Chapter #1:

Farewell Naruto

"SASUKE!"

"NARUTO!"

Both Sasuke and Naruto charged in their awakened state Naruto wore a glowing Red Chakra cloak which formed one tail, Sasuke had greyish skin with monster like wings, they both unleashed their ultimate move Naruto with his glowing Sharingan, Sasuke with his Silver Lightning Chidori the culmination of the attack lead to a massive explosion, Naruto was blown away landing in the water unconscious, Sasuke fading in and out of consciousness.

Memories flooded Sasuke like a blade in his back, his happy memories with Naruto, Sakura, Kakashi Sensei and all the friends he had in the hidden leaf village, his sad and lonely memories of his entire clan wiped out, his anger for his brother being too weak to protect Naruto from Itachi.

Sasuke dragged Naruto onto the bank making sure he was still alive, "There, you'll survive till someone finds you… as for me… I need to get out of here before I'm caught too. I'm sorry Naruto… I wish things could've been different. You insufferable idiot will always be my best friend."

With that Sasuke left, his injuries now having caught up with him he limped through the trees to make his way to Orochimaru's hideout, moments later Kakashi arrived.

"Naruto!" Kakashi cried as he ran over to his fallen student, he leaned over and listened to his heart and sighs in relief, "Your still alive, that's something."

Kakashi looks around but there's no one else, "Sasuke… you've really abandoned everyone have you? I thought I could finally redeem myself for failing Itachi but it seems I'm doomed to fail."

Genma suddenly appears, "Kakashi!? Did you find…" he sees Naruto on the ground… "I see… and the Uchiha?"

Kakashi shakes his head, "Gone before I arrived. How are the others?"

Genma sighs, "Well it isn't good, Choji Akamichi, and Neji Hyuuga are both in critical condition, Kiba Inuzuka and his Ninja Pup were both severely injured but are not in any life threatening position, them along with Shikamaru Nara, and Rock Lee were all rescued by Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari of the Sand."

Kakashi smiles, "Well if nothing else this will lead to more friendly relations for the future."

Genma nods, "I agree, Lady Hokage has ordered us all to return to the village as quickly as…"

Suddenly Naruto starts coughing and choking and a large sputtering of blood is released, both look horrified.

Kakashi leans in closer to Naruto listening to his heartbeat and it starts slowing down, "Call ahead! Tell the village to prepare for another critical patient! Naruto is dying!"

Genma nods, "Right!" he disappears into the trees

Kakashi picks Naruto up, "Naruto… don't you dare die on me! Hey Fox! I know you can hear me! If Naruto dies, you die too, don't you dare let him die now!"

Inside the Nine-Tails prison he sneers at Kakashi's words, "Such arrogance to order me to do anything… Grr… he is right though, very well I'll lend the boy a little more chakra keep him alive long enough for the humans to take care of the rest."

Meanwhile Sakura sits on a bench just outside of the Yamanaka flower shop picking at a flower she lets out a long deep sigh she looks at the ground as memories fill her head.

Just after the Sand attack Naruto is whining to Kakashi to be shown how to use the Chidori but is failing miserably.

Sakura turns to Sasuke, "Hey, Sasuke I just wanted to thank you."

Sasuke looks confused, "Hm? For what?"

Sakura smiles, "What do you mean for what? It was you who protected me from Gaara and saved me from the Sand."

Sasuke shakes his head, "No, it wasn't me."

Sakura shocked, "What, well if it wasn't you then who?"

Sasuke looks over at Naruto, "It was him, Naruto saved you."

Sakura chuckles, "Good one Sasuke, sure he's gotten stronger but…"

Sasuke sighs, "I'm telling you the truth! When it came right down to it, I wasn't strong enough, Gaara beat me at every turn but then Naruto appeared, you should have seen him." Sasuke smiles, "He displayed a certain strength I've never seen before."

Sakura shocked, "He really rescued me."

Sasuke nods, "I also heard him when he was fighting…"

Sakura confused, "What do you mean?"

Sasuke sighs, "I think he empathised with Gaara, he talked about the pain of being all alone, and how unbearable it is. He said he cares about us more than he does himself he even said he would protect you even if he had to kill him."

Sakura shocked, "But… I've been so mean to him why would he go that far for me?"

Sasuke laughs, "You really don't get it do you?"

Sakura annoyed, "Get what? Would you just tell me already?"

Sasuke smiles, "Alright fine, Naruto's in love with you…"

Sakura shocked, "What!? That's impossible, I mean he…"

Sasuke sighs, "You don't have to believe me but it's true…"

Many months later outside the Village gate just before Naruto and the team leave to rescue Sasuke, Sakura stands before them crying her eyes out.

Sakura bows to Naruto, "Naruto this is a once in a life time request… please… just bring him back to me."

Naruto looks heartbroken and sighs, "Wow, you really love him, huh Sakura?"

Sakura confused, "Well I uh…"

Naruto puts on a brave face, "Don't you worry one bit, I'm gonna bring Sasuke back, I promise that on my life Sakura."

Sakura's heart beats faster and she blushes slightly, "Wait… what, what do you mean."

Naruto pretends he can't hear her, "Let's move out!"

Kiba growls, "Agh! Shikamaru's in charge ya idiot!"

Shikamaru sighs, "What a drag, no Naruto's right time to go.

They all run off and disappear into the trees, leaving a very confused Sakura, Sakura is taken out of her memories by Ino who startles her.

Ino taps Sakura's shoulder, "Sakura?"

Sakura startled nearly jumps out of her skin, "Ah! Ino…?"

Ino nods, "Yeah, you looked a bit dazed, you alright?"

Sakura nods, "Yeah just thinking."

Ino sighs "About Sasuke… yeah I still can't believe Sasuke would just leave the village like that. It's insane what's there to get out of becoming a Rogue Ninja!?"

Sakura sighs "It just goes to show neither of us knew what was really going on inside of his head."

Ino nods "Yeah… you're right."

Sakura sighs, "But I wasn't actually thinking about him… I was thinking about Naruto."

Ino snickers, "Ooh does that mean I can have Sasuke all to myself."

Sakura glares at her, "No! I… Sasuke said something just after the Sand and Sound's Attack and now I'm confused."

Ino looks confused herself, "What did he say?"

Sakura sighs, "It's silly really, he thinks…" she starts laughing "He thinks Naruto is in love with me."

Ino sighs, "Oh yeah? What do you think… does it change how you feel about him? Do you even believe it?"

Sakura sighs, "I don't know… it's too strange, I know he jokes about dating me, but I always just assumed he was joking trying to get between me and Sasuke but…"

Before she can continue they both suddenly hear lots of commotion near the village gate, suddenly Shizune ordering around some Shinobi.

Shizune shouts "Get the ICU prepped stat!"

Medical Ninja heading towards the hospital shouts back "Right away Shizune but who is the patient?"

Shizune with fear in her voice replies with "Naruto Uzumaki."

Sakura gasps revealing herself to Shizune "Naruto's hurt that bad?"

Shizune sad for Sakura goes to touch her "Sakura I…?"

Sakura shouts "What happened to Naruto is he okay!? He's going to be alright isn't he?"

Shizune sighs "I'm not gonna lie Sakura, it doesn't look good, according to Genma his heart rate is slowly declining and he's coughing up blood, I won't know till I can get a look at him but I suspect he's got some internal bleeding and if we don't hurry he very well could die."

Sakura gasps "No, Naruto can't die I… I can't lose him too! Shizune you have to save him!"

Shizune sighs, "I promise to do all I can but you need to calm down."

The Medical Ninja smiles, "She's right, besides no idea why you're in such a tizzy. Good riddance I say, one less monster in the world."

Shizune slaps the Medical Ninja, "How dare you! You are relieved of your duties! We don't need someone like you working for us!"

The medical Ninja glares, "Oh yeah who else is as skilled as me who'll save your precious Demon if you fire me now!"

Shizune smiles, "They will, Sakura from what Lady Tsunade has told me your pretty talented and are coming along with your medical Ninjutsu Training. Ino not as much but our both pretty talented. You two will back me up in the ICU."

Ino nervous, "Me too… really!? But I'm not that good I can barely revive half a fish."

Shizune sighs, "You'll be fine, I don't need you to do anything that important, but I do need you as back up. If your not there I won't be able to get everything done and he will die."

Sakura looks more frightened than she ever has been and she's been face to face with Orochimaru, "Please Ino! Please…"

Ino sighs, "Agh, fine! But just don't blame me if I screw up!"

Sakura smiles, "Thank you."

They all race off towards the hospital to prepare for Naruto's arrival, leaving the sullen Medical Ninja disgusted that there is anyone who would show compassion for a Beast like Naruto.

It wasn't long before people were being alerted to the situation the rumor of Naruto's condition spread like wild fire, first Iruka found out while he was teaching Konohamaru's Class.

A teacher knocked on the door and walked inside, "Excuse me, Iruka Sensei, sorry to interrupt."

Iruka smiled, "That's quite alright, is something wrong."

The teacher frowned, "It's just your rather close to the… I uh… I mean to Naruto Uzumaki right?"

Iruka nods, "I am… why do you ask."

The teacher frowns, "I just heard that he was injured on his last mission, he's in critical condition on his way to the hospital, I thought you ought to know."

Konohamaru jumps to his feet, "Naruto's Hurt! Why… how… he's the strongest there is no way he could be beaten!"

Iruka sighs, "Konohamaru please calms down, I know your worried I am too but."

Konohamaru angry, "But nothing! I gotta go see him!"

Iruka sighs, "Even if we left now it wouldn't matter he's probably in surgery and us being there would only disturb the medical staff, the best thing to do for him is to have faith he'll be okay."

Moegi pulls Konohamaru down into his seat, "Iruka Sensei is right Konohamaru let's have faith."

Konohamaru on the verge of tears, "He better be okay."

Udon sniffs, "I hope he's okay."

Iruka sighs and turns to the teacher, "Thank you for telling me. You may go now."

The teacher bows and leaves, "As you wish."

Iruka looks up at the sky towards the hospital, "Don't you dare die, Naruto you haven't achieved your dream yet."

Meanwhile downtown at IchiRaku Ramen two Ninja are sitting down at the bar to relax after a stressful mission, Teuchi smiles as he passes them two bowls, "Order up!"

They both bow, "Thanks for the meal." They dig into the delicious meal of Soup and Noodles combines.

One finally pauses suddenly, "I still can't believe it though, Sasuke Uchiha now a Rogue Ninja."

The other one nods, "Yeah, I heard Naruto went after him with a group of the best Genin. I hope he gets him back, last thing we need is someone on the Uchiha's level falling into the wrong hands."

The first Ninja looks shocked, "Wait you haven't heard."

Teuchi looks curious, "Heard what? What happened?"

The ninja nods, "Well Naruto and Sasuke met and fought, at the Final Valley, kinda ironic as their fight was pretty big too, but in the end Naruto lost and Sasuke escaped."

Teuchi sighs, "Poor kid, well I'll treat him to some Ramen when he gets back."

The first ninja shakes his head, "He'll be lucky if he survives, apparently he's being treated right now in the hospital for internal bleeding and bone bruising, and cracked ribs. It doesn't look good."

Teuchi gasps, "Well… we'll just have to have faith he makes it."

Both ninja nods sombrely, "Yeah…"

At the Hospital, Shikamaru, Temari and Shukaku are all waiting for news of his teams situation, the doctor comes out and makes a b-line for Shikamaru.

Shikamaru sees him and stands up, "How are they?"

The doctor nods, "Well it was a close call but thanks to the Akamichi Clan giving us access to their medical knowledge for those Pills we were able to save Choji, Neji was less lucky as we didn't have an sort of full proof plan to save him but in the end we managed to save him too, Kiba Inuzuka will also make a full recovery though his Ninja Hound Akamaru will need to rest before going out on mission again."

Shikamaru sighs in relief, "Any word on Naruto or Sasuke…"

The doctor hesitates, "Well… the thing is…"

Suddenly the doors burst open Naruto is being wheeled on gurney with Shizune next to it leading the others, Sakura is sitting on an empty spot using her Chakra to keep Naruto alive.

Shizune worried, "How is he doing?"

Sakura crying shakes her head, "He's not responding, what am I doing, what if I?"

Shizune slaps Sakura, "Sakura! Focus! I need you to focus you hear?"

Sakura nods, "Yeah, sorry!"

Shizune nods, "Now the only empty operating Room is Room Number #3 let's go!"

Ino nods, "I'm right behind you!"

Shikamaru looks shocked, "Was that…?"

The doctor nods, "Unfortunately Naruto failed to bring Sasuke back, what's more he fought Sasuke to try and force him to come back, and now he's in critical condition. It's worse than either Choji or Neji I honestly don't know what's gonna happen."

Shikamaru starts freaking out, "This is all my fault… I told Naruto to go on ahead, I told him to get Sasuke whatever it takes if he dies I… I…"

Temari slaps Shikamaru, "Calm down! This isn't your fault, you faced powerful enemies that even me and my brothers struggled against at full power after they had spent however long fighting you and your team. This isn't anyone's fault, but you need to get a grip!"

Shukaku nods, "She's right son, we can't change what happened but what we can do is prepare you for the next mission so your better prepared."

Shikamaru sighs, "How…"

Shukaku smiles, "Why train of course, it'll be a drag but I think your ready."

Shikamaru looks concerned, "Ready for what?"

Shukaku smiles, "To learn the Nara Secret Techniques. To start preparing to become the Head of the Nara Clan."

Shikamaru sighs then looks towards the room Naruto is in fighting for his life then nods, "I will never let my friends sacrifice themselves again. I will be strong enough to protect everyone."

Shukaku teasing his son says, "Hm… you almost sound like a Hokage."

Shikamaru groans, "Yeah no. that's too much of a drag."

Shukaku laughs, "Yeah I'll bet."

In the operating room, Shizune is cutting open Naruto and moving things around to find his injuries, Sakura then moves in with her hands to heal him, Ino stands ready to clean some equipment with jar of clean water or hand Shizune another item.

Shizune wipes sweat from her brow, "Just what did Sasuke do to you, Naruto…"

Sakura fumbles slightly, "Ah… no I can keep going."

Shizune concerned looks at her, "You sure…"

Sakura nods, "Naruto is dying I won't stop till he's saved."

Suddenly the doors burst open and Tsunade Senju walks through, "How is he?"

Shizune gasps, "Lady Hokage… uh… he's not getting any better, we can't seem to find what's causing the internal bleeding."

Tsunade smiles, "Well I'm here now, move aside."

Shizune looks concerned, "But My lady what about…"

Tsunade, "I won't let my grandson die, now move aside!"

Shizune nods, "Yes my lady!"

Ino gasps, "Wait, Grandson is she…"

Sakura shouts, "Nevermind that now Ino, we need to focus!"

Ino nods, "Right!"

With Tsunade's aid, the find the core of his injuries a deep burn just behind Naruto's heart caused by the Chidori, they were then able to seal him up as if there was never a cut.

Later Ino is looking at both Shizune and Tsunade with cold glaring eyes not with anger but just confusion.

Ino asks point blank, "Alright now Naruto's out of the woods, one of you needs to explain. What did Lad Tsunade mean when she said Naruto was her grandson."

Shizune smiles nervously, "Well Naruto calls her Granny it is simply an affectionate term and…"

Ino groans as she looks to Sakura, "Come on, do I look stupid to you. She didn't mean it in that way and you know it! Come on, Sakura back me up here!"

Sakura groans as she lies in one of the empty beds resting after expending so much chakra. "Eh… I don't know." She falls back asleep

Ino sighs, "Come on I've known Naruto since he was a kid and he's never mentioned having any family."

Tsunade sighs, "I guess there's no point in hiding it anymore. As you know I left the Village not long after my Brother and Lover died. What you might not be aware of is Jiraiya came with me. He didn't trust me in my grief and it was the right decision I threw myself into drinking and gambling and got into a lot of trouble but he was always there to save me from m debt. One day I got really drunk and…"

Ino gasps, "You and Lord Jiraiya… you really?"

Tsunade blushes slightly, "Did it? Yes… honestly I thought it was a dream at first, and Jiraiya must have felt guilty thought he took advantage of me or something. But I eventually had no choice but to admit it happened because nine months later I gave birth to Naruto's father."

Ino shocked, "Who was that?"

Tsunade smiles, "Sorry, but I can't tell you, not even Naruto knows who his parents are for his protection you understand."

Ino groans, "Fine… what happened next?"

Tsunade sighs, "Well, Jiraiya thought we should take him back to the village and raise him, I didn't trust myself to be a good mother, so we compromised. He took our child back to the village and we found a loving couple who were unable to have children for whatever reason and they raised our son."

Ino sighs, "I guess I understand, you'd lost so much…"

Tsunade nods as tears stream from her cheek, "I had, but there's no a day that goes by I don't regret it. Me and Jiraiya would often visit the village and watch him grow. Eventually Jiraiya was named his Sensei and was able to get close, but I just couldn't it was too painful. So I returned to my life on the road, and Jiraiya could no longer accompany me so Shizune here, Dan's Niece decided to help me. I trained her in medical Ninjutsu."

Shizune nods, "Then Eighteen years ago we learned that both Naruto's parents died during the Nine-Tails attack, Tsunade was inconsolable, I asked if we should go be there for Naruto."

Tsunade starts crying even harder, "Had I known the hardships he would face I would have raced home straight away. But I thought the old perv would do his part, if not him than Lord 3rd but everyone for one reason or another was unable to be there for Naruto which lead to his childhood of being bullied and feeling abandoned. Which is why I haven't told him."

Sakura gasps and sits up suddenly, "He doesn't know!?"

Tsunade wiping her tears smiles, "Oh, Sakura your up?"

Sakura sighs, "Well no one can sleep with you three yammering on like that! Why haven't you told Naruto?"

Tsunade sighs, "I don't have the right to. He grew up sad and alone, if I was really family why didn't I come back and help raise him. I don't deserve his forgiveness so I will stay just some old lady to him."

Shizune sighs, "I keep telling her she doesn't need to do that but what can you do?"

Ino sighs, "I might be stepping out of line here ma'am but for as long as I've known Naruto he's been alone desperate for family, keeping this secret isn't just harming you, it's keeping a family from him, a family he's been wanting for as long as he can remember. Maybe it's time to stop punishing yourself and let him decide if you deserve forgivness."

Tsunade sighs, "I don't know… maybe."

Days go by with no change, those days turn into weeks and weeks into months until finally, Naruto wakes up with a scream "SASUKE! Huh?" he soon realizes he's back in the village "Wait, what? Where am I?" he feels a sharp pain "Ouch! Ah man what happened?"

Shikamaru sighs "What a drag, that should be obvious…"

Naruto surprised to see Shikamaru "Shikamaru what're you doing here?"

Shikamaru sighs again "I figured you'd wake up sooner or later so I've been waiting, it's been nearly three months."

Naruto shocked, "Three Months! But what about Sasuke we need to…"

Shikamaru holds up his hand to silence him, "Yeah… it's as you figured, Sasuke… got away. There was no trace, Lady Tsunade has her intel division working on tracking him and Orochimaru but seeing as the latter has remained hidden for years, I think it's safe to say it'll be a while before we find either of them."

Naruto looks shocked at first then looks down at all his bandages "I see."

Shikamaru looks confused "You're taking this surprisingly well, you got a plan, you know what you're gonna do now? Like I said there's no trace of Sasuke so…"

Naruto nods "That doesn't matter, I made a promise to Sakura, and I always keep my promises it doesn't matter if it takes me a year, five, ten or even a hundred years to bring him back to the village, I'll do it."

Shikamaru nods "So what's your plan Naruto?"

Naruto smiles "Well first I gotta get stronger, much, much stronger. Sasuke beat me this time and he's gonna keep on getting stronger under Orochimaru teaching. So I gotta find me a teacher just as strong or stronger than him and train so I'm ready to face Sasuke again then I'll drag him back if I have to."

Shikamaru nods "I see, in that case I'll help."

Naruto looks slightly surprised "What do you mean?"

Shikamaru sighs feeling rather dejected "This was my first mission as a Chunin remember and it ended as a failure it'd be really depressing if I couldn't makeup for that so whenever you go after Sasuke again I'll be there!"

Naruto nods "Thanks Shikamaru!"

Shikamaru nods "Of course, Dad's even gonna train me, so don't think you'll just surpass me and that I'll be some weak ass side character. I'm gonna become stronger too!"

Naruto looks horrified, "You… you're gonna train?"

Shikamaru grins, "Not just me… Choza is training Choji, Neji and Hinata are training under Lord Hisashi Hyuuga. Lee, and Tenten are training harder than ever under Guy. Everyone is training their butts off."

Naruto shocked, "Really?"

Shikamaru nods, "We lost Sasuke or rather Sasuke lost his way, but he's still one of us, we won't let him fall any further into the darkness."

Naruto smiles, "Right!"

Shikamaru and Naruto bump fists, "Anyway, I'll let you get some rest then." Shikamaru walks back over to the door and opens it to see a very depressed Sakura "Oh, Sakura you here to see Naruto?"

Naruto looks up "What Sakura?"

Sakura nods "Mm-hm…"

Shikamaru not sure what to say awkwardly excuses himself "Well I'll leave you two to it." He makes his way out of the room.

Naruto nervous not sure what to say "Listen Sakura I… uh… um… look I know I failed this time but I promise, I will get him back somehow someday I gave you my word and I never…"

Sakura shouts "I don't care about any of that!" she unexpectedly embraces Naruto causing some pain but she snuggles into him with tears running down her face. "Naruto… you almost died, because of me, me and my damn Sasuke obsession and he's the one who did it to you!" he cries even harder…

Naruto pats Sakura's head "It's okay I'm as good as new!" winces in pain slightly "See!"

Sakura wipes her tears away and asks "Do you remember our first mission with Kakashi Sensei?"

Naruto thinks for a minute "You mean to the land of waves?"

Sakura shakes her head "No, that might have been the first real mission where we grew, I mean right after we met Kakashi Sensei"

Naruto realizes what she's talking about "Oh, the bells thing!"

Sakura nods "Do you remember what he told me?"

Naruto thinks for a minute "No I don't"

Sakura sighs "I figured he said something like 'You obsessed with Sasuke who was gone and forgot all about Naruto'"

Naruto depressed sighs "Oh, yeah that… uh… why bring that up all of a sudden anyway?"

Sakura sighs "Because he was right all I've ever thought about was Sasuke, Sasuke, Sasuke. I completely ignored that there was already someone else protecting me who actually cared for me and nearly died for me…"

A few months ago, inside the Yamanaka flower shop Sakura walks up to the counter Ino sees her and smiles "Hi, Sakura what can I do for you today?"

Sakura sighs "I don't know, do you know anyone who knows what kind of flowers Naruto likes?"

Ino thinks for a minute "Hmm… good question"

They both hear a light voice from behind Sakura "Cherry blossoms"

Both turn around shocked to see Hinata Sakura looks relieved "Oh, it's you Hinata, how do you know they're Naruto's Favorite."

Hinata stuttering "Well… I uh… um…"

Kiba walks in laughing "It's cause of all the times you followed him watching him right!?"

Hinata shocked "Kiba!? You knew about that!?"

Sakura looks nervous and thinks to herself *You mean it's true? Talk about stalker, sheesh!* she smiles then asks "So why does he like Cherry blossoms?"

Ino smiles "Oh, right he did buy some a once! I thought it was weird then he said oh what was it?" she suddenly remembers and smiles wickedly "Nope! Not telling…"

Sakura looks at her annoyed "Ino! You can't do that, please…"

Ino smiles and giggles, "Well alright… he told me they reminded him of the girl he loves most in the world."

Sakura seems confused by this "Oh, is that all, well who could that be?"

Ino laughs says "Yeah, real mystery ain't it… man your oblivious, anyway I'll just go get some for you then?"

Sakura nods "Yeah thanks…"

Kiba laughs "Wait are you serious right now? You seriously have no idea who Naruto loves!?"

Sakura looks surprised "Wait and you do!?"

Kiba laughs pointing at Sakura "Oh wow you're more oblivious than Naruto and that's saying a lot seeing as Hinata has been in love with him since before the academy!"

Hinata embarrassed says "Kiba… stop it…"

Sakura glares at Kiba "Well… are you gonna tell me or not?"

Kiba sensing danger stops laughing and says bluntly "Yes, ma'am. He loves you."

Sakura takes a moment to process it then freaks out "Me!? So Sasuke wasn't overthinking things… he said that Naruto liked me but… your absolutely sure about this?"

Hinata sighs sadly "Yeah, he does during his training sessions he shouts a lot, but something he says a lot is…"

Kiba interrupts Hinata "'Stupid Sasuke! I'll show Sakura that I'm just as cool!' or something like that…"

Sakura gasps and tears start welling up in her eyes "and he nearly died for me and I didn't even realize his feelings I'm a terrible friend… no I'm just a terrible person."

Ino hands Sakura the cherry blossom "Don't worry about it, he's too good a guy to hold a grudge"

Sakura annoyed says "Yeah, I know that's the problem, how am I going to ever face him again knowing what I do now?"

Ino thinks then says "Well, look you love Sasuke don't you, so nothing needs to change as much as I hate to admit in we're rivals in love so…"

Sakura embarrassed says "Well…"

Hinata's eyes go wide she is very surprised at this response and Ino grabs Sakura very forcefully "Wait for real!? Are you saying you like Naruto now that you know or something!?"

Sakura sighs "It not just that but the fact that I've known Sasuke and Naruto for about the same amount of time and we've been on the same team for a few years too and yet…"

Ino curious leans in "and yet…?"

Sakura sighs "Do you remember the Chunin exams?"

All nod their head listening intently to the story "Yeah…"

Sakura smiles "Well… during it me, Sasuke, & Naruto were attacked by Orochimaru and that's when he placed a curse mark on Sasuke however that's not why I brought it up, I brought it up because me and Sasuke were so scared of him we couldn't move then Naruto he saved us and got us to move, then again when the Sand attacked with the Sound I was nearly killed by Gaara and Naruto saved my life Sasuke told me so…"

Everyone surprised "You mean it wasn't Sasuke who beat that insane Sand Shinobi?" Kiba asks

Sakura nods "For as long as I can remember I have loved Sasuke… and why? Because he was good looking or good at Jutsu, I never even noticed Naruto and yet he saved me over and over again, and I just brush his feelings aside like some sort of joke. He deserves better… and yet…" she smiles "I think… I like him too, he's the one who's actually been there for me after all."

Hinata terrified squeals "That can't be…!?"

Kiba frowns "Sorry, Hinata looks like you lost your chance"

Sakura bows to Hinata "I'm sorry Hinata but I…"

Hinata puts her hand up and she gets a look that freaks everyone out "If you're gonna say something pitiful like you won't move on your feelings don't!"

Sakura looks confused, "But I… why?"

Hinata looks angry, "Am I so pathetic that I can't hold a candle to you or something!? Do I need a handicap? No, go ahead tell him how you feel!" she storms out of the shop

Sakura looks confused "I… uh… Hinata!? What I say?"

Kiba sighs, "Don't worry, it ain't you, she's just weird. Hey, Hinata wait for me! Where are you even going?"

Hinata shouts back "To train! I'm not gonna lose to Sakura Haruno I am Hinata Hyuuga and I will beat her at least when it comes to Naruto!"

Kiba sighs "Alright, I'll help!"

Hinata shakes her head "No, I need someone who can really push me in the Hyuuga style of combat, I need Neji!"

Back in the present with Naruto and Sakura in Naruto's hospital room, Naruto looks confused at Sakura as she's been quiet for quite some time.

Sakura sighs and asks "Naruto… do you really love me?"

Naruto looks horrified his most best kept secret had been discovered "Who told you!?"

Sakura smiles "Kiba and Ino confirmed it, Hinata too, and Shikamaru, and Lee, and Neji and Shino honestly everyone knew. I only didn't realize because I was so Sasuke-obsessed."

Naruto sighs "I see, well that's depressing I thought I was good at hiding it"

Sakura remembers all of the times Naruto asked her out or flirted with her *Hey, Sakura! How's it going Sakura! Hey Sakura let's go out on a date! Sakura wanna hang out and build our teamwork!*

Sakura smiles "Yeah you definitely kept it on the down low"

Naruto nods in agreement not sensing the sarcasm "I know right!"

Sakura sighs "Still you didn't answer the question… do you?"

Naruto realizes she truly wishes to know "Oh, I well… I um… yeah, yeah I love you Sakura, always have."

Sakura confused "But… why? I was so mean to you… cruel even! How can you still have feelings for me?"

Naruto smiles "Are you kidding, what's not to like about you!? You're beautiful, strong, independent, don't take crap from anyone, not even me! You're beautiful, and kind… maybe not so much to me back in the day but you can truly be kindhearted person I know it I've seen it. Also did I mention that your beautiful!"

Sakura blushing heavily "nobody has ever complimented me as much as you just did… I… Naruto I…"

Naruto smiles "But you love Sasuke right… I'm okay I'm just glad you know now so I can…"

Sakura crosses the room in an instant and before Naruto realizes it, he's kissing Sakura for a moment he didn't realize what had happened then it sinks in and he forces her to stop kissing her "Sakura… why?"

Sakura brushes her hair out of her face and says "Because you are kind even though I treated you horribly in the past, you always protect me when I'm in danger and your strong determined and refuse to back down even when people tell you it's impossible, I… I don't know how or when or if it was just because I was blinded by my crush for Sasuke cause that's all it was a crush but now that I have a clear view I see who it is I truly love… you so please… don't leave me…"

Naruto goes to say something then he hugs her not answering her

…and just like that Naruto was dating Sakura he would train by himself in the Training field sometimes Neji, Lee, or even Shikamaru would come and spar with him, afterwards Sakura would come and collect him and they'd go back to his place, her parents were very disapproving she remembers when she finally told them she was dating Naruto.

Kazashi slams his fist on the table, "Repeat what you just said…"

Sakura startled, looks confused, "What… what's the problem I… I finally have a boyfriend. I'm happy so why do you both look so upset."

Mebuki sighs, "Because darling, of all the boys in the village why'd it have to be him, I mean weren't you in love with what's his name Sasuke?"

Kazashi nods, "Yeah, he may be gone but he's a much better fit for you."

Sakura shakes her head, "No he's not… he didn't care about me, I begged him to stay and he knocked me unconscious he ignored my affection, he showed no interest for me as anything more than a teammate, but Naruto…" she smiles, "He cares about me… he… he loves me and I love him!"

Mebuki sighs, "He doesn't love you… a monster like him isn't capable of love."

Kazashi sighs, "If it wasn't for that decree however many years ago he'd have been run out of this village! He may have done a few good things here and there, but he's dangerous!"

Mebuki nods, "Your father's right dear, go find someone else, your beautiful so it shouldn't be too hard."

Sakura takes a few steps back and shakes her head in disbelief, "I always knew Naruto had been tormented and shunned as a child but I never would have imagined my own parents would be among those to trat him like that!"

Kazashi sighs, "Why can't you understand we are just trying to protect you!?"

Sakura angry shouts, "Why can't you understand that I am finally happy!" she shakes her head, "I'm outta here!" she runs out the door.

Mebuki calls after her "Sakura! Don't go! Please listen to us!"

Kazashi sighs, "That kid… she doesn't understand that Demon could kill us all in an instant. Plus imagine if he had a child with her… it would be disastrous. I'm not just talking as a father either… it would be terrible for the entire village."

Mebuki nods, "I agree… but she's a grown woman, we can't force her to break up with him."

Kazashi sighs, "Don't worry, I hear that the brat will be leaving soon for training with the toad sage, while him getting stronger isn't something that I look forward to, it'll mean he leaves this village for a long time."

Mebuki nods, "Agreed, well let's hope nothing happens between now and then."

Kazashi nods, "Agreed…"

That night at Naruto's flat, Sakura is confiding in Naruto the fight she had with her parents, and Naruto being compassionate listens intently.

Sakura jumps to her feet, "Agh! I mean who do they think they are!?"

Naruto trying to lighten the mood with a joke says, "Your parents?"

Sakura glares at him "Grr…"

Naruto raises his hands in surrender, "Okay, okay not funny."

Sakura annoyed asks, "Why aren't you more angry about this?"

Naruto sighs, "Well I mean do you agree with them?"

Sakura horrified, "No of course not!"

Naruto smiles, "Well are you gonna dump me like they say?"

Sakura shakes her head, "Again, of course not!"

Naruto shrugs, "Then it makes no difference to me, I only care how you see me, I have friends too. It doesn't matter what the rest of the village sees, not for now at least. They'll see who I really am in time."

Sakura sighs then falls into Naruto's arms, "They don't deserve you, your too good for them."

Naruto chuckles, "Nah, they're just scared which I understand I am pretty powerful, he flexes jokingly."

Sakura sighs, "You still refuse to tell me why they fear you don't you, and don't you dare flex your arms again."

Naruto sighs, "It's not that I don't trust you I just like where we are in this relationship, and I don't want it to change."

Sakura smiles, "Well I kinda want it to change."

Naruto looks afraid, "What do you mean?"

He gets his answer very quickly as Sakura lightly pushes him down on the bed and starts kissing him before long she takes her top off, "I'm read to take our next step Naruto…"

Naruto shocked, "Really… I mean your sure."

Sakura nods, "I am… but if you don't want to I can just leave right now." She winks at him with a malicious smile, this sends Naruto over the edge.

Naruto wraps his arm around Sakura's waist and flips her onto her back so she's laying on the bed and he's on top of her, they stare intently into each other's eyes suddenly there's a flurry of movement both getting tangled in each other and while both find certain parts difficult their first time is with each other and it is beautiful and they both drift off to sleep peacefully in each other's arms.

Naruto dreams of him and Sakura getting married of him waiting for her to walk down the aisle, both looking at each other lovingly as the ceremony progresses everyone watches then it happens.

The priest looks to Naruto, "Do you Naruto Uzumaki take, Sakura Haruno to be your lawfully wedded wife to have and to hold, in sickness and I health, for rich or poor, till death do you part."

Naruto nods, "I do…"

The priest turns to Sakura and asks the same question, "…and do you Sakura Haruno, take Naruto Uzumaki to be your lawfully wedded Husband to have and to hold, in sickness and I health, for rich or poor, till death do you part."

Sakura smiles, "I… d…" her words are cut off as a fist shoots out of her chest gripping her heart, she falls forward dead.

Naruto catches her terrified, "Sakura… Sakura!?"

Sasuke looks down, "My apologies I would've been here sooner but I lost my invitation."

Naruto glares, "Sasuke… you bastard! Why!?"

Sasuke chuckles, "Why you ask, to finish what we started at the Final Valley, Chidori!" he punches his fist through Naruto's chest ripping his heart out too, then whispers into his ear, "You should have trained harder instead of wasting time playing house… then maybe you would've been able to protect her… and your child."

Naruto looks confused till he looks where Sasuke is looking and see a child no older than five, terrified as Orochimaru holds her above his head, she had light yellow hair slightly lighter than Naruto's hair, her dress was formal for the occasion. "No… please… don't hurt her."

Orochimaru chuckles, "Oh it won't hurt, I promise it'll be instant." He throws her above as he throws an Explosive Tag at the child, "Say goodbye, Naruto Uzumaki!"

Naruto gasps as he sits up awake, he looks around and sees he's safe, Sakura grumbles slightly still fast asleep, she snuggles up to Naruto.

Naruto sighs in relief, "She's okay." He touches his chest, "I'm okay…" he sighs, "But for how long? Sasuke's right… I can't continue playing house… everyone is training getting stronger but me I…" he looks to Sakura, "I'm sorry Sakura but I have to leave…"

A few days later at the village gate, Naruto is fully packed, saying goodbye to Iruka and Tsunade.

Jiraiya asks one last time, "You sure you don't want to tell her, I mean you guys are a thing, right?"

Naruto nods, "Exactly, and as much as I want to tell her in person, I know that if she looks at me with those sad eyes I won't be able to leave. But I need to, if I'm going to protect her."

Jiraiya sighs, "Well it's your decision."

Naruto sighs, "Granny, make sure…"

Tsunade nods, "She gets the letter and… tell her how sorry you are. I know, I doubt it'll make much of a difference though. Train hard get strong, when you get back there's something I have to tell you."

Naruto nods, "Will do… let's go Pervy Sage?"

Jiraiya sighs, "Fine, fine but we really need to work on your nickname for me. How about Handsome Sage, or Powerful Sage, even just Toad Sage."

Naruto chuckles, "But it's more accurate to say Pervy…"

They continue chatting as they leave, Tsunade sighs, "Like Grandmother like Grandson. Leaving without saying a word."

Shizune nods, "So when are you gonna tell her?"

Tsunade sighs, "Later… this afternoon. Gotta give Naruto enough time to get a head start, after all if she follows after him, his sacrifice will be meaningless."

Shizune looks towards Naruto, "I'm gonna miss him."

Tsunade looks after him too, then nods, "You know what, me too."

To Be Continued