"I was wondering when you would come to see me. Izumo and Kotetsu told me that you have been in the village for a few days." Danzō Shimura, the interim Hokage, was never one that liked to wait, even though he was known for being a very patient man. "Do you have your report ready?"

"Yes sir." Sakura handed him the manila folder. It was thick and intensively labeled. "Everything I have done thus far and planned is inside this report. I hope it's easy to understand. Sometimes, I can't convey everything I'm trying to explain." She chuckled nervously.

"I have no doubt in your ability, Medical Director Haruno. There was a reason you were chosen for this role." The Warhawk placed the thick folder to the side. "Excluding your report, how are things in Sunagakure? Adjusting well? Any problems I should be made aware of?"

"Getting used to the Suna climate was a challenge, but I've adjusted to it. So far, everything has been going great."

For her job, yes, everything is going well. Personally, it's a shitshow.

"Hm." Danzō was pleased by this. "Director Haruno, may I ask something a bit more personal?"

Slightly stunned, Sakura nodded. "Of course, sir."

"How have you been handling your mother's death? Has it been difficult?"

Sakura could have guessed the question. "...It's been a hard time. I've had to do a lot of searching and...I think I've reached a place of acceptance."

Danzō was rather surprised to hear that. "Really? It's only been a few months."

"Being away from Konoha has been a bit of a blessing in disguise. My work distracted my mind, I guess. I just realized one day that I had accepted it and who was really at fault."

Danzō nodded. "I understand." He had a feeling all along that something like this might happen. The elderly man grabbed his cane and began walking out of the office. "You're dismissed, Haruno. Though, you're more than welcome to join in my stroll. I'm sure you'll enjoy it, if you do."

"Why do you say that, sir?"

"It's a beautiful morning. And I enjoy beautiful mornings."

Sakura would have never pegged Danzō to have this kind of side of him. He wasn't known for enjoying things. She quickly decided to follow.

It was early in the day, just after eight o'clock. Shops were beginning to open, and workers were starting on remaining construction projects. Danzō found it beneficial to walk through the villagers. Having face-to-face conversations with everyday people would pay dividends in the end when the selection for Hokage would happen, which was right around the corner.

Danzō was the prime candidate for the next Hokage. In fact, he was the only candidate. After Tsunade's removal and his appointment, Konoha thrived economically, socially, and militarily. Businesses boomed with trade and profit. Moral with villagers and returning shinobi were at an all-time high. And both deployments were destroying the enemy on both fronts.

It would be a travesty for Danzō not to be named the Sixth Hokage.

"Where are we going, sir?"

"The main gate. We have a prisoner arriving."

"A prisoner?" It was hard for Sakura to walk at Danzō's snail pace.

"The Gateway Task Force was able to capture a high value target during one of their advances." Danzō was rather puzzled that it was the jinchūriki of the Four-Tails. And he was concerned about the other jinchūriki in their ranks as well. "This capture has dealt a major blow to Iwagakure's power ranking."

"Who is it? It must be a high-ranking person in Iwa's army."

"Depends on how you view it. The prisoner's name is Rōshi of the Lava Style, the Four-Tails jinchūriki."

Shocked, Sakura stopped. "The Four-Tails jinchūriki? Does that mean..."

Danzō stopped with her. "It does. I told you'd enjoy it." The Warhawk kept walking. "Come on. They'll be arriving shortly."

Quicker than she anticipated, Sakura moved to match Danzō's speed. They stayed that way until they reached the main gate where Izumo and Kotetsu were standing guard.

"Lord Danzō." The two greeted in unison.

"Anything to report?"

"Negative." Izumo answered. "It's been quiet all morning."

"When is that transport arriving?" Kotetsu questioned.

"Momentarily." Danzō felt that his presence here was evident that Sai and the others were close to arrival, but it didn't matter.

Sakura tuned out their conversation. Her anxiety was going through the room. Naruto was about to be here. In moments, he was going to be in front of her. She just couldn't believe it.

Emotions ran rampant throughout her body and mind, making Sakura self-conscious and unsure of what to do. It had only been a few months since they had last seen each other, but it felt like a lifetime. Despite everything that had happened, Sakura never imagined Naruto not in her life in some way.

What do I say? What do I say?!

"Here they are."

Not ready! Not ready!

Three large shadows appeared over them, growing as the birds descended from their flight. The wings created gusts that made Sakura cover her eyes and face. It seemed there was a squad's worth of people arriving.

"Right on time, Sai. Per usual for you."

Sakura's heart began beating faster. She wiped the dirt from her arms and face.

"Of course, Lord Danzō."

"Saiiiii!" A whining voice came soaring down. "You cheated!"

"I wasn't aware of the rules." Sai stated simply. "What kind of rules were put in place?"

"There were none." Ino said, hoping off the first ink bird. "Fū's just being a sore loser."

"I am not!"

"You lost, Fū. Just accept it."

Sakura froze. There was no mistaking that voice. The one voice she knew the best. Never mistaken. He was here. Naruto was here.

Eyes locked. Emerald green and ocean blue. No words spoken, yet a lifetime passed between the eyes.

"Do you have the prisoner?" A squad of ROOT members had appeared, ready to take the captive.

"Right here."

Naruto pulled Rōshi off the back of the second bird. Tied in a snake made from Sai's ink technique, Rōshi was still rendered incapacitated by the black rod in his leg. Naruto was practically dragging Rōshi through the dirt. He dropped the elder jinchūriki on the ground.

"Keep that rod in his leg, it's disrupting his chakra." Naruto reached into his pack. "Here, I hung on to this second rod so someone can look at it. And this is his arm." The pale white arm dangled loosely, causing Sakura to flinch in mild disgust. "I would get this studied as well. It apparently has the Shodai's cells in it."

"The First Hokage's cells?!" Danzō couldn't believe it.

"I guess so." Naruto handed over the arm to a ROOT agent. "Have Neji help. He's got a pretty good understanding of it."

"Have Ibiki and Shizune examine it in R&D department. Same with the rod."

"I'll bring it to the Research Division right away." The agent stated. Neji was quick to follow.

"And bring the prisoner to his cell." Danzō ordered. "Don't worry. We have a cell made especially for someone like you."

The prisoner looked up from his place on the ground. "You must be Danzō Shimura. I've heard stories about you." The jinchūriki chuckled. "Does your moniker really do you justice? Shinobi of Darkness. Perhaps you and I should exchange notes."

"We'll have plenty of time to chat, Yonbi."

The red-haired man chuckled as he taken away by the squad of Root agents.

Sakura couldn't tear her eyes away from him. Naruto was here. He was actually here. She took his preoccupied moment study him, head to toe. His clothes had traces of cuts and quick patch jobs to make them whole again. There was not a scratch on him, from what Sakura could see. Not even his mother's scarf on his hip looked out of place. He looked healthy; all things considered.

Sakura hoped he started taking those pills.

But Sakura's immediate impression was that Naruto looked older. Somehow stronger, more weathered. He was getting a resemblance to his father that was nearing a perfect copy. But yet, with that same blonde, yellow hair and those amazingly deep blue eyes, Naruto was still the same boy she knew and cherished.

"You fucking monster! Send me home!"

The final moments of her mother's life flashed in her mind. It was quick, near instantaneous, but Sakura saw that same red, blubbing cloak around Naruto's form. The reminder was there. That thing was still inside him.

It's not him. Naruto's not that...he never was.

Sakura had to repeat that to herself.

"I'll give you some time to settle. I expect a full report in two days' time." Danzō started with Shikamaru, then turned to Naruto. "I want you to meet me in my office in one hour. We have things to discuss."

"Got it."

"Understood, sir." Shikamaru was always the appointed leader, and it was always such a drag. The Nara turned to address the squad. "We've got thirty days of R&R. I don't care how you use it. Just be here when we gotta leave. Now, get outta here."

"Finally!" Kiba shouted. "Let's go Akamaru!"

"Wait up, Kiba!" Hinata yelled out. Though, she did spare a nasty look towards Sakura before she followed her teammate.

"Hey whiskers?" Fū nudged. "What's a gal gotta do to get something good to eat around here?"

Naruto spared a glance at Sakura. He couldn't believe how beautiful she was. Somehow, she had become even more beautiful in their short time apart. That pink hair still smelled like blossoms and grew even longer. He loved her long hair.

"There's a place I know." Naruto kept the corner of his eye on Sakura. "I'll meet you guys there."

"Huh?" It was as if Fū just realized that Sakura had been standing there. "Who's the chick?"

Ino shuffled the young girl away. "C'mon Fū. Let's go see even if the Ichiraku is open."

Confused, Fū let Ino guide her away from Naruto and Sakura. Ino took a quick look back, watching their interaction. Sakura gave a simple of appreciation for it. Ino nodded back, despite her hurting heart.

"Wait...was that Naruto's girlfriend?!"

"...Yeah."

"Wow...she's a freaking smoke show!"

Ino chuckled. "She really is."

Naruto silently chuckled to himself, hearing Fū's comments. Sometimes he really enjoyed having super strong hearing.

"Naruto..."

That angelic voice soothed his troubled soul.

"Sakura..."

The tension lay heavily down between them. History played like reels in their minds, perspective changing with each other's feelings and memories.

"Sakura...I wanted to thank you." Naruto held out the pill bottle. "These have been really helping."

Sakura's smile softened as mild relief washed through her. "I'm glad to hear that. Does that mean your heart has been flaring up again?"

Naruto knew what Sakura was trying to say. "Yeah. The battles have been tough." He sat down on a nearby bench. The pinkette was quick to join him. "I've...had to resort to using Tojin more than I would have liked."

"I've been hearing about the battles you've been in. That was the Four-Tails jinchūriki, wasn't it?"

Naruto nodded. "His name is Rōshi. That guy...he gave me the toughest fight I've ever had. At one point, I really thought I was done for. If it wasn't for Ino and Fū...I don't think I would have beaten him."

That was a little surprising. "Fū...was that the girl that went with Ino?"

Naruto nodded again. "She's the jinchūriki for the Seven-Tails. We found her in Iwagakure's custody not too long after we deployed to the Land of Rock border." He sighed heavily. "So much has happened...I really don't even know how to start."

Sakura could see that Naruto's been through so much in such a short time. It was starting to make sense why he looked so weathered. Maybe even exhausted.

But Sakura knew where to start.

"I'm sorry about Master Jiraiya..." Sakura dared to reach for his hand. "I couldn't even begin to imagine how hard it's been for you. He was like your father."

This feels...different.

Naruto squeezed her hand. "...Thank you." He knew Sakura truly meant it.

Time was irrelevant in this moment. Neither one knew how long they stayed there; hands joined together. Neither cared. The two scorned lovers were relieved to have each other again. To know that they were surviving in this warring world.

"...Sakura..." Naruto's voice broke with guilt. "I just want you to know...if I could take back what I did..." He couldn't hold back the tear falling down his cheek. "I'm so very sorry...!"

Tenderly, Sakura caressed Naruto's whiskered cheek, wiping away the teardrop. He immediately nuzzled from the sensitivity. "I know, Naruto...I've always known that. I was just so angry." Sakura's tears broke through. "I'm sorry I said those things...I've never considered you like everyone else did." She leaned in, pressing her forehead to his. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

Naruto pulled Sakura into his strong arms, thanking the heavens he had her in his life again. Sakura wrapped her loving arms around his neck, holding him like she would never let go again.

"I'm not abandoning you again." She whispered into his ear. "You'll never go through anything alone again."

Staring deep into each other's eyes, Naruto was mesmerized. That beautiful emerald green could shine brighter than any gem. Priceless. Sakura could get lost in the ocean blueness. Naruto's eyes were vast and held so much within them.

Naruto would do whatever he had to do to make everything right with Sakura. It was in this moment that he realized how much he truly cherished Sakura and how desperately he needed her in his life. He knew already how much he loved her. This moment together solidified everything. No one could compare.

Sakura hadn't felt this happy and relaxed in a long time. She couldn't believe just how quickly all the feelings and comfortability came back. It was like they were never apart. Never scorned. Sakura knew, because of this moment, she could never feel this way about another living thing. This was it. This was love.

Naruto and Sakura.

Heaven and Earth. Together again.

-Hokage's Office-

"You've been making quite a name for yourself, Naruto Uzumaki. Your name continuously pops up in the battle reports from the Kazekage."

The Chūnin shrugged. "I'm just doing what I can, sir." Naruto found it somewhat odd to see Danzō sitting in the Hokage's chair. He was so used to Tsunade being the Hokage. Honestly, he had forgotten that Danzō had taken over.

"Well, you're doing quite a lot." The Warhawk chuckled. "Much like your father during the Third Great War."

"What do you mean?"

"Minato Namikaze was considered the strongest in the village by most of the other Great Nations. Even those close to Hiruzen believed that he couldn't match your father's abilities and talent. He was on every front line, in every battle, fighting. I remember the day his 'flee on sight' order was given. That's when I knew we'd win the war."

"We won only because of my dad?"

"He has always widely been considered as the main reason for our victory. I'm inclined to agree with the notion."

"Where are you going with this, sir? I thought I was here to talk about Fū and Rōshi."

Danzō turned in the swivel chair to look over the nearly reconstructed village. After Iwa and Kumo's attack, the village needed some major upgrades and reconstruction. Trying to gain the favor of, both, villagers and the Shinobi, he took it a step further and ordered a complete redo of many of the local attractions in the village. While funds and resources needed to allocate to the war effort, a good home life with plenty to do and safe environment was also needed to keep morale up.

"Konohagakure is the strongest village in the Five Great Nations. And it seems the others have forgotten that fact in this Fourth War. Bringing in, not one but, two more jinchūriki in our ranks would certainly cement our position at the top."

"You want to Fū to fight in the war?!" Naruto couldn't believe what he just heard. "You've got to be kidding me?!"

"If she wishes to stay in Konoha, then yes. The girl must earn her keep."

"She's just a kid!"

"You were no older than her when you started off this war in that valley." Danzō stated calmly. "If you want to protect this girl then she must earn her stay in the village. Her power would go a long way towards ending this war."

"I'm trying to keep her out of all this fighting. The Akatsuki are relentless to get her and, honestly, it's only a matter of time before they try something here." Naruto prayed that encounter would never come but he knew how the Akatsuki operated better than anyone. "We need a solution to this."

"We have a war to fight, Uzumaki. Having a second, possibly a third, jinchūriki in our ranks would pay dividends in the end. Keeping this girl out of the Akatsuki hands isn't my main priority."

Naruto shook his head. "If you really think that Rōshi will help us then you're a damn fool, sir."

"I'll worry about the hothead. After I speak to him, he'll be begging to join our ranks."

"You don't understand, sir. Rōshi was aiding in the Akatsuki efforts to capture other jinchūriki. He won't help us."

Danzō was rather surprised by this. "Interesting. A jinchūriki turning against his own kind. Do you know why he would aid the enemy like that?"

"He said he was doing it for the future. He wants the jinchūriki lineage to end." Naruto was still trying to figure it all out. "He was willing to go as far as he needs to make that goal happen."

"As am I for the protection of Konoha."

Naruto heard stories about the lengths that Danzō would go to for Konohagakure. While admirable in theory, the follow-through was rumored to be draconian and amoral. Even Rōshi, a shinobi from another village, knew of Danzō and his dark deeds. Though, nothing was ever confirmed. Danzō was good at covering his tracks.

"Look, Uzumaki, Konoha needs strong shinobi, like yourself, to keep it protected. I never fully agreed with Hiruzen's ideas or beliefs, but we were always in agreement on Konoha's protection was top priority. You, being our jinchūriki, understand that role."

"I am not just a jinchūriki, sir. I'm a shinobi of Konohagakure and a person first. My duty as a jinchūriki is behind those. And Fū is the same way. She's not just a host, she's a person. She won't let anyone say different."

Chaning a mindset was a deep personal battle. It could only be done if one vocalized it and continuously reminded themselves about it. Make the mindset a habit.

"My name is Naruto Uzumaki. And I am a jinchūriki. Two different means in one person."

Danzō remembered when the shinobi before him a young boy who was just placed under the tutelage of Kakashi Hatake. Young Naruto held so much hatred for his godfather and the village. It would have been so easy to twist his mind into the perfect agent for him in ROOT. He would have embraced the jinchūriki role. But Hiruzen had different plans.

Danzō believed if he was granted access to Naruto at a young age, the Fourth Great Shinobi War would have never even begun.

Oh well. Perhaps in another lifetime.

"Very well." Danzō conceded. "Nothing needs to be decided now. There are many factors that need to be determined first. I would like to interrogate your prisoner before making any decision on Fū's future here. And those objects you brought in for research...I'm curious to what information they hold."

Naruto nodded. "Whoever ends up questioning Rōshi...there's something you should know about him. Maybe it'll help on the researching the arm."

"Do tell."

"Rōshi says that he was artificially created from Iwa's Research division by someone named Amado. I don't know if I believe everything he told me. Just be ready for that."

"That name..." Danzō felt a sense of familiarity to that name. "I'm sure I've heard that name before. I'll have someone look into it. I appreciate that."

"Of course, sir."

Closing the office door behind him, Naruto breathed a sigh of relief. He was thankful that Danzō wasn't forcing Fū into fighting. The girl had the power, like all jinchūriki, but she didn't have the proper control she needed to fight at a high level. This was their war. Not hers. Now, he had time to figure out what he was going to do to keep her safe.

"Everything go smoothly?" Sakura had patiently waited for Naruto to be done.

"As smooth as it could, I suppose."

"What's the plan, then?"

Naruto spent the last hour catching Sakura up on everything that had happened over the recent months. She was invested in this now. Getting Fū to somewhere safe where the Akatsuki couldn't find her was of the utmost importance.

"I think I should go see Baa-Chan."

Sakura took his hand into her own. "I think she'll love to see you. She really needs it."

Naruto needed to see her, too. Tsunade and Naruto cared for Jiraiya more than anyone else ever did. He was their rock, the stable person in their lives that was always there for them. Life would never be the same.

"When are you going back to Suna?"

A question Sakura didn't want to think about. "...I have to leave by tomorrow morning. I was supposed to leave this morning. But I heard you were coming..."

Naruto nodded. He knew, at some point, she was heading back. She had duties there. "I think I should see Baa-Chan by myself. Why don't you go catch up with Ino and Fū? I'm sure you'll like her."

Rather surprised, Sakura figured she would accompany Naruto there. Though, considering Tsunade and Naruto's bond, it was bound to be a very personal moment. "Are you sure?"

Naruto nodded again. "It's a...mother-son thing, I guess." A tiny smile showed just how happy Naruto was saying that.

It made Sakura smile too. "Okay. We'll meet up later."

A slight peck on his cheek and the pinkette was off. Sakura swayed her hips slightly more, knowing Naruto couldn't take his eyes off her.

Damn...

And she was right.

-Konoha Hospital-

Naruto felt nervous as the sterile smell of the hospital hit his nose. He never liked the hospital to begin with. The hospital always gave Naruto an uneasy feeling. It only added to the anxiety of seeing Tsunade again. He didn't know what to expect.

Naruto approached the front desk. The nurse behind the counter was digging underneath for something. "Excuse me?"

"How can I help you?" She asked, still searching for whatever was under there.

"Where is Tsunade's office?"

"Top floor. East wing. Look for Lady Shizune. She'll direct you." The nurse appeared from below, finally seeing who she was speaking to. "Hey...you're Naruto Uzumaki, right?"

The familiar feeling of rejection from a random stranger came flying back. He had almost forgotten what it was like to not be constantly stared at and judged.

Almost.

"...Yeah." Naruto went to put his hood up.

"Thank you for saving my brother. I hear your saving lots of lives."

Naruto stopped. "Huh?"

"We get a lot of injured shinobi coming from the front lines on both fronts. Almost all of them that come from the western side say you're fighting the good fight and saving lives left and right. You saved my brother's life. He's been speaking highly of you." The nurse smiled. "I think everyone's misjudged you. I know I did. So, thank you for everything that you've been doing."

Naruto couldn't believe it. He was speechless. He never imagined that he would be thanked for his actions. He couldn't describe the feeling he was having.

"...You're welcome."

"Have a good day."

"You too."

Naruto trekked through the hospital, stupefied. He really couldn't believe that happened. He had never met that nurse in his life. He certainly didn't remember saving her brother. That was the first time someone had ever thanked him for his efforts.

He wondered if there would be more.

"Naruto? Is that really you?"

Naruto pulled himself out of his thoughts. "I'm back, Shizune."

The woman ran up and squeezed the boy like never before. She didn't hug Sakura this tight. "I had no idea you were coming back. Is everything alright? Are you hurt?" Shizune quickly patted him down, making sure he was uninjured.

"I'm fine, Shizune." Naruto chuckled. "It was a last-minute thing. I'm here for thirty days on some R&R while we figure out what to do next."

"What do you mean? What's going on?"

"It's...a long story. I'll catch you up later. I just...really want to see Baa-Chan."

Shizune smiled. "Of course! Right this way."

The assistant to the Sannin knocked on the door at the very end of the hallway. There was a loud sigh from the other side, making Naruto silently chuckle. Even with everything changing, some things always stayed the same.

"Come in."

"Lady Tsunade...you have a guest."

"A good one or a bad one? I can't do either."

"Not even for me, Baa-Chan?"

The Sannin locked eyes with her godson. The woman stood up, revealing her baby bump. Naruto softly smiled. She really was pregnant.

"Baa-Chan..."

The two approached and grabbed each other like never before. Tsunade felt such relief having this boy in her arms again. It was lifting such a weight off her shoulders. The amount of comfort that washed through Naruto's body was something he couldn't describe. The loving embrace of his godmother was something he felt he might not ever have again.

"Baa-Chan...I'm so sorry...If I had..."

"Don't you dare blame yourself, young man." She hugged the boy tighter. "All that matters now is that you're safe."

Shizune couldn't help her tears. It was a beautifully sad moment. Jiraiya meant everything to them. He was a father figure, a mentor, and inspiration to Naruto. That was Tsunade's lover, her rock, and the father to their developing child. Someone like Jiraiya was impossible to replace.

Shizune closed the door and let the two have their moment. They needed each other and no one else.

-With Sakura, Ino, and Fū-

"This is ramen?! This is so good!"

Teuchi chuckled. "Why, thank you! It's an old family recipe!"

"I'll pay whatever to have it!"

Both Ino and Sakura laughed. They had barely touched their food and Fū was already on her second bowl.

"I think she out eat Naruto." Sakura chuckled.

"You think? I'm not sure. Naruto can put down some food when he wants to." Ino responded.

"Trust me. I know. I've made him breakfast."

The once scorned, love rival best friend used to bicker over everything and anything, especially the shared love of Sasuke Uchiha. But once the rivals were assigned teams, things changed. And for the better. Their bond of friendship was strengthened after their fight in the Chūnin Exams. They understood each other.

And as they grew older, they grew closer as well. Ino and Sakura had become as close as sisters. Not only from training together but taking missions together and sharing late night ice cream with secrets. There wasn't much they didn't know about each other.

Some guilt crept into Ino's mind. Sakura deserved to know some things.

"Say Ino..." Sakura fiddled with her chopsticks. "I just wanted to say thank you."

"Thank you? For what?"

"Naruto trusts you. He really does. He told me about how you pulled him out of that situation with the Four-Tails and have been keeping him mostly sane during this whole thing. I mean, he says Fū is important and needs to be kept safe. If he didn't trust you, I don't think you'd be hanging around her without him." Sakura put her hand on her best friend's shoulder. "Thank you for being there for him. I know it probably wasn't easy."

"...Honestly, no. It wasn't." Ino chuckled. "I don't know what it is about him, but you can't help but gravitate to him. He's just so...good, despite the rough edges."

Sakura smiled. "Yeah...he really is."

Ino needed to say something now before the guilt ate her alive. "Sakura...you should know that..."

"Sakura! There you are!" Kaito threw the flap and walked into the ramen hut. "I've been looking all over for you. We were supposed to leave this morning. I've been waiting at the main gate for like an hour!"

Sakura sighed. She had forgotten about Kaito, and it was nice. He was getting annoying. "Sorry, Kaito. Something came up. We're going back tomorrow now."

"What changed?" Kaito realized who was sitting next to her. "You're Ino, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am." Ino was reading Sakura's body language towards Kaito and instantly started to dislike him. "Who are you again?"

"The name's Kaito. I'm here as Sakura's bodyguard."

"I really don't think Sakura needs a bodyguard, but sure."

"It was Temari's idea." Sakura waved it off. "Don't worry about it."

"So, we're staying an extra day?"

"Yes, Kaito. I already sent a messenger hawk to let Temari know."

"Alright then." Kaito sat on the stool next to Sakura, much to her and Ino's annoyance. "Can I get a bowl please?"

"Coming right up!"

Sakura rolled her eyes to Ino, making sure that Katio didn't see it. "Anyway, you were saying something, Ino?"

"Oh...yeah. It can wait now." Ino was definitely not saying anything with Kaito here. "We'll talk privately later."

Sakura nodded, realizing it was probably because of Kaito, and began to enjoy her still steaming noodles. By the time Sakura and Ino had finished their bowls, Fū had finished off three completely. The girl was very satisfied with her meal.

"Thanks for the food, noodle guy!"

"A friend of Naruto's is a friend of mine! Come back soon!"

"Speaking of which, where is Naruto?" Ino questioned.

"He went to see Lady Tsunade." Sakura replied. "I think he wanted some alone time with her."

Ino nodded. She understood why. It was no secret the bond they shared was something special.

"Naruto's here, too?" Kaito asked, not holding back the disdain in his voice. "Figures."

"What the hell does that mean?" Ino snapped back.

"Don't get into it with him, Ino." Sakura just wanted this man to go away. "It's not worth it."

Sakura was about to get her wish. But in the worst way possible.

"Sakura!"

At the call of her name, the pinkette turned to see Hinata stomping her way towards her. And she was angry!

Ino's stomach twisted into knots. This was exactly what she didn't want to happen. She hoped the shock of Naruto and Hinata's relationship would lessen if it came from her over anyone else.

"Hinata?" Sakura backpaddled slightly. "What's going on?"

"Why do you get him?! Huh?!" Hinata was so irate that her Byakugan had emerged. "Why is he so in love with you?!"

"What the hell are you talking about, Hinata?!"

"While we were deployed, Naruto was mine! All mine! But he still can't get over you! What's so great about you?!"

"Hey! Back off!" Kaito jumped between them. "Don't charge her like that!"

Hinata fought back against Kaito but was held at bay. Kiba and Akamaru came running in, evident that he had tried to stop Hinata from doing this.

"C'mon, Hinata! It's not worth all this trouble!" Kiba continued to deescalate the situation.

"No, Kiba! It's not fair!"

"Hinata, what is going on?!"

Hinata and Sakura locked eyes. Anger fueling the fear. "After you dumped him, Naruto came to me. He was hurt and sad. I helped him feel better after you broke his heart!"

A sick twist hit Sakura's stomach; it almost made her knees buckle. "What did you do?" She feared the answer.

"I fucked him, Sakura! We had sex all night long! Then, we continued to have sex for months! But that doesn't matter! He only cares about you! He's only ever cared about you! You stole him from me, you fucking bitch!"

Hinata stormed away, pushing her way through the crowd of villagers that stopped to listen. Kiba couldn't help but feel embarrassed. He tried to tell her it wasn't worth it and that it would only make her feel worse. But Hinata didn't listen. She was too angry after she saw Sakura and Naruto together.

Honestly, Kiba couldn't understand Hinata's obsession with Naruto. Maybe it was his own issues with Naruto, but Kiba couldn't see what was so attractive about him. Women were confusing creatures.

But he did feel bad for Sakura. She didn't deserve to be publicly humiliated like this. The poor girl lost her mother to the beast inside Naruto. She was still struggling with that while having to rebuild an entire medical division in a foreign village. This was the last thing Sakura needed.

"I'm sorry...Sakura." Kiba knew there wasn't much he could do. "I'm really sorry."

Akamaru nudged against the pinkette trying to comfort her. She still hadn't moved. Sakura was shocked. Completely and utterly appalled.

"Sakura..." Ino came up and tried to comfort her.

"...Did you know, Ino?"

"...I was trying to tell you when Kaito came in. I'm really sorry."

Sakura wiped her eyes, clearing away any teardrop from her face. As the crowd dispersed, she couldn't believe how embarrassing this was. This should have been something that was discussed between her and Naruto. And no one else. She appreciated what Ino was trying to do, but it wasn't her problem to handle.

"...Why didn't he tell me?"

Ino grabbed Sakura's hand, trying to comfort her best friend. "It was a really hard time, Sakura. I don't condone his actions but..." As much as she wanted to defend him, Ino didn't have it in her now.

Fū looked around and Kaito was gone. "Hey, where did that guy go?"

Both Sakura and Ino got knots in their stomachs, their minds thinking of the same time.

"Oh no..."

-With Naruto and Tsunade-

"I disagree with this completely! It's foolish of you to even think about doing this. We went there so you didn't have to. You aren't going!"

"Baa-Chan..."

"No! I already lost Jiraiya to them! I will not lose you too!" Tears welled up in the Sannin's eyes. "I'm not losing my child's godfather."

Stunned, Naruto could only smile. "Godfather?"

"Well, who else would it be?" Tsunade hated pregnancy hormones. They made her more emotional than she liked. She hated crying. "Someone has to teach him things a mother can't."

"You already know what it's going to be. How?"

"I'm his mother. I know."

Tsunade would never say this to anyone, but she wanted a girl. So, to raise the chances of that, she was betting on the sex being a boy. She never won anything she bet on.

Naruto chuckled. He would never understand the female anatomy and how they could just 'know'.

"Are you sure about this?"

"Yeah, I am. I need all the information I can get. You've given me a lot, but it's not enough if he's as strong as you say." Naruto held the scroll his master left for him on his deathbed. "I gotta get this guy, Baa-Chan. No one is safe until he's dealt with."

Tsunade could the both the images of Jiraiya and Minato hovering over Naruto. He had their wills and their wits with him. She fully believed that Naruto could do what Jiraiya couldn't and achieve things that Minato was supposed to.

But that didn't stop Tsunade from worrying over him like a mother.

"Do you know where you're going?"

"Not yet."

"Make sure to pack for the weather."

"I will."

"Don't forget to eat regularly. I know you have your heighten senses and all that, but eating is important no matter what being you have sealed inside you."

"I understand."

"And bathe, too. I can't have you smelling like a donkey's ass when this baby comes."

"I won't."

The two shared a knowing look. Tsunade was never one to worry about the small things. But, given the circumstances, Naruto was extremely happy that he had someone that looked after him. He was stupid fool for thinking that Tsunade would be any sort of way disappointed or angry with him.

"I'll be okay, Baa-Chan. I promise."

Tsunade softly smiled at her godson. Naruto was no longer the young boy that had so much to prove. Now, he was a man that had so much to protect.

The door blew open, sending papers and files flying throughout the room. Kaito burst into the office and, through aerokinetics, manipulated the air to fire a compressed air shot. The shot was so powerful that it blasted Naruto completely through the wall and to outside.

Kaito approached the hole, glaring at the man.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

"Stay out of this lady. It doesn't concern you."

Kaito leapt off and landed across from Naruto, who was still recovering from the blast. "I never thought I'd say this to another person, and genuinely mean it, but I don't like you. You're the worst person I know."

Naruto pushed some debris off his body. He instantly recognized Kaito. "You?! What the hell is the matter with you?!"

"Me?! What's wrong with you?! How could you do something like that to Sakura?!"

"What are you talking about?! I didn't do anything to her!"

"You slept with that Hyūga girl, Hinata! How could you betray Sakura like that?!"

Stunned, Naruto was speechless. But his rationalization quickly went out the window when he remembered why he started seeing Hinata in the first place. "I should be the one yelling at you! You kissed her just after mom died! What kind of scumbag are you?!"

"Not the kind of scumbag that kills her mother!"

The dagger to the heart. Naruto suddenly felt cold. His entire body went numb.

"And you think you can waltz right back into her life and be with her again?! I don't care if you're a jinchūriki or whatever, I'll never forgive you for what you've done!"

Tsunade watched on, too stunned to try and intervene. Oh Naruto...what did you do?

"Lady Tsunade!"

Leading the charge of a dozen nurses, Sakura came barreling into her destroyed office. Ino, Fū, and Shizune quickly in behind the pinkette. All were shocked at the scene before them.

"Are you okay, m'lady?"

"I'm fine Shizune." Tsunade stood next to her student. "Mind filling me on everything? What the hell is going on?!"

"Master, I'm still trying to figure it all out."

Sakura was dumbfounded. She had no idea what to think. She never would have expected Kaito to react like this. And she knew he cared for her but to this extent? It was odd. Really odd.

"I fucked him, Sakura!"

How could Naruto do something like that? How could he immediately jump into another woman's arms after everything they had been through? Sakura had every right to move on and be with someone else. And when presented with that opportunity, she declined Kaito's advances constantly.

Sakura felt betrayed.

Kaito waited for Naruto to say something back. He wanted that reaction out of him. But Naruto was coldly silent. And it was terrifying Kaito.

Naruto's eyes drifted up, to where his body came flying out of. So many people were staring at him. Even with everything that changes, some things never change. He looked at Sakura. He could see the hurt in her eyes.

And in the briefest of moments, it was there. In the back, darkest corner of her emerald, green eyes, Naruto saw the same look that he had memorized from so many others. Naruto could always tell that Sakura was genuine with her feelings and what she said to him because her eyes were free of disdain and resentment. And for the second they locked eyes; Naruto saw the same look in Sakura.

Maybe he's right. How could I do that to her?

As much as Naruto wanted to give into his rage, give into the dark abyss that was calling out to him, he couldn't do it. He didn't want to give the village another reason to hate him. He wasn't a mindless monster that gave into his emotions and took it out on the nearest person.

At least, Naruto wasn't that monster anymore.

Whether she intended to or not, Fū showed Naruto how to truly accept his life and status as a jinchūriki and move on from it. And he would never go against that promise. He couldn't lose himself like that again.

Naruto pulled his hood overhead and began walking away.

"H-Hey! Get back here! I'm not done with you!"

Kaito moved to follow, to finish the fight he blinded started, but was immobilized by something grabbing him. Oddly, his shadow had extended to a point that led over Shikaku Nara.

"That's as far you're going, buddy."

"Let me go!"

"No can do. See, you attacked a Konoha shinobi, inside Konoha's walls." A group of Konoha ANBU appeared, surrounding Kaito. "We're detaining you."

"But we're allies!"

"It doesn't matter. You attacked one of our shinobi on our grounds. Bad move."

Shikaku released his shadow possession over Kaito. The ANBU immediately put Kaito into custody and took him away. He already figured out things were going to play out and it annoyed him to no end. It was a political nightmare. And Danzō was not going to be happy.

Naruto's been back in the village for one day and already gets into some trouble. What a drag.

Leaping off the side of the building, Sakura rushed off to find Naruto. She wasn't going to let this stand. They needed to talk this out. They were finally reunited.

Sakura promised Naruto she wouldn't abandon him again. She wasn't going to let it break so easily.

"Naruto, wait!"

Naruto kept walking. He tried to ignore her, as much as it hurt him. There were so many things going on, he just couldn't handle this right now.

"Stop!"

Naruto finally quit his childish antics. He turned to face her, but kept his face hidden under his hood. He just wanted to hide.

"Take that damn hood off."

It was slow but Naruto did what he was told.

"Why are you running away from me?"

"I figured you didn't want to be around me."

"Don't be so childish, Naruto. We need to talk about this."

Naruto could see the hurt in her eyes. And it killed him knowing he was responsible for it. He just wanted it to end.

"...Why would you sleep with Hinata?"

"..."

"Naruto...?"

"My time out there...I felt like a ghost. I told myself over and over that I was okay, because I was afraid that if I stopped, I would drown in all the reasons I wasn't. I've been afraid to look at myself in the mirror because I know I'd lunge at my reflection because I won't recognize the person staring back at me."

Naruto tried as hard as he could to not let his emotions overtake him. But he couldn't help his face turning red and his voice breaking.

"I started seeing Hinata because I was afraid to be alone! It really was a pathetic time out! Honestly, I couldn't tell you how many times I slept with her because I barely saw her face! Because when I was inside her, your face was the only one I saw."

Sakura was stunned. She had no idea Naruto was feeling this way. She could have guessed that he was struggling mentally during his deployment, but nowhere near this extent. It broke her heart even more to hear him talk like this.

"Do you hate me, Sakura?"

"W-What?!"

"I can see it in your eyes. I can feel it. It's not the same as before."

Sakura contemplated her next words very carefully. She knew if she said the wrong thing, she could drive Naruto away forever.

"Naruto...I could never hate you or think of you like that. You...are the most important person in the world to me. I don't even know what I would do if I ever lost you. But the truth is...I can forgive you, but not the Kyūbi."

Naruto was stonewalled. He showed no emotion to Sakura's statement.

"Your entire life...you've been ostracized, neglected, and hated for a choice you never had a say in. And it's always hurt my heart to see you deal with it all. I've wanted to do something more for you, to somehow eliminate that hatred forever." Sakura reached for his hand, hoping to convey her feelings through touch. He allowed her hand to hold his. "I want to, somehow, take the Kyūbi out of you without harming you. You don't deserve to take on its hatred."

Sakura squeezed Naruto's hand.

"I love you..."

Naruto's heart soared.

"...but I hate the Kyūbi."

Then his heart came crashing down.

Naruto remembered, when he was much younger, he would watch Sakura from afar. He thought of himself as her silent protector, a watchful guardian. He would jump in if she ever got into trouble and save her. That was the promise he made himself because of the small act of kindness she showed him under this very same bridge they were currently standing on.

Naruto never expected to fall for Sakura like this. He never expected her to return the same feeling if he ever did. The amount of happiness he felt hearing the words 'I love you' come from her sent his heart into the stars.

"I love you too...Sakura. I always have."

There's always a but...

"...But, it's impossible to love me and hate me at the same time, Sakura."

Stunned and confused, Sakura needed clarification. "What do you mean?"

Naruto smiled. Sakura had never seen a smile so sad. "I'm so unbelievably happy you said those words to me, I really am. It's just...Kurama and I, we're the same person. Since I was born, he's been in my life. While different beings, we are one in the same. If I get hurt, he gets hurt. If he screams, I scream. If he dies...I die."

"K-Kurama? The Kyūbi has a name?"

"All Bijū have a name. They're family. Brothers and sisters. I'm still trying to figure that all out." He chuckled. "Kurama's a part of me, Sakura. He's not something I, or you, can just get rid of."

"But he's been the reason for so many problems in your life!"

"Yeah, he is." He chuckled again. "But he's also the biggest asset I have. He's helped me at every stage in my life, even more than Pervy Sage did."

Naruto let go of Sakura's hand, making her heart drop. He moved in close, making her soar again. He pressed his lip to her forehead.

"I'll always be with you, Sakura. In life and death, I'm with you." Their eyes locked like lovers forever intertwined. "If you can never accept Kurama, I'll understand. But you can't accept me and damn him." A final chuckle at how he used to be. "Maybe there is some consideration for the damned, after all."

Naruto backed away, pulling his hood back over his head.

"W-Where are you going?!"

"The Akatsuki leader is still out there. Baa-Chan gave me some great insight, but I need everything I can to bring him down. I'm going after Itachi Uchiha."

"You're leaving the village?! But you just got back!"

"This is something that can't wait. I must take this opportunity."

Sakura was feeling so many things at once. She couldn't comprehend what was happening. All she knew was that Naruto was leaving and couldn't stop him. Desperation set in. She just got him back in her life.

"I-I'll come with you! We'll work this out and beat the Akatsuki together!"

"You can't abandon your duties, Sakura. You're going back to Suna tomorrow. And I'm not risking anyone else's life for this fight. Especially yours, Sakura."

Sakura was desperate to keep Naruto around for as long as she could. She knew their time was limited. This was not how she wanted it to end.

"I love you, Sakura."

"Then please stay with me. Just for tonight." Sakura closed the distance between them. "Let's forget about everything." She pulled him into her arms, holding tight. "If you really love me, you'll stay with me for the night. We'll work on our problems in the morning...together."

Sakura didn't care what it took. She wasn't going to let Naruto leave her life again.

Naruto hated the thought of walking away again. He would do anything he could to stay by her side forever.

"...Okay, Sakura."

Upon the very same bridge they first met, Naruto and Sakura proved to each other they would fight for each other. No matter what needed to be done, no matter what obstacles needed to be overcome, Naruto and Sakura wanted their lives to stay together. Through thick and thin, from the darkest night until the shining morning, they would find a way to stay together.

They loved each other and would do anything for each other.

"We'll get through this."

The two lovers embraced.

"I know."

"Promise me that we will."

Sakura looked up to Naruto, he somehow kept getting taller than her.

"I promise, Sakura."

"And you don't break promises, right?"

Naruto held his love, his world, in his arms.

"I don't break promises."

-With Danzō-

The night was beautiful. Danzō always preferred the darkness over the light. Daytime was intrusive and annoying; the light was everywhere. The night offered peace and silence, the best time to get work done without interruption.

"You have something for me, Kanoto?"

One of his more powerful soldiers, the ROOT agent stood at parade rest before his leader. The mask that covered his face had dark blue markings. "Yes, sir."

"In regard to what?"

"Naruto Uzumaki, sir. He has plans to leave the village in search of Itachi Uchiha."

It wasn't necessarily surprising, but rather this was happening so soon. "How did you learn of this?"

"I tailed Uzumaki through the village throughout the day, listening in to his conversations. He plans to leave in the morning, sir."

"Did you learn as to why he would want to track down the Uchiha?"

"He wants to learn more about the Akatsuki leader. I believe he intends to search for him, as well."

"He was unaware of you?"

"Sir?" Kanoto was confused by the question.

"Naruto Uzumaki is always acutely aware of his surroundings. Even inside village walls, he doesn't let his guard down. How were you able to get close enough to listen to his conversations without him noticing your presence?"

"There was a situation at the Konoha Hospital this morning. Master Shikaku and some ANBU Black Ops detained the Sunagakure Chief of Security after he blasted Uzumaki through the hospital wall. I followed Uzumaki afterwards and listened in on his conversation with Medical Director Haruno. Around her, he must let his guard down, if what you say is true, sir."

Danzō could have guessed that one, given the history between the two shinobi. Their relationship was no secret and could easily be exploited. Though, that was no easy task. Both Naruto and Sakura were powerful shinobi and very loyal to each other. Despite their hardships, their bond was not something severed so easily.

Frankly, Danzō didn't want to try and destroy their relationship. It could, and would, backfire on him.

"When is Uzumaki leaving? Where is he now?"

"He is leaving in the morning, sir." Kanoto stated. "Currently, he's in his apartment with Medical Director Haruno. They have just bed down for the evening. I left a decoy bird to alert me if he leaves his apartment before I return."

Danzō needed no further explanation. "Kanoto...outside of Fuu and Torune, you are the strongest in ROOT. I want you to trail Uzumaki as he hunts down Itachi Uchiha. Learn of the Uchiha's location and report back to me. Itachi Uchiha is a loose end that's been a thorn in Konoha's side for years. It's time he was dealt with."

"Yes sir. I'll pack and begin at once. I'll return once I find the Uchiha's location."

"Good luck."

"Thank you, sir."