DISCLAIMER: I DON'T own anything of Naruto. (Just much Sakura merchandise 🌸🌸🌸🌸)

Author's Note: THANK YOU for the inspiration wilkins75 from your great Return to the Past Naruto story.


Review Responses (THANK YOU for taking the time too):

Feeling Better Then Concealing:

Ajherogamer37: Awww, thanks for the praise.

Guest: I agree 100% with you. Soul mates don't always have to be romantic. They can be happily romantically together with other people, yet still hold their special someone as their soul mate. Exactly why I see Adrien and Marinette as soul mates.


Emerald green eyes look over the destroyed battle field, her loose pink hair caked with dry enemy blood. Her clothes or what's really left of her attire, clings to her scarred, abused body. The rotting flesh stench in the air still makes her stomach queasy. Surpassing Lady Tsunade to becoming a great medical ninja, right here means nothing to her. As comrades and friends alike lay around her, taken before their time. Her gloved fists clench tightly, eyes blink away tears threatening to fall.

'Naruto. . . I'm sorry.'

Her mind tortures her of him breathing his last in her arms. Dying with adoring ocean blue eyes STILL staring up at her. His whispered heartbreaking "I love you." Leaving his blood covered lips. She. . . couldn't. . . save. . . him.

Sasuke wasn't of any help. Only physically removing her from the battle (not feeling comfortable from Sasuke's touch, didn't register in her mind), as her body went numb with grief and regrets. Sasuke's heart squeezing as he left her, hearing her hollow voice whisper Naruto's name.

Yet it didn't take long for even Sasuke to die without Naruto to back him up. Kakashi looked to the midnight nearly bleeding red sky, feeling his heart shatter. It grow worse as he realized then he failed jiraiya in watching over Naruto. Failed in helping Sasuke get over his thirst for revenge and utterly failed in training Sakura Haruno to the bestat of her own abilities.

As his stares at the young girl he failed most, he receives a small nod across the way from the young Kazekage heading towards her. The Copy Ninja sighs, walking away only after he watches the two broken souls tenderly embrace. Heading off towards the small circle of survivors, wishing he had told her how he truly felt about her.

'This is our last shot. I have faith in them, Shizune I'm sorry.'

Gentle hands rest upon her shoulders now. Feather like touch roaming until they encircle her. Lips kiss her bloody hair. A small humorous smile grows own her face. Curling herself into the deep embrace of the man she never thought she'd fall in love with. Let alone him to her, growing closer with deaths of pretty much everyone they cherished.

"Don't let go."

She breathes her backside pressing against his well clothed battle stained coat. A tight squeeze of her slender waist is her answer.

"Never."

They share a quick glance at one another. Enjoying any solace they could have. 20 minutes go by, with nothing but their heart beats in sync, hearing the dead silence around them. Praying they can change it all.

"Alright lovebirds, it's time to change history."

Tsunade's strong voice announces, as the two break apart. Gaara grabs Sakura's left hand in his right, the two kage bowing to one another. The 3 walk on, seeing Kakashi standing on the side lines of the half Kage square.

Tsunade joins in completing it, they go through hand signs. As chakra glows around them, they place their hands on the ground in front of them. Eyes close in deep concentration, Tsunade lets a smile slip as she hears her surpassed apprentice and the young Kazekage.

'You both will succeed. I bet everything I have on you.'


TO BE CONTINUED. . .