Chapter 7: Hope and Destiny
When Sakura arrived at the hospital she thought it was going to be an easy day.
After Naruto defeated Nagato, every villager was saved, they were all alive, but this didn't mean that the injured had their wounds healed. The ones who survived the blast, and the attack before the resurrection were the most affected. The first week Shizune and Sakura taked shifts alternating rounds at the hospital, and caring for the unconscious Tsunade. They had a reunion each night before dinner, at the tent, where they would discuss the development of the ninjas who were recovering from the more serious wounds. Later, Shizune would spend her nights there, while Sakura went home. Given how severe some cases were, they had decided to bring Katsuyu back to Konoha to help curing and restoring the limbs some people lost during the attack. The injuries caused by the creatures summoned by Pain, not to mention the damage caused by the direct Shinra Tensei, were cases that healed slower than normal. Shizune figured it was given the power of the Rinnegan, so the attack was more strong, sharper, somehow similar to the rasenshuriken technique, but not so powerful. The wounds were curable, but needed time. In any case, thanks to Katsuyu, after ten days, almost everyone was completely healed and could stand on his feet. That's why they got relaxed and left the hospital in charge of the director, who could manage as long as there were no severe situations. But when Sakura came to the hospital today, she learned that there were some serious cases. Turns out that in the time the medical ninjas relaxed, a wave of injured people appeared given the reconstruction process of the village.
They were mostly kids who had been reckless, and played or trained around dangerous places. Many of them were inspired by the new hero of Konoha, so they pretended to be like him. The fact that Yamato was absent for two days also delayed the rebuilding, hence, the dangerous heavy elements (power tools, wood pillars, iron steel, bricks, machinery, were still around the village. Not to mention the ramps, runways, unprotected sides, edges, holes. So, some kids came with a broken leg, others had a broken arm, ribs. children came in extreme pain and crying, but they would leave healed, or remain in a hospital bed for a couple of days, in treatment. Because of all this, Sakura barely had time to have lunch. The good side was that no patient was in a critical condition.
Instead, the worst part of the day was the moment she heard the rumor that the hero of Konoha had disappeared while he was in Ichiraku. How could Naruto disappear from Konoha just like that? Fortunately, before she could even consider storming out of the hospital, she got a message from Tsunade, thanks to a little copy of Katsuyu present in the office. He was safe, had reappeared exactly in Ichiraku 20 minutes after his disappearance, and had been with Fukasaku and the other toads. But the message didn't say anything else, Tsunade only reassured that everything was fine, and ordered her to stay in the hospital until the end of the work day. So Sakura decided that before going home, she would stop by Naruto's apartment to talk to him. She needed to know what happened.
Just a few moments after Naruto's disappearance, Teuchi quickly got out from Ichiraku and went as fast as he could to the Hokage tower. He didn't want to make a scandal, so he headed straight to the place of the jonins meeting, without going in, and requested the guard to send an urgent message for the Hokage.
As soon as the guard whispered the message to Tsunade's ear, she was startled, stood up, and left the meeting temporarily to speak with Teuchi. The chef told her exactly what he saw, and then, the Hokage called Kakashi.
He left the meeting as well, and went right through the door, where Tsunade and Teuchi were waiting.
"Kakashi, don't ask, and please, remind me, and describe thoroughly how the space time ninjutsu from Tobi works. Tell me and Teuchi what it looks like." Tsunade said firmly.
Kakashi doubted because Teuchi was present, but when he saw that the Hokage was serious, he obeyed without questioning. After a while, he finished, and the other two listened carefully. Tsunade spoke.
"Teuchi, tell me, does Kakashi's description match in some way what you saw?"
The chef shook his head.
"No, it was instantaneous. And it seemed to be a dust cloud for a couple of seconds right where he disappeared" Teuchi answered.
"That's good..." she sighed, relieved. She turned to Kakashi. "That means Naruto was summoned, and as far as I know, the only ones who could do that are the toads... Fukasaku didn't tell me anything, but I'm positive it must be him" she finished.
Teuchi sighed. He didn't know what she was really talking about, but Naruto had told him stories from the toads he befriended. He decided to trust her judge, and was relieved.
"So... Naruto disappeared in Ichiraku and you think the toads summoned him?" Kakashi asked for confirmation.
Tsunade nodded. "In any case, we have to be sure. Kakashi, send some clones to warn any chunin you find. Tell them that if they see Naruto, they must send him right here to the tower... There's no need to make a scandal of this" she said.
Kakashi obeyed, and left in a hurry.
Tsunade turned back to Teuchi.
"There were other witnesses?" she asked.
Teuchi nodded, and talked about the kid and his grandmother. He also had spotted some villagers walking by.
"Hum... I hope news don't spread so fast." she said. 'If everyone learns this people will panic. Especially Sakura' she thought. "Anyway, please go back to the restaurant. There's a high chance he may reappear any minute right there... If he does, send him here immediately" she ordered.
"Yes madam" Teuchi answered, and rushed back to Ichiraku.
Tsunade wondered why the toads would summon Naruto right now. Was to resume his training? She quickly brushed off the thoughts, and then took a little Katsuyu out of her green coat pocket. She had summoned her after she woke up because she needed a little slug to communicate quickly with the hospital in case of an emergency. That's why there was another copy of Katsuyu living permanently there since she became Hokage. This time, she had to use the slug as a messenger to tell Sakura when Naruto reappeared. With Katsuyu lying on her shoulder, she returned to the meeting. She wouldn't tell the jonins, not yet. There was no need to worry about them, besides, some wouldn't understand how the toads are.
Almost half an hour later, Naruto suddenly reappeared in Ichiraku. He found himself surrounded by two shinobis, whose children admired him. Teuchi greeted him back, now calmer, and told him Tsunade's order. He was upset because he couldn't finish his ramen (and instead had to eat toad food), but realized he had to tell the Hokage what happened at Mount Myoboku. He politely apologized to the shinobis, and promised Teuchi he'd return. On top of everything, the chef was glad that his favorite customer was back and safe.
When Naruto started walking to the Hokage tower, he heard a familiar enthusiastic voice calling him. Rock Lee.
"Naruto!" he exclaimed happily.
"Lee!" Naruto said. He had recently decided to stop using nicknames for all his friends. The talk of this morning made him realize he had to grow up. But before he could say something else, his hard working friend grabbed his arm pulling him to the Hokage tower.
"I'm sorry Naruto, but Kakashi-sensei ordered me to take you with the Hokage as soon as I found you" he said.
"Ok... Teuchi already told me"
"You were in Ichiraku? But I just passed by and you weren't there" Lee answered, surprised.
"Umm... I just came back from seeing the toads" Naruto answered sincerely.
"Ah I see... Gai-sensei once tried to teach me how to summon turtles... But I gotta keep training. I was at the academy grounds where Kakashi found me... That's why I was the first to watch out for this place" Lee explained.
"If he could make it... I know you will as well" Naruto said.
"Thanks for your support Naruto" Lee answered.
Soon, they entered the tower and headed to the place where the jonins meeting was being held. They greeted the guard, who quickly opened the door and went to tell Tsunade that Naruto was back. The Hokage told the guard to pass a message to him. Then, the door was closed, and Naruto heard the instructions. He had to go and wait in the Hokage office, and when the jonins meeting finished, she would join him. Naruto and Lee thanked the guard, and left. They went to the stairs and before the first step Lee greeted him.
"Alright, I have to tell the other chunins that you're already here... Then I'll go back to train and wait for Gai-sensei."
"Thank you Lee" Naruto said.
"You won't call me bushy eyebrows anymore?"
"I have to start treating you as a chunin... You have a superior rank than me" Naruto admitted.
"Maybe, but you're stronger" Lee answered.
"It doesn't matter, you deserve the respect... Of everyone" Naruto said. And he meant it. After learning that he was the son of the 4th, he realized that he did have the talent after all. He just needed to train hard to make it useful. But Lee, he was the real fighter, the true underdog. He had all the odds against him, he had no talent, nor the powerful heritage, no ability for ninjutsu, no ocular powers, no mind for genjutsu, no huge chakra reserves from a Bijuu. Lee was pure effort, hard work, and the will to never give up. He was worthy of admiration.
"Thanks Naruto" Lee answered, as a tear ran down his face. He soon wiped it, and added. "Well, I better get on with my duty... See you later" he claimed, with his particular enthusiasm. He walked away fastly.
"Bye Lee" Naruto said, as he watched him leave. When he lost sight of his humble friend, he climbed up the stairs and rushed to the Hokage's office.
When he opened the door, he found everything as he left it a couple of hours ago. This time, with nothing to do but wait, he sat on the chair in front of the desk.
Time passed, and he thought about what the Old Sage Toad said. After 15 minutes moreless, he got bored and went to the window. He could see all Konoha from there. He looked back at the Hokage chair, and thought how his own father had been sitting there 17 years ago. He started wondering why there was never a Hokage successor from father to son, or father to daughter. If Tsunade was the granddaughter of the 1st, what happened to her mother? He knew from the history books that the 1st had only one daughter, and that she was Tsunade's mother. Jiraiya told him this one day during their trip. But there were some things he wanted to know about the past. The prophecy and what Tobi said about the reincarnations was running through his mind. Was he really connected to Hashirama? And was Sasuke connected to Madara? While thinking this, he returned to the chair, and sat down. After a while, he got bored again, and was about to fall asleep when he heard someone opening the door. He turned around.
Tsunade was finally coming, alone. She glanced over at him, and went to the Hokage chair.
"Welcome back. So... Why did Fukasaku summon you?" Tsunade asked, bluntly. She seemed tired.
Naruto was surprised that she knew, but he guessed that since she has been close to Jiraiya for a long time, she surely realized how often the toads could summon him whenever they wanted. Besides, if Naruto was safe and calm, it was because he was in a familiar place. The 5th Hokage was a perceptive woman.
"Hum... For two reasons... One, was my father's last will, which he passed to Jiraiya." he said, as he started explaining everything he was told about the key to open the Kyuubi's Eight Trigrams Seal. He also revealed that he accepted it from Gerotora and why, which is because his father believed in him.
"I see... I admit you're taking a big risk. If Jiraiya couldn't help you to control the Kyuubi's chakra, I wonder how you plan to use the key... I mean, if what Gerotora said is true, how can you resist the Kyuubi's hatred, his will? It can dominate you, it happened before" Tsunade pondered, worried.
"Well, I think the answer is the other reason why the toads called me... The Old Sage Toad gave me a prophecy" Naruto answered.
"Ah... Another prophecy. Keep in mind that the one given to Jiraiya was fulfilled... He made his part at least... Now it's your turn. What did it say?" Tsunade asked.
Naruto recalled the prophecy of meeting an octopus who would help him, going to a paradisiac island and fighting a young man with powerful eyes. The first part seemed ridiculous, and though the Old Sage Toad's mind was a little lost, he knew Fukasaku and the others very well. There was a truth in those words, but he didn't know what it meant. Maybe there's a land of octopus like there's a land of toads, he had thought.
"Mmmm..." Tsunade started thinking. After a while she spoke again. "Listen, I think I know what this is about..." she said.
"Really?" Naruto asked, incredulous.
"Yes. Listen carefully... This morning we sent messages to the other nations so they could learn that I'm back. I think that soon, me and the other four Kages are going to have a meeting. As Gaara told you, the other jinchuriki is still alive, and has the Hachibi sealed inside him. And curiously the Hachibi looks like a giant octopus" she explained.
"And how do you know that the Hachibi looks like an octopus?" Naruto asked curiously.
"My grandpa used to tell me stories of the Bijuus when I was a kid. They all were some sort of animals so it was funny... Later in my life I learned that they were not the innocent animals I thought they were..." the 5th Hokage said.
"So the 1st Hokage did really see the nine Bijuus? He fought against them?" Naruto questioned.
"I'm not sure. I don't know how he did it. All I know is what my mother told me later... During the first two ninja wars, some villages used the Bijuus to win battles and threaten the others... What my grandpa did was to distribute the nine beasts through the villages... As you can guess, Shukaku belonged to Suna... Then, Kumo got the Nibi and the Hachibi... Kiri got the Sanbi and the Rokubi... Iwa got the Yonbi and the Gobi... And Konoha got the Kyuubi" Tsunade explained.
"Wow... Wait, there's one missing. What about the Seven Tails?"
"I don't know... From what I heard during the war times, it was passed from a small village to another one... After one of his trips, Jiraiya learned it was in Takigakure... Anyway, the thing is that now, Akatsuki has seven of the nine... Six jinchurikis died and we could do nothing about it... We only managed to save Gaara, and eliminate as many enemies as possible. And now, all is up to you and the Raikage's brother" Tsunade stated.
Naruto realized she was right. It was a sad reality. Six fellow jinchurikis died, captured by Akatsuki. And the Raikage's brother almost suffered the same fate because of Sasuke. He started wondering if he could have done more to help the others. They were people who had a similar life than him. They all could have been friends, just like Gaara was. He hoped one day he could help to change the life of jinchurikis. They didn't deserve to suffer.
Tsunade noted that Naruto was saddened, lost in thoughts.
"Hey, look..." she said, calling his attention. "Let's trust the Old Sage Toad... When I meet the Raikage I'll make the arrangements so you and his brother can train together... Seems like he can control the Hachibi naturally. That means he can help you with the Kyuubi, and so the first part of the prophecy will be fulfilled... I believe in Minato and Jiraiya. You're going to make it..." she assured, with a gentle smile.
He suddenly felt encouraged.
"And as for the other part of the prophecy... We know it refers to Sasuke... But we also know that first you'll meet the Hachibi... So that means the fateful battle will be after you learn to control the Kyuubi... In other words, we have time, and we know the order of the events thanks to the toads..." Tsunade stated, firmly.
"Ok... But when will I have to go? What about the island?" Naruto asked.
"Look, this afternoon we received letters from Suna and Kiri. The other four Kages had decided to hold a meeting in Kumo, since the Raikage was named the leader of the Alliance. They scheduled it for tomorrow morning... I'll deal with the Raikage, so you may have to go to Kumo. The land of Lightning has a long coast and many islands... That may be the place where you're going to train..." she sighed. "I may return tomorrow night... I'll let you know... But until then, get ready... Don't make other plans. Who knows, maybe in a couple of days you'll be on that island" Tsunade explained, confidently.
Naruto realized that his first date with Sakura would have to be postponed. He felt bad. They just got together and didn't have the time to enjoy themselves. Maybe she was right. They should have gotten together before. Why did everything have to be so complicated?
Tsunade guessed he was regretful over something but she didn't say anything.
"I understand..." he said. Then, the idea he was thinking while waiting came back to his mind. "Can I ask you something? Is about your grandfather"
Tsunade was a little surprised. "Sure, why?"
"I'm not sure if Kakashi told you... But at the Land of Iron, the masked man said something about me and Sasuke... That we were destined to fight each other, as if we were reincarnations of two mythical brothers... He said that the same thing happened to the 1st Hokage and Madara" Naruto explained.
"He did tell me... But I didn't give it too much importance... I guess now you're thinking again because of the prophecy" she assumed.
Naruto nodded.
"I guess it makes sense. What do you want to know?" Tsunade asked.
"Well... Your grandfather... How did he die?"
"Hum... He survived his final battle with Madara if that's what you're worried about... He lived several more years and died from a terminal disease at the age of 48"
"Really?" Naruto asked. To know that the 1st Hokage lived various years after his last encounter with Madara was comforting, but he still wondered why he couldn't surpass the 50 years. If the thing of the reincarnations was true, it could happen the same to him.
"Yes... See, he had a similar ability to mine, the Mitotic Regeneration. Thanks to that, his cells could regenerate faster than normal, so his wounds in battle, no matter how serious, could heal almost instantly... Limbs, organs, tissues, muscles, arteries, veins... Remember when we fought Orochimaru and Kabuto?" Tsunade asked.
Naruto nodded. He was paying full attention, and remembered very well the day he saw the three Sannins confront each other. He had used the rasengan for the first time against Kabuto.
"That day, I had to use the Mitotic Regeneration to save you from Orochimaru... You were unconscious... I was able to survive every stab and slash he made to me... Eventually, Jiraiya and I defeated him as we told you... But the jutsu has a side effect. It reduces the lifespan because the number of cell divisions in one life is predetermined... That's why my grandfather couldn't live any longer... He used the Mitotic Regeneration too many times, especially in his last battles with Madara... I'm still alive because I have used it only a few times..."
"Wait... You reduced your lifespan... for me?" Naruto asked, stunned.
"Of course... I told you this morning... You inspired me to come back and assume the position of Hokage... My brother's and Dan's dream also lives in you... How could I not? You and Jiraiya brought me and Shizune back... Besides, if I hadn't done that, I'm not sure what would have happened that day." Tsunade said, smiling gently.
Naruto had tears rolling on his face. All these years and he didn't know. Back then, he was just a loud immature kid. He was rude to her and even had doubts if she could be a good Hokage. But less than a day after meeting him, she had sacrificed years of her life for him. She was willing to die for him.
He stood up, and went behind the desk to hug her. She embraced him back.
"It's ok... It's ok..." she said, and after a while he pulled apart. "We all have the same dream... Protect our beloved ones" she added, with a soft voice, staring at him. "Now, go back to the chair... There's something else you want to ask?"
He returned to the other side of the desk, while wiping out the tears on his face. He sat quietly.
"How long do you have left?" Naruto asked, still saddened.
"I'm 54... And as long as I don't use it anymore... I have moreless 8 years" she admitted.
"Do Shizune and Sakura know?"
"Shizune does... As for Sakura... She knows that I have this ability, and that I have used it... but she doesn't know how long I have left... She hopes I'll live long enough. You know how she is... It's harder for her to face reality..." Tsunade answered, calmly as if she didn't have a death sentence.
"Should I tell her?" Naruto asked.
"No. It's better this way... She needs to have hope and faith... That is part of her strength" the Hokage explained.
"Ok..." he said, with distress on his face.
"Don't be sad... I had a long life... I already lived longer than my grandpa and my parents... Feel sad for those who die young like my brother... Fight to win this war so no one else will have to suffer that fate" she said, softly.
"I will…" he assured. He was comforted by her words. Each day it passed, he grew to admire Tsunade in the same way he grew to admire Jiraiya. She has turned into a real grandmother for him. And so he had to make her proud.
"The war is for real?" he asked.
"We don't know yet... But whether that Madara has an army or not, we have to stop him, Zetsu, and maybe Sasuke"
"I know..." Naruto said. Then, he remembered something that came back to his mind just recently. It was about the necklace Tsunade gave him the day he performed the rasengan. "Granny... I'm sorry" she was startled. "During the fight with Pain, after transforming into the Kyuubi... I lost the necklace you gave me." Naruto admitted, regretful.
Tsunade sighed. "Don't worry... Yamato already told me... I know it was special... But I still have other things from my family, and Dan..." she tried to comfort him.
"Are you sure it's ok?" Naruto asked.
Tsunade nodded. When she heard from Yamato that he felt when the necklace was destroyed, she was saddened. It was an important piece that belonged to her grandfather, and had been placed on Nawaki and Dan's neck. But by realizing that Naruto defeated Nagato, she felt calmer. Maybe the necklace was meant to be destroyed, so Naruto could survive. In the end, she accepted it. Naruto's safety was more important.
"Alright, you better go now... Oh, I sent Sakura the message that you were safe... I think she may have heard rumors of your disappearance at Ichiraku..." he was startled. "Don't worry I told her to stay in the hospital... But you should go to see her before going home" Tsunade explained quietly.
Naruto nodded agreeing.
"Go prepare yourself for the trip... I'll see you tomorrow" she said.
"Alright... See you tomorrow" Naruto said, as he stood up, and turned around to leave. He reached and opened the door, but before leaving, he turned back. "Thank you for everything... You're the granny I always wished to have" he assured.
"And you're like the grandson I never had" she responded, touched by his words.
Naruto grinned lightly. Then, he passed through the door, closed it, and left.
As he walked through the hallway, he was thinking how well Tsunade knew him. He would have liked to know more about her, like how her parents were, how they died, and many other things, including her experiences with Jiraiya. She surely knew a lot of things about him, things that he didn't know. But he realized he couldn't start an interrogation. He'd have to wait for the end of all this "war" and spend more time with Tsunade in her last years. Sakura would like that too, as she cherished her as much as him. They could be a real family. He walked through the door of the tower, and went back to Ichiraku. After that, he'd go to the hospital.
Tsunade stayed quietly for a while sitting on the chair, thinking about all the things she said to Naruto. Then she stood up and went to the window. As she saw him walking down the street, she thought 'It's good I didn't tell him that Sakura is in the process of getting Mitotic Regeneration. That's something they will have to discuss themselves'. When she lost sight of him, she went back to the chair, to rest.
Tsunade needed a break in the day. She would have to wake up before dawn for the trip to Kumo, and Kakashi would be in charge until she returned. She hoped the Raikage would make things easier, so she could be back as soon as possible. The age was taking its toll on her. Another couple of years and she wouldn't be able to look ten years younger anymore.
Naruto finished three bowls of ramen at Ichiraku, and after greeting Teuchi, he left for the hospital. The sun was setting down as he walked through the streets, not too fast nor too slow, and smiling to the villagers who looked at him with worried expressions given his "mysterious" disappearance. In the road, he found Shino, who was the last chunin to be informed that he had reappeared. When he told him where he had been, the Aburame walked away as fast as he could, afraid that he could have a toad close, hungry to devour insects. Naruto only realized the reason when Shino was out of sight. He'd have to apologize another day.
Naruto kept going, but one block away from the hospital, he met Konohamaru. Turns out that he had been teaching some kids ninjutsu, and a couple of them got hurt. When he mentioned that Sakura healed them after a little scolding, Naruto chuckled. He told him that he had to meet her, so Konohamaru gently greeted him, and left to accompany the kids to their parents' house. Even if he was still young, Hiruzen's grandson was following the steps of the 3rd.
Then, Naruto finally could enter the hospital, while outside the night had already arrived.
He crossed the main hallway and asked a nurse about Sakura's location. When she gave him the direction of the office, he rushed without waiting more time.
Sakura was using Shizune's office, and hoped one day she could have her own.
The office was big enough, and included a bookcase on one sidewall, and a long writing table on the other one. Above the table there was a rectangular terrarium where a small copy of Katsuyu lived. There was also a microscope, and other medical stuff. Next to it, a window oriented the light of a courtyard, illuminating the office during the day. The desk was at the back of the room, close to a common hospital bed for the patients. There was a chair for the medic, and two for the patient and company. Behind the desk, there was a wardrobe, full of blankets, pillows, sheets, and medical clothes.
Since Tsunade and Shizune arrived in Konoha three years ago, the hospital went through a lot of changes. The 5th Hokage wouldn't neglect the medical care center of the village.
Sakura was just finishing the paperwork when she heard three knocks on the door. She didn't get up to open yet, as she had one last medical report to fill. And then she heard more knocks.
"I'll be there in a minute" Sakura shouted. Her shift was already over, couldn't be a patient. And if there was an urgency, the nurses would burst into the office. So, she sped up the writing, and when finished, she rushed to open the door.
"Naruto!" Sakura exclaimed, startled.
"Hi Sakura-chan... Can I come in?" Naruto asked, like nothing happened.
"What are you doing here? I was going to stop by your apartment after finishing my shift here" she said, while stepping aside to let him in.
After he went to sit in the patient's chair, she closed the door, and headed to the desk. "I came by to assure you that I'm fine... You don't need to go to my place" he answered, already sitting.
"Tsunade told me you reappeared" Sakura said, and she turned to look at the little Katsuyu in the terrarium above the library table.
Naruto suddenly realized that Katsuyu was there. He had never entered this office before. When he came to the hospital in the last months, was to visit an injured Kakashi for example, or because he was the patient, like the time his arm was broken.
"And she also said that you were with the toads... What happened? Why did they call you?" Sakura asked, needing to know the answers.
"Remember when I left with Fukasaku to train in Mount Myoboku?"
Sakura nodded.
"Well, this time was the same, only that no one warned Tsunade or anyone... That's why everyone freaked out I guess" Naruto said quietly.
"Fukasaku should have said something..." Sakura pondered.
"Granny Tsunade surely thought the same when she learned... Anyway, he called me because the Old Sage Toad had to give me a prophecy, and also to give me the key to the Kyuubi's seal that my father and Jiraiya had before they died" he explained.
"What? Another prophecy? A key to open the seal? But that's crazy... You may transform into the Kyuubi and not even Yamato will be able to stop you... Besides, your father's chakra is gone" Sakura said nervously.
"I know... But the solution is in the prophecy" he responded calmly. Then, he recalled the words said by the Old Toad, and before Sakura could say how ridiculous it was, he added what Tsunade told him about the Hachibi.
"That makes sense then... But wait... You have to go to that island?" she asked.
Naruto nodded.
"When?"
"I'm not sure yet, but as soon as possible... Tsunade is traveling to Kumo early in the morning to meet the other Kages... She said she may be back in the evening, and told me to get ready to leave" Naruto explained.
"So we won't have time for a first date huh?" Sakura answered, standing up. She realized he was going to leave, and wanted to be closer to him.
"Probably not... But maybe this is for the best... We should wait until after all this happens..." Naruto suggested, as he got up, and went to the door.
She followed him.
Without opening the door, they stayed there, without going out yet, standing in front of each other.
"I know... But I'm going to miss you... We usually go on missions together" Sakura said, saddened.
"I wish you could go with me..." he said, a little hopeful.
"You know I can't go... I'm a medic ninja, and now I'll have to work here... It's my job" Sakura stated. She was telling the truth. In the last three years, she has spent a lot of time in the hospital, especially since she became chunin. Tsunade made her learn slowly and steadily the life of a medical ninja.
"Alright... But once all this is over... I won't leave you again. Now, the goal is to stop Akatsuki, and come out of this alive... We'll have a first date. I promise" Naruto said, and held her tightly. Since their talk the last day, he promised himself he'd be there for her as much time as possible. He realized she was still affected by what happened in the Land of Iron, and that pushed her closer to him. This was because he made her feel safe, protected, loved. She didn't want to leave his side.
After a while holding each other, enjoying the moment, the privacy of the office, he pulled her away softly.
"Do you want me to walk you back home?" Naruto asked gently.
"Of course" she assured.
He turned around, she opened the door, and they left the office.
They walked through the hallways of the hospital, holding each other's hand. He didn't seem to mind, until she spoke. "You know... I had to heal a lot of kids today"
"Really? What happened?" Naruto asked.
"Well, kids play and get hurt... Especially when they pretend to recreate the fight between you and Pain" she answered, joyfully.
"They did that? But... It wasn't a game... How could they..." he said stunned. He couldn't believe how kids treated the situation so lightly. He did train a lot for that battle, suffered the losses, and struggled hard to defeat Pain, including the transformation in the Kyuubi. And also, the dramatic talk to Nagato, showed him that the tragedy of Amegakure could not be discarded. He had become much more serious since then, especially since Jiraiya's death.
"Naruto, they're just kids... They don't really understand how hard it was for you... Or Nagato's life... You remember how you were" she said, as they finally reached the doors of the hospital.
They waved goodbye to the nurses, and left. When they were in the streets, he answered.
"I know I was immature, maybe a fool too, but I always saw the reality... I was aware of how the villagers treated me" Naruto was looking down.
"Look, I get it... But today the kids have a happier life... That's the world we want for the future..." she answered. "Do you want to hear something funny?"
"What?" Naruto asked, trying to see the bright side.
"One of the kids called me 'the hero's girlfriend'..." Sakura said, chuckling.
"Really? But how would he know? It's not like we were really together for years" he muttered.
"I asked him, and he said that he saw me hugging you... Remember the welcome in front of everyone? The kid figured it out" she answered, smiling.
He grinned. To know that a kid guessed that they should be together just by a public hug cheered him up.
"I can't believe a kid realized that before us" Naruto said happily.
"Maybe that's how great love stories begin... The people around can tell which couples belong together by just looking at them..." she said as she leaned on his shoulder.
They started walking more slowly.
"I guess you're right... By the way, have you told someone? Like, I don't know, Ino?" Naruto asked.
"Not yet... It's not like I had the time... Oh, Did you talk to Hinata?" Sakura retorted, stopping the walk to look at his blue eyes.
"Yes" he assured calmly, as he stopped.
"So what did she say?" she asked. Deep down she was worried about how the kind Hyuuga girl would take the truth.
"Actually, she was ok... She already knew that I'm in love with you, and she could tell you love me as well... She explained that she did what she did because Pain was about to take me away... She felt it was the right time" Naruto told her.
"Well... See? I told you she's a stronger girl" she answered, confidently, and resumed the walk with him, calmer given his positive response.
"I know... Still, I promised her that I will help her to change the Hyuugas' rules in the future... I owe her and Neji that since the chunin exams... You don't mind, do you?" Naruto asked, innocently.
"No... Why would I?" Sakura said, trying to sound convinced. But somewhere in her mind, Inner Sakura was screaming. The idea of an adult Naruto spending time with Hinata to help her deal with the Hyuuga clan didn't sound good. She trusted Naruto, but the future... was too far away. She quickly brushed off the thoughts. Naruto was staring at her.
"By the way... when you were caught by Pain... Did you have a plan?" Sakura asked to change the subject.
"I was thinking about it while I was trapped... I had another clone gathering natural energy at Mount Myoboku, so while Nagato was talking about the cycle of hatred, I was also figuring out a way to use it so I could escape... But anyway... You know what happened then..." he explained.
Then, they changed subject again, and Naruto told her about his encounter with Lee, Konohamaru and Shino. She admired Lee's persistence as well, and wasn't surprised by Shino's reaction. The toads were surely the most dangerous beings for the Aburame clan. She recalled the moment she saw Konohamaru, and the three kids he brought to the hospital. They weren't seriously injured, but he had to take them there. That was another funny moment in her day. Konohamaru reminded her of Naruto.
Anyway, before they knew it, they had reached the Harunos' house. They found themselves standing on the porch, staring at each other, without wanting to say goodbye. Sakura broke the silence.
"You didn't tell me if you found out your parents' stuff" she said, holding his hand.
"I had nothing to tell... I found nothing, not in the office, nor the storage room..." Naruto answered, with a saddened expression.
"Oh... Well, maybe when you return from that island we can find them for sure... We'll have more time" she mumbled.
"You are more hopeful than me, you know that?" Naruto asked.
"Maybe... That way I can pass that hope excess to you..." Sakura answered softly.
Naruto realized it was true. Since they were children, she was one of the lights of his life. He always hoped that one day they could be together. When the world seemed darker, when everyone ignored him, he had found comfort in Iruka-sensei, happiness in Ichiraku, and hope in Sakura. And when they were placed on team 7, though he lost a lot of that hope because she was in love with Sasuke, in the last months, he regained it. His hope in them was finally reborn yesterday, when she reassured her feelings for him. She loved him, not Sasuke. That was the truth he had struggled so much to accept.
Before he could say something, the door opened. Mebuki was standing there, not so surprised to see them.
"Mom!" Sakura blurted, as she turned around.
"Hello dear... Naruto... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your... talk, but I heard voices and I guessed you were here" Mebuki said.
"Don't worry Mrs Haruno, we are just finishing... This was another long day" Naruto commented, looking at Sakura's mother.
"I'm sure of that... News from your sudden disappearance reached my workplace" she answered, smiling.
"Oh... Well, everything is fine, I was summoned by the toads... I'm sure Sakura can tell you at dinner" he said, now turning to look at her.
"I don't doubt it... But remember that the offer still stands... You can have dinner with us" Mebuki said.
"Mom, now may not be the best time... Naruto will have to travel soon..." Sakura answered before he could.
"Oh... You're leaving again? But you just got back yesterday" Mebuki said, startled.
"It's important... I wouldn't leave if it wasn't... Besides, Tsunade is aware of everything... It's not like the village will be unprotected" Naruto explained.
"I know... But given what happened recently... We actually feel safer with you around..." Mebuki responded, looking at Sakura. She knew that Naruto would do anything to protect the village, and Sakura.
"I may not be gone for so long... I live here, and I have all the reasons to return as soon as I can" Naruto answered, gazing briefly at Sakura.
"Ok... if the Hokage agrees, we can't complain... I'll give you a moment... Goodbye Naruto..." she said looking at him. "Sakura, I'll be in the kitchen" Mebuki said, now gazing at her.
Sakura nodded, and then her mother left.
"Looks like we're out of time... But I'll see you tomorrow right?" Naruto asked.
"I'll have to work at the hospital..." she sighed. "Wait... What if you came by to have lunch? I'll have a little break past noon" she pondered.
"Ok... It's a date... Sort of" Naruto said, quietly. He smiled.
"Goodbye kiss?" Sakura asked, expecting another soft kiss on the cheek like before.
Naruto leaned on and kissed her on the forehead instead.
"Good night Sakura" he said when he pulled away. He smiled, and then turned around to leave.
"Good night Naruto" she answered, loud enough so he could hear her. She saw him looking at her as he walked away, but when he doubled around the corner, she lost sight of him. A few months ago she would have never imagined she would be like this. Something awoke in her heart the day he returned to the village, and she let it grow without noticing. Before she knew it, she realized it was real love. And now she couldn't stop that feeling. Not anymore.
She got in the house and closed the door, happily. She felt wonderful, just like her mother explained before.
Naruto arrived home not long after leaving Sakura's house. The first thing he did was to take a shower, as he still had some toad's smell on him (even though he had a brief wash up in Fukasaku's shelter). After getting clean, and putting on fresh clothes, he went to prepare his dinner. Jiraiya had taught him how to make different meals besides ramen, so in the last months he had been practicing a lot. This time, he went for a simple bowl of rice and some tuna fish he had stocked in the fridge. When he finished, he made dishes as usual, and then went to his room.
Naruto stayed there, thinking, as he spotted the picture from team 7. He realized that at this point, it seemed impossible to reunite the team. It would never be the same. Even if Sasuke lived, it would be very hard for Sakura to ever trust him again. Not to mention her parents. He couldn't change what happened, and it wasn't up to him. He went to pick up the picture, and decided to place it in a way that was oriented to the window. Now, the picture could be seen only from the outside, unless he grabbed it.
Then, he decided to take Jiraiya's first novel, The Tales of a Gutsy Ninja, and read it again. For now, it was the closest thing he felt connected to his parents. His father had read that same book, as his own name was taken from it. He lay on bed, and started reading. When he finished, he decided to turn off the lights. It was time to sleep, as he didn't know how long the next few days would be.
AN: Like I wrote at the end of last chapter, the anime episodes 221, 222 serve as inspiration. There were some themes I had to deal with here. On one hand, the revelation that Naruto is the son of the 4th Hokage basically blows away the underdog idea, though I never minded. For me, Minato and Kushina are perfect as his parents. Still, the point is that this was a reason to discredit the words Naruto said to Neji, for many fans. I know that in some ways this is true, but Naruto had to fight against loneliness, rejection, ignorance, so it's not like he had an easy life. He had to train hard. And he wasn't treated like the son of a hero, at least when he was a child. So, in other words, I added the talk to Lee to state his differences. Lee is the true underdog of the Konoha eleven. And Naruto is the protagonist with the genes, and the talent, but who had to endure himself against a harsh lonely childhood. Both of them made their way to become ninja without much support. Both endured hardships.
Then, for the second talk with Tsunade, I suggest anyone rewatch the manga chapters 169, 170, 171 (respective anime episodes 95-96). I had to consider the necklace (How could Kishimoto forget that?), a more logical reason for Naruto to go to Kumo (the original idea of an S rank mission to protect animals was lame), and the heartfelt revelation from Tsunade to her "grandson". I never forgot Shizune's claims when she said the risks of Mitotic regeneration, and I figured out which was the reason for Hashirama's death. It's a fact that the cells will not regenerate forever, that's why the body gets old, and people die. So it seems clear why Tsunade has a death sentence. I guess that depending on the amount of times the Mitotic Regeneration is used, and the duration while it is activated, it can take years from the person's life. I thought, if Tsunade was born with a lifespan of 65-70 years, now it should be reduced to 60-62 moreless. She didn't fight as much as Hashirama after all. I'm just guessing, and this is fiction, so anyone can make their own estimations. Something is sure, she won't live as long as Hiruzen, Koharu, or Homura. If this happened in Boruto (I have no idea), it would contradict the manga chapter 169.
On the other hand, approximate the age of Hashirama's demise was complicated. If he got to meet his granddaughter and teach her about gambling (canon), then she must have been at least 5 or 6 years old to remember him. So, I guess that he could have been a father at the age of 25 moreless, and her daughter could have been 18 when Tsunade was born. Considering how the story of Hashirama and Madara was presented in canon, in times when children were sent to war, that age seems likely for them to have a child. However, I'm just guessing. Then, I thought that Tsunade's mother was Hashirama's daughter because if Hashirama had a son, he'd have been famous and the natural successor of Tobirama. It's a sad reality, but except for Tsunade, the original storyline didn't portray female characters very well. Also, women were completely ignored in the story Hashirama told Sasuke. That was a bummer.
By the way, talking about portraying the female characters, I decided to place Sakura in the hospital to make her useful, like she was during Pain's assault. I also wrote that Hinata is on her way to become the clan leader. Getting over Naruto is a sign of maturity. I also gave a certain relevance to Shizune, writing she had a particular office in the hospital. Don't forget that she was the one who saved Neji when he was close to death.
Then, I wanted to write Konohamaru in a more mature way in comparison to the anime. Taking care of children seemed like a good idea. He has to follow Hiruzen's path after all.
The last part between Naruto and Sakura felt appropriate. It bothered me a lot how they didn't even say goodbye to each other in canon, so here I'm correcting that. And I think Sakura is really hopeful, and that's why she struggles to face reality. She struggled to see that her crush on Sasuke couldn't mean real love. And because of that, it wasn't easy either to accept that she loves Naruto. I wrote all the evidence, it's a fact. The idea that even a kid can realize Naruto and Sakura belong together is somehow funny. I respect those who disagree, but honestly, if any kid watches that hug it is pretty obvious. They're the two protagonists of the story, and are meant to be together.
Chapter 8 is going to be the last of this part. I'll write a sequel to deal with the events of the war in a different way. Naruto and Sakura's reunion must be rewritten, and some other things of the arc can be changed, especially regarding Sasuke. Wait for the next chapter, The Farewell. Thank you for reading.