back then."
"I'll let her know you said that."
"I'd like that and if you could please let her know that I'm happy Kami is giving her a second chance with Naruto-kun. I know Hinata has always truly loved him and he deserves to have someone like that in his life."
"She deserves it too after the life she has had to endure. First from her clan and then from that bastard Kiba!"
"What about you Ino has Naruto-kun forgiven you?"
"Hai he did, I don't why considering how badly I hurt him, but he did. So he, Hinata and I are going to give it a try to make it work."
"All three of you...together, how did that happen?" Sakura exclaimed in surprise, which Momo conveyed to Ino.
"It's, it's complicated and it probably won't be easy for us, but were still going to try."
"I wish you good luck and I guess congratulations on Kami giving you a second chance with Naruto-kun as well. I have to say I'm envious at the second chances Kami blessed you and Hinata with. I wish I could have gotten one, but I understand why I didn't. My sins against him were much too severe and too numerous."
"Don't say that, I'm sure Naruto-kun would have forgiven you in time as well."
"Perhaps, but I know even if he did, I don't deserve it."
"Is that why you did what you did? Were you looking for some sort of penance or redemption?"
"No! I did what I did because it was the only way to save Naruto-kun. He's too important to too many people and the world needs a living Naruto more than it needs a living Sakura in it!"
"The world needs both of you Sakura!" Ino snapped with frustration, as tears began to roll down her cheeks.
"Thank you for saying that, believe me I wish there was another way I could have saved Naruto-kun without forfeiting my own life, but there wasn't. So I chose the only option I had to save him and I'm ok with it."
"Well the rest of us aren't ok with it and I'm positive Naruto-kun isn't going to be ok with it either."
"I'm sorry Ino, but what's done is done and I don't regret my decision at all if it means Naruto-kun continues to live."
Ino brought her hand up to wipe away the tears in eyes, before she said with sincerity.
"Th-thank you for saving him, I just wish there could have been another way."
"I know, but at least we got a chance to say goodbye to one another. You were a great friend to me Ino in my life, the best I could have ever hoped for. I'm sorry I stupidly threw that friendship away over a boy I thought loved."
"I'm sorry too Sakura, maybe if I had fought harder for that friendship and not let my rivalry with you for that same boy cloud my judgment we could have..." Ino replied, as she struggled to find the right words, before Sakura said.
"I know what you're trying to say and it's alright, I feel the same way. Goodbye Ino and take care of yourself and live a long and happy life."
"Goodbye Sakura, you take care as well and I'll see on the other side one day."
"I look forward to it. Oh, and one more thing. Don't blow this second chance with Naruto-kun. Because if you do and I find out you've hurt him again. I'm going to come back and haunt your ass to your dying day pig! You got that?"
Ino cracked a small smile, before she replied.
"Yeah I got it billow-board brow. Don't worry, I'm not going to blow it again, I promise."
Ino gave a small sad wave towards Momo, before she walked back to where her friends and comrades were waiting. When she arrived it was quite evident to those who knew her that Ino had been crying. This surprised many of them considering the animosity she and Sakura had exhibited towards one another the past few years. However, upon reflection it was good that the two former best friends left on amicable terms. Kakashi and Sasuke looked at one another to see who wanted to go next to say goodbye to Sakura. It was obvious to the silver-haired Jounin that his former student was not quite ready yet to speak to Sakura. He put his hand on Sasuke's shoulder and patted it, before he strode over to where Momo was waiting.
"So you say Sakura's spirit is right here?" Kakashi asked in query to Momo.
"Yes, I promise you, she is standing right next to me."
"But I won't be able to touch her."
"That's correct."
"That's disappointing."
"Why do you want to be able to touch me Kakashi-sensei?" Momo asked, speaking for Sakura.
"Because I'd like to put you over my knee and spank the living hell out you for pulling such an irresponsible stunt as this!" Kakashi angrily replied.
"You don't mean that."
"The hell I don't!"
I'm sorry Kakashi-sensei, but you wouldn't spank me for two reasons. One, I'm much too old to be spanked and if you tried I'd bring you up sexual assault charges with Lady Tsunade."
"They wouldn't stick, not when Lady Tsunade learned of the reason behind it. She will probably want to tan your hide as well because of what you have done."
"Perhaps, but that brings me to my second reason why you wouldn't spank me."
"And what's that Sakura?"
"Those who break the rules are trash, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash."
"Damn it!" Kakashi cursed under his breath at having his own words used against him.
"Kakashi-sensei, I know you're hurting over what I did, but I didn't have any other choice, if Naruto-kun was to live again."
"There should have been another way."
"I also wish there was another way I could have saved Naruto-kun without forfeiting my own life, but there wasn't. And like I told Ino, I chose the only option I had to save him and I'm ok with it sensei."
"Sensei, why do you even bother to call me that Sakura? I was a terrible teacher to both you and Naruto growing up."
"You were a great teacher."
"Stop lying Sakura! I was the worst teacher, because I favored Sasuke out of some blind rationalization that I needed to to honor my late teammate Obito. And in doing so I neglected both you and Naruto and that is unforgivable to me."
"I forgive you Kakashi-sensei, can you forgive me?"
"I don't deserve your forgiveness, but thank you. And yes I do forgive you, how can I not? The sacrifice you made today is the same Obito made for me many years ago. However, while I may forgive you, I'm not sure Naruto is going to?"
"I know, but perhaps that's what I deserve. I've committed a lot of sins against Naruto-kun in my life, too many for him to forgive me for. But if Kami deems it necessary for me to leave this world without his forgiveness, then that's how it will be and I understand."
After a minute of soulful silence between the silver-haired Jounin and his former kunoichi pupil, Kakashi spoke up and said.
"I guess there's really nothing left to say other than goodbye Sakura. Please know that I will miss you for the rest of my life."
"Goodbye Kakashi-sensei and thank you. I will miss you as well and pray that one day Kami will grant us the good fortune of seeing each other again in the afterlife."
"I shall hope and pray for that as well." Kakashi replied with sincerity, before he turned away to walk back to where his fellow Leaf shinobi waited for his return.
When Kakashi arrived Kurenai slipped her hand into his own to give comfort to him, while he nodded his head to Sasuke. The Uchiha inhaled and exhaled a deep breath, before he marched towards Momo. Upon reaching the young shinigami, he flashed a pleasant smile, which caused Momo to blush a bit.
"Is Sakura here Momo?"
"Hai Sasuke, she is standing here next to me." Momo indicated to her right.
Sasuke stared at the empty air, before he finally said.
"Hello Sakura."
"He-hello Sasuke-kun."
"Hmph, you still call me Sasuke-kun, even after we broke up." Sasuke stated in a mirthless chuckle.
"I guess old habits die hard Sasuke-ku…Sasuke."
An uneasy silence enveloped the former betrothed couple, as both Sasuke and Sakura struggled to find the words they wanted to say. It was Sasuke who found his voice first and asked.
"I just want to know one thing Sakura…..why?"
"I don't understand, why what?"
"Why did you start up a relationship with me five years ago, when you knew I wasn't the one you truly loved? From everything I've learned you were happy with Naruto before I returned. Why would you throw that away, especially when you knew how much he loved you?"
Sakura exhaled a regretful sigh, before she spoke with sadness.
"I wish I had an acceptable answer to give you, but I don't. I was a fool to throw away what I had with Naruto-kun when you returned, but at the time I really thought you were the one that I loved Sasuke."
"I don't understand Sakura, were you not happy with Naruto?"
"I was happy, I just didn't realize how much at the time. You have understand Sasuke, since I was young I always believed that you were the one that I loved. And when you left, I was devastated for such a long time."
"I'm sorry you were so hurt by me leaving, but honestly you shouldn't have been. I never returned any of your affections back then. I would have thought me knocking you out and leaving you on that bench would have finally gotten that point across."
"It should have, but it didn't. That's how strong my love or what I thought was love I held for you was."
"What about Naruto?"
"Back then, I always thought that Naruto's love for me was superficial. He never denied his feelings for me and because Naruto always proudly proclaimed his love of me so openly and without reservation, I believed he couldn't be serious."
"Then why did you start a relationship with him if you felt that way?"
"Well our friendship did grow stronger when he returned from his training and with both of you being gone I had grown….lonely."
"So you started dating the dobe for three years out of loneliness, even though you still felt that I was the one you were in love with. That's pretty messed up Sakura to do that to him."
"I already know that Sasuke! At the time it wasn't my intention to date Naruto for that long. As I said I thought his feelings for me was just a crush that he would grow out of after a while. He would see after a few weeks of going out that I wasn't the one for him. However, we got along so well that a few weeks became a few months and in the blink of an eye three years had gone by and then you…...returned."
"That doesn't explain why you would instantly dump Naruto someone you admit you were happy with for me?"
"There is no rational explanation for me doing that. During that week you were in the hospital after Naruto had brought you back, I could tell you had changed. The way you spoke and acted around me was different than how you used to treat me before you left. You were so nice and caring and open, everything I had always envisioned you to be. So that day in the hospital room, when you asked me to become you're girlfriend, it was my dream coming true that I had held onto for so long. That's why I lied to you about my relationship with Naruto. My lifelong fantasy of a life with you had become real and I truly believed you were the one I loved. That was my justification for lying to you, but that justification I had created was false and it's only result was me lying to myself all this time."
A pall of silence fell upon the two former teammates, before Sakura asked a heartfelt question.
"Can I ask you a question Sasuke and please be honest with me."
"What's the question?"
"While we were together, were you happy?"
Sasuke stiffened a bit and his brow creased in thought, as he contemplated how to answer Sakura's question, before he finally said.
"Honestly, it's been such a long time since I last experienced happy, I'm not sure what happy is anymore. But I was…..content when I was with you Sakura."
"I thought so, because eventually as are relationship moved forward, that's also how I began to feel as well. And when I finally realized that, I knew a romantic relationship should be based on love and happiness, not contentment with another. I also finally admitted to myself that the last time I felt truly happy was when I was with Naruto-kun."
"Can I ask you a question Sakura and please be honest with me."
"Hai Sasuke."
"Why was it that Naruto made you happy, where I couldn't?"
"I didn't realize it at the time when I was with Naruto-kun, but the love and affection he showered upon me not only brought me joy, but also gave me a sense of safety and self-confidence in myself. Knowing that no matter how many I got knocked down in some way in my life. Naruto-kun would always be there to put me on a pedestal and lift my spirits. Sadly, by the time I had realized how important Naruto-kun was to me and held such a deep and tender spot in my heart, I had already lost him."
"Well thanks for being honest with me Sakura; I think I understand you a lot better now and why you did what you did."
"Sasuke please don't misunderstand or think that I hold no love for you in my heart, because I do."
"It's just a different kind of love than what you feel for the dobe." Sasuke stoically commented.
"Yes." Sakura solemnly answered, before she added.
"Sasuke, I'm sorry for any pain I caused you, but please promise me something. Don't give up on finding true love and happiness with someone. I know there is someone special out there who you can love and be happy with and who in return will love you the same way I feel for Naruto-kun."
"I've been considering what you just said already." Sasuke remarked, as his eyes glanced momentarily towards Momo, before he then declared.
"I promise you Sakura, I won't give up."
"Thank you Sasuke and even though were no longer together, I will miss you."
"I'll miss you too and perhaps one day Kami will be kind and allow us to reunite once more." Sasuke replied with sincerity, before he turned to go get the last and most important person Sakura needed to say her final goodbye to.
When Naruto saw Sasuke walking back, he strode forward with a determined look upon his face. As he met Sasuke midway, the Uchiha stopped him and said.
"Naruto, I'm not going to tell you how you should feel about Sakura and you can tell me to go to hell if you want. All I want to say is Sakura has changed; she's no longer the same girl who hurt you so badly five years ago."
Sasuke then resumed his trek back to the others, while Naruto resumed walking towards Momo. When he arrived he exhaled a deep breath and waited. After a moment, Sakura tentatively said, which Momo conveyed.
"H-hi Naruto-ku…..Naruto."
However, Sakura did not receive a greeting, but rather a harsh question voiced by Naruto in a choked voice.
"Damn you Sakura, why did you do this?"
"I'm, I'm sorry."
"I don't want your damn apologies, answer my question! Why did you use that forbidden jutsu and sacrifice your life to save me? I didn't ask you to do that and I never wanted it!"
"I, I used that jutsu, because it was the only way I could save your life."
"That still doesn't answer why?"
"I did it because you're too important to too many people and the world."
"I'm not so important at the cost of your own life!"
"Yes you are."
"Damn it, no I'm not!"
"Damn it, yes you are! You may not realize it, but you've always had a unique ability to touch people's hearts and minds. The lives you touch after meeting you always makes that person want to strive to achieve great things. You inspire them to change for the better. That's a special gift and you have many more lives to bestow it upon in your life. And the truth is the world needs a living Naruto, more than it needs a living Sakura in it."
Naruto was stunned by this response and didn't know how to respond. After a few seconds, he remarked in frustration.
"You're important to Sakura-chan."
Sakura's heart fluttered a bit, when she heard Naruto address her with the affectionate suffix 'chan' attached to her name that she hadn't heard from him in a long time, before she commented.
"Thank you for thinking that of me Naruto-kun, but in the grand scheme of things I'm not as important or needed as you are to live."
"That wasn't your decision to make! I don't want your life sacrificed for me!" Naruto shouted, infuriated by Sakura's reply.
"Maybe it wasn't my decision to make, but I did and I don't regret it at all."
"Why?"
"Be-because I love you." Sakura softly declared.
"Wh-what did you say?" Naruto stammered in shock.
"I said I love you Naruto-kun. I know that's hard for you to believe considering how badly I hurt you and I wouldn't blame you for doubting what I say. But I swear to Kami I'm telling you the truth. I love you and have for a long time. I was just too stupid to admit it to myself and because it, I ended up losing the greatest thing I ever had in my life."
A pall of eerie silence fell upon them and Sakura waited nervously for Naruto's response. After a minute, the blonde shinobi finally did and sadly asked the question Sakura dreaded.
"If you love me, then why did you leave me for Sasuke?"
"Naruto-kun, I can't give you a rational or logical explanation of why I did that. If I could go back in time to stop myself from doing it I would. Not only because it cost me the greatest guy in the world and a chance to be truly happy, but also because of how much I hurt you, which you never deserved. Looking back on it now, all I can say is I spent so much of life focusing on having a life with Sasuke, that I didn't see what I already had. And when he came back and asked me to be his girlfriend, I lost all sense, because everything I had hoped and dreamed about what I wanted in my life with someone I loved, I already had with you. The sad truth is I let my childish fantasy that I had about Sasuke convince me that he was the one I truly loved. And because of that, I ended up losing the one person who was the most important to me and that I did truly love in you Naruto-kun."
Naruto stood silent and unmoving, as he pondered what Sakura had just said, before she added with regret and remorse.
"I know it probably means little to you now and it seems hollow even to me, but I don't know what else I can say, but I'm sorry Naruto-kun. I deeply regret and never meant to hurt you the way I did. I don't blame you if you've hated me since then, because truthfully, I've hated myself for doing what I did to you. I won't ask for your forgiveness, I know I don't deserve it. All I can do is pray to Kami that perhaps one day when you think of me, if you think of me, your thoughts will be of the good times we shared and not the pain I caused you Naruto-kun."
"I forgive you Sakura-chan." Naruto softly said.
"Wh-what did you say?" Sakura stammered, as she fell to her knees.
"I said I forgive you."
"Wh-why? How can say such a thing after how much I've hurt you?" Sakura asked in utter disbelief and confusion with tears welling in her eyes.
"I forgive you because a small part of me will always love you Sakura-chan. You were the first girl to acknowledge me and treat me with kindness and friendship. Granted, that changed when Sasuke entered the picture, before and sadly after he returned. But I still have some fond memories of us when we were little kids and then when we were together, so I thank you for those."
"You foolish baka, how can you be so kind to forgive me? I don't deserve it at all!" Sakura exclaimed in guilty frustration, still on her knees and wrapping her arms around herself, as tears fell down her face.
"Maybe, but that's not your decision to make, but mine and I don't regret it at all." Naruto replied, mimicking Sakura's own words about the decision she made to save his life at the cost of her own.
After a couple minutes of crying over Naruto's benevolence and compassion he was giving her. Sakura finally began to calm down and wiping the tears from her eyes looked up at Naruto.
"Th-thank you for the kindness you've shown me." Sakura tenderly said, before she hesitantly asked with as much hope, as she could pray to Kami for.
"Naruto-kun, I know you don't feel this way anymore, but do you think there might come a day where you can love me once more, as you did when we were together?"
"If Kami is benevolent enough to reunite you and I in his kingdom, I believe that day could perhaps come."
"I pray that it will Naruto-kun and know that I will wait for that day and for you for all of eternity if I have too." Sakura declared with love and sincerity.
"Thank you for saving my life Sakura-chan, I wish you hadn't made the sacrifice you did, but there's nothing I can do to change it can I?"
"What's done is done; all that is left is for Yamamoto-sama to perform this Konso ritual to send my soul to the afterlife."
"Kit, before you say your final goodbye, would you please convey to the young woman my thanks and gratitude for her sacrifice, as it not only saved your life, but mine as well." Kuruma expressed to his container.
"I didn't think you liked Sakura-chan Kurama."
"To be honest, I never have considering the pain she has caused you kit, but it would be dishonorable of me not to communicate my gratitude for what she did."
"Sakura-chan, Kurama also wants to thank you for saving his life as well."
"Kurama, who is Kurama?"
"That's the true name of the Kyuubi no Youko."
"Is that a good thing that I saved the nine-tailed demon fox?" Sakura questioned in curiosity.
"Grrrrrrrrrr…." Kurama growled inside Naruto's mind.
"Yeah, it's a good thing, I promise." Naruto chuckled in response, before the realization that he was about to bid farewell to Sakura hit him hard, as he stated in a pained voice.
"I don't want to say goodbye to you."
"I don't want to say goodbye to you either, so why don't we just say until we meet again." Sakura remarked in an equally pained tone of voice.
"O-Ok,…until we meet again Sakura-chan."
With nothing left to say, Naruto, Momo, and Sakura made their way back towards all of their comrades.
When Naruto and Momo arrived with Sakura in tow, the blonde shinobi knelt down and lifted Nel into his arms and hugged the young girl tightly. Both Ino and Yugito wrapped their arms around Naruto to comfort and support him, as Yamamoto announced.
"Per Sakura's request, I will now perform the Konso ritual, which will free Sakura's spirit from this realm and send her to the Soul Society."
Yamamoto then took a knee, but still being the imposing figure he is could still look Sakura in the eyes, as he instructed the young kunoichi.
"Sakura, when you arrive at the Soul Society, I want you to seek out a shinigami by the name of Retsu Unohana. She is the Soul Society's most skilled healer and I believe you could learn much from her. Tell Captain Unohana it is my recommendation that she train you and induct you into the Fourth Division of the Gotei 13."
"I shall seek her out Yamamoto-sama, but will she believe me?"
"She will if you say one word, which only she and I know about." Yamamoto answered, before he leaned in and whispered in Sakura's ear.
"Kenpachi"
Sakura nodded her head in understanding, before she closed her eyes and waited for the Head Captain to administer the Konso ritual. Yamamoto stood up and stepped back, before he brought his wooden staff forward and pointed it at Sakura. Instantly, the wood began peeling off, revealing its true form of a standard katana. The Gotei 13 Commander then brought the hilt of his Zanpakuto forward and tapped the soul on Sakura's forehead. There was a small flash of light and everyone including the Konoha shinobi caught a brief flash of Sakura's image, before she was transported into the afterlife and the Soul Society.
A sad pall of mournful silence enveloped everyone, punctuated by only the brief sob of one of Sakura's comrades. After a few minutes, it was Shunsui who cleared his throat and declared with conviction.
"It is always a sad day when a comrade and a friend passes on into the afterlife. However, they are never truly gone if you keep the memory and the love you held for that person in your mind and your heart. And the sacrifice Sakura made I can think of nothing nobler than for someone to willingly give their life to save a comrade and friend that they cared for."
Everyone took Shunsui's words to heart, before Yamamoto affirmed his student.
"Well said Shunsui."
A moment later Hinata arrived onto the battlefield, flanked by Princess Koyuki along with a few of her soldiers and Daisuke with several of his own. When Hinata saw Naruto and the blood-stained shirt he wore, she feared he was seriously injured and cried out, as she rushed forward.
"NARU-KUN!"
When the Hyuga girl reached him, she frantically searched for a wound on Naruto, before he was able to stop her and said.
"I'm ok Hina-chan, I'm not hurt."
"But, but all this blood on you?" Hinata stammered in confusion.
"I won't lie to you, I was fatally hurt, but Sakura-chan was able to save me."
"Sak-Sakura saved you?" Hinata asked, before she looked around and then saw Sakura's body lying on the ground silent and unmoving and she gasped in shock, as she stepped towards her to help the pink-haired kunoichi.
"It's too late my hime, you can't help Sakura-chan, she's gone." Naruto said in a sad voice, as he caught Hinata's arm to stop her.
"I, I don't understand, what's going on Naru-kun, what happened?"
"Come with me, I'll explain everything." Naruto solemnly said, as he and Hinata walked away from the others to talk.
When Naruto and Hinata returned a short time later, the Hyuga girl was softly weeping. It was true that she and Sakura were never close, but she still felt sympathy for her and was eternally grateful that in sacrificing her life, she had saved her beloved Naruto. Upon their return, they noticed Yugito propped up against a tree holding a sleeping Nel within her arms. Both Naruto and Hinata smiled at this sight, before she excused herself and both she and Ino began to prepare Sakura's body for transport back to the Leaf village. As this was going on, Kakashi, along with Kurenai, Sasuke, and Naruto were in deep conversation about Kiba.
"We have a situation here people. Lady Tsunade tasked both myself and Kurenai to bring all of you back to the village safe and unharmed. We've already failed that mission considering what has happened. But now were faced with a bigger issue with regards to Kiba." Kakashi lamented in concern.
"What issue are you talking about?" Sasuke questioned.
"The situation that your attack on Kiba and to a lesser extent Ino's attack as well resulted in Kiba's death could have serious ramifications back in the village, if we bring his body back. It would take the Leaf village Coroner no time at all to figure out that it was a Chidori that mortally wounded Kiba. Upon this discovery, Lady Tsunade would be required to have all of us undergo mind-sweep from a Yamanaka in the Anbu Interrogation and Torture division to learn the truth about everything. And if the truth is revealed, it could cause a clan war within the village of the Inuzuka clan wanting retribution for the murder of the heir of the clan."
"I don't understand, who would Inuzuka clan go to war with? I mean the teme is the last of his clan."
"It's not simple Naruto, if the Inuzuka clan declared war on Sasuke, Lady Tsunade would have to intervene to protect him, pitting the Inuzuka's against the village. Not to mention if they also declare war against the Yamanaka clan for what Ino did. If that were to happen it would draw in all of the other clans due to the various treaties each clan has with another. In short, a full blown civil war could erupt in the Leaf village, if the circumstances of Kiba's death are made public."
"There's an easy enough solution, just bury the mutt here." Sasuke callously remarked.
"Watch your mouth Uchiha. Kiba may have fallen the past few years, but he wasn't always like this and was once an honorable shinobi of the Leaf village. We cannot leave Kiba's body here; the Inuzuka clan and Tsume Inuzuka in particular deserve to be able to mourn for Kiba."
"I agree with Kurenai-sensei, it would cause Tsume and Hana great pain of not being able to mourn for Kiba without some physical representation of him to do so." Hinata stated, as she and Ino joined the others.
"Hina-hime are you sure, I mean after everything that bastard put you through the past three years?" Naruto expressed in disbelief.
"I'm sure Naruto, please don't misunderstand me, it's true I've hated Kiba for the past three years. But at one time he was a valued friend and teammate to me. More important than that is while I've hated Kiba the past three years, I've also grown close to Tsume and Hana and many members of the Inuzuka clan. And as Kurenai-sensei said they all deserve to be able to mourn for Kiba."
"Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear the dilemma you face with your former comrades death and I believe I have a solution." Yamamoto offered to them.
"What is your solution Yamamoto-san?"
"If I understand your problem correctly young Naruto, you cannot return the body of your former comrade back to your village due to the circumstances around his death. For if you were, it could potentially lead to unrest within your homeland and potentially more deaths in the future. Is that correct?"
"Yes Yamamoto-san; that is the situation we now face." Kakashi contritely answered.
"Then I suggest you return your comrades body in a different form than what it is currently in."
"What do you mean a different form?"
"I mean let the cleansing power of fire transmute your comrade and allow his body to flow to the heavens."
"You want us to cremate Kiba!" Kurenai exclaimed in surprise.
"It does solve the problem of destroying the physical evidence of Kiba's true demise, but we still have the issue of all of us possibly being submitted to undergo a mind-sweep." Kakashi openly commented.
"I can plant a false memory in all of us of Kiba dying a hero's death." Ino suggested to everyone.
"Will your false memory be strong enough to withstand a Yamanaka mind-sweep?"
"Yes Kakashi-sensei, I'm the strongest Yamanaka next to my father in terms of our mental abilities. I believe only he in my clan would be able to perceive my false-memory."
"Well, unless someone can come up with anything better, I'd say this is the best plan to go with."
Everyone nodded their head in agreement with the silver-haired Jounin, before Ino stated with a little concern.
"We do have one problem; I cannot plant a false–memory within myself."
"Well that just blows the plan all to hell then." Sasuke openly groused.
"Not necessarily, I can request that my father be the one to mind-sweep me."
"What good will that do?"
"I believe once my father sees this memory of what were are discussing right now, he will realize the situation we were faced with and act accordingly to protect us."
"So we're just supposed to go on blind faith that your dad will ignore his duty and not turn us in?"
"What other choice do we have Sasuke? I know it's a risk, but I have faith that my father will understand the ramifications of what may happen not only to us, but the entire village if he were to reveal the truth to everyone."
All the Leaf shinobi contemplated deeply what Ino had just said, before Hinata spoke up first surprising all of them and said.
"I believe it is a risk worth taking. Inoichi-san is a kind and honorable man and I believe Ino is correct when she says he will keep the truth to himself in order to protect not only all of us, but the entire Leaf village. And as Ino pointed out, what other choice do we have?"
"So, do we all agree to this plan?" Kakashi asked.
Everybody one by one nodded their head in agreement.
"Ok, I guess our first task is to get Kiba ready for his cremation."
"I will prepare him."
"I will help you, Kurenai-sensei."
"Are you sure Hinata?"
"Kiba was once our friend and teammate, that is how I wish to remember him."
"I'll help you guys too." Ino offered, as all three women began walking towards Kiba's body.
"Sasuke and I will dig and prepare a small grave for his cremation." Kakashi solemnly stated, as he and Sasuke walked away, leaving only Naruto and Gotei 13 Commander.
"Yamamoto-san, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course you may."
"How come you or one of the other shinigami didn't perform the Konso ritual on Kiba like you did with Sakura-chan?"
"We couldn't perform the Konso ritual on your former comrade because his spirit wasn't available to us to do so."
"I don't understand?"
"I fear your comrade's soul had become so corrupt that upon his death he did not appear in the spiritual world as Sakura's did, but was transported to somewhere else."
"Where did his spirit go?"
"I believe his spirit might have been sent to a place we call Hueco Mundo."
"What is that?"
"Hueco Mundo is an evil dimension, which lies in-between the Human World and Soul Society."
"What's going to happen to Kiba there?"
"I don't know young Naruto, I honestly don't know?"
Naruto and Sasuke laid Kiba's body into the shallow grave and everyone was given an opportunity to say any parting words about him. Everyone did speak, although each of their laments was brief, as Kiba had changed so much the past few years, no one really knew him anymore. After everybody was done, Yamamoto stepped forward and tapped his wooden cane onto Kiba's chest. Instantly, Kiba's body erupted in flames and even though the Inuzuka heir probably didn't deserve it. Many of his former comrades and friends did watch with sadness, as Kiba was reduced to ashes.
When the cremation was done and the grave had cooled. Everyone turned to walk away save for Kakashi and Kurenai who stepped forward with an urn and knelt down to begin to collect Kiba's ashes. Kakashi also knelt down to help, before Kurenai stopped him and said.
"You don't have to help, Kiba was my student and it's my responsibility to do this for him and his family."
"I know I don't have to help, but I want to help. We both lost students today, so I know the pain you're feeling, as it's the same pain I'm enduring as well."
"Thank you Kakashi-kun."
When the two Leaf Jounin finished gathering up Kiba's remains, they walked together back to where all of the shinigami and their comrades were gathered.
"So what do we do now?" Naruto openly asked.
"I humbly ask Naruto that you gather all of your forces and you and all of your comrades here spend tonight as the honored guests of the Land of Spring. I wish to throw all of you a celebration, as a show of gratitude for freeing my people and my land. It will also give my people a chance to see, honor, and thank all the heroes who defeated Madara and the Akatsuki." Princess Koyuki cordially invited, while bowing to everyone in a show of respect and gratitude.
"Well I don't know about the rest of you, but I could use a little rest and relaxation." Shunsui lazily announced to everyone.
"I could use a bit of pampering myself." Yoruichi remarked in agreement, before she leaned over and kissed Shunsui on the cheek.
Naruto looked around at his Leaf village comrades and could see they were all tired and decided a bit of rest couldn't hurt, as he called out.
"Daisuke, gather all of our men and bring them to the palace for a celebration in their honor for our victory over the enemy."
"As you command Naruto-sama." The large axe wielding commander of Naruto's forces replied with a curt bow, before he and his men raced off to carryout Naruto's orders.
As everyone began their trek towards Koyuki castle, Naruto turned and asked Yamamoto a question.
"Yamamoto-san, I want to thank you for helping to defeat Madara and his Akatsuki followers, but what will you do now?"
"Hmm, I've been pondering that very question and after seeing the power you and your comrades displayed on the battlefield today. I believe all of you might be able to help myself and my shinigami brethren."
"How can we help?"
"I'll discuss it with you later after we've gotten settled young Naruto for we have much to discuss about your future and the future of some of your comrades as well."
Naruto wasn't sure what to make of the Gotei 13 commanders last statement, but he was too tired to give it much thought and would learn what it meant soon enough. Naruto then wrapped each of his arms around both Hinata and Ino's shoulders and walked with them towards the castle with both ladies resting their heads on his shoulder.
Author Note: Well I was wrong, there will be at least one more chapter to this tale. Now I know some of you might be upset that I had Naruto forgive Sakura. (I'm wondering if I'm going to have to take refuge in my fortified bunker?) But I mean come on, he's Naruto and his capacity to forgive is one of the things that sets him apart from all others. Also, I think Sakura's confessional to Naruto hopefully explained to a point why she made the irrational decision that she did when she betrayed him. She screwed up big-time, she knows it and because of it she pretty much lost everything. Plus she didn't end up joining Naruto's growing family and I know some of you were worried about that.
Anyway, that aside I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. It proved to be a difficult one for me to write, especially with all of the farewell's to Sakura. I tried to keep them fairly short with the longest one's being Ino's, Sasuke's, and Naruto's. As those were the three characters I felt Sakura needed to make peace with most before she moved on. Emotionally, it wasn't the most uplifting of chapters, but the title did sort of warn you of what the tone of the chapter was going to be. As for why I wasn't more cruel with Kiba's death my only defense is realism. I mean when you see someone kill a person you love or deeply care about. You're not going to stop and have a rational thought of how can I torture this person before I kill him? No you're probably going to react as Sasuke did and immediately try to kill the murderer of you're loved one. To my credit, I did throw in Ino gouging out an eyeball, you had to at least like that.
I do wish to thank everyone both old and new readers who took the time to review my last chapter. You all had a lot to say about it and I'm pleased that this story has such a strong fan base with readers who actually write out well thought-out reviews. Because of that, I enjoy reading many of your reviews, so please leave lots of them, as they do help a writer get a sense of the thoughts and opinions of the fans of a story. They also can help lift the spirits of an author as well. Also, to any readers who are staff members to any C2 communities, please feel free to add my story to your community if you feel it is worthy of it. I won't mind, I swear. I'll even pinkie swear if I need to?
News:
In 2010, my fellow author brown phantom initiated a poll asking the following question.
Who is the best Naruto fan fiction writer on this site?
Well, brownphantom started a second poll last year asking the same question.
That poll closed at the start of this year and I ended up finishing a very respectable sixth, just five votes shy of cracking the top 5, but still up two places from the 2010 poll. So I wish to thank all of you who took the time to go to brownphantoms profile page and vote for me. I appreciate it so much, as it does give me validation and encouragement to continue to write knowing that there are so many of you who truly like and enjoy my stories. I'm grateful to all of you for your support.
End of News:
Thanks to everyone for your support of this story!
Take it easy and be good!
Kingkakashi