[Author's Note]

Before reading this, please read the note at the end of the previous chapter. It's pretty important.

Epilogue

Sakura walked slowly through the newly constructed cemetery, her steps almost hesitant as if the weight of her own memories might pull her to the ground. The afternoon sun was muted by a thick blanket of clouds, casting a dim light over the countless tombstones that stretched out before her. Each one bore a name, a story, a life cut short. Her heart clenched as she passed by gravestones adorned with flowers and keepsakes left by the loved ones who still mourned.

She didn't know how she managed to summon the strength to visit this place every week. Maybe it was her way of clinging to those she had lost, to remind herself that they were once here, that they were once alive. Each visit felt like reopening a wound, but she couldn't stay away.

A soft breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, carrying with it a faint scent of the flowers that decorated the graves. Autumn leaves, burnished gold and crimson, littered the ground, swirling in the breeze like echoes of the past. It had been two months since Kaguya's return, two months since the world she knew was ripped apart.

Sakura sighed deeply, her gaze falling upon the names carved into the cold, unforgiving stone she had visited thus far.

Uchiha Obito.

Yuhi Kurenai.

Might Guy.

Yamanaka Ino...

The list seemed endless, each name a reminder of what Konoha had suffered, of what she had lost. She fought back tears as she approached a trio of graves, her heart tightening with a familiar, overwhelming ache. Each step felt heavier as she moved closer, the pain in her chest intensifying.

Uzumaki Naruto.

Uchiha Sasuke.

Hatake Kakashi.

The fallen warriors of Team 7. Her family, her comrades, her friends. The people she had loved most in this world, taken from her in the blink of an eye. Sakura had made a promise to herself to visit their graves every week, to keep their memory alive in her heart.

She knelt in front of Naruto's grave first, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the tears threatening to spill over. The grave was already covered in flowers and offerings, mementos left by the people who had survived because of his bravery. She placed a single red rose in a small gap between the other flowers, her fingers brushing against the stone as if hoping to feel some trace of his warmth.

"Hey, Naruto," she whispered, her voice cracking with the effort of holding back her tears. "I brought you a rose. I know you'd probably say it's too girly, but I thought you might like it."

She paused, her eyes closing as memories of their time together flashed through her mind. The way he used to laugh, his bright, carefree smile, the way he would always charge headfirst into danger, believing in the best of everyone.

"I miss you," she continued, her voice breaking as a single tear rolled down her cheek. "You were supposed to become Hokage, you know? You were supposed to be here, making stupid jokes and annoying the hell out of me. It's so quiet without you..."

Her hand trembled as she reached up to wipe away her tears, but they kept falling, each one a testament to the love and the loss that she felt.

Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to stand and move to the next grave.

Sasuke...

The name was etched deeply into the stone, surrounded by a garden of flowers that fans and survivors had left to honor the brave Uchiha who had fought so fiercely to protect his home. She knelt down, carefully placing a black orchid amongst the others.

"Black was always your favorite color," she murmured with a sad smile, her voice barely above a whisper. "I used to think it was a little cliché, you know? The whole dark and brooding thing. But now, I guess it suits you."

She could almost hear Ino's teasing voice in her head, laughing at her for choosing such an obvious flower for Sasuke. The thought brought a bittersweet smile to her lips, but it faded quickly as she stared at the grave, her heart heavy with regret.

"I hope you're at peace, Sasuke," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I hope wherever you are, you're happy. I wish things could have been different... I wish I could have saved you."

Her hand hovered over the stone for a moment before she forced herself to move away, her legs feeling weak as she made her way to the last grave in their trio.

Kakashi.

Her sensei, her mentor, her guide. His grave was simple, unadorned except for a few scattered flowers and a small, worn book that someone had left on the ground.

She placed her last flower, a delicate white lily, on his grave, her fingers lingering on the stone as if she could draw some strength from his memory.

"Hey, Kakashi-sensei," she greeted softly, her voice trembling. "I finally started reading that book you gave me. I know you were always more interested in your novels, but I thought you'd like to know that I'm actually trying."

She chuckled weakly, wiping at her eyes as she looked up at the sky, the clouds swirling above her like a shroud.

"I can't believe I'm talking to you like this, like you're just gonna lift your head up and make some lazy comment about being late. I miss your voice, your stupid excuses, and the way you used to read those books even in the middle of a battle. I miss you, sensei."

"I could really use some of your advice right now, Sensei," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Everything's so messed up. I don't know how to keep going without you guys. I don't know how to keep living when everything hurts so much."

The wind rustled through the trees, carrying with it the faintest whisper of a memory, a reminder of the man who had guided them, who had always seemed to know what to do, even when things seemed hopeless. But now, he was gone too, and she was left alone, struggling to find her way in a world that felt so empty.

Sakura took a shaky breath, forcing herself to stand. She had one more stop to make.

The path to the next section of the cemetery felt long, each step echoing in the silence that surrounded her. She walked past more graves, more reminders of the lives that had been lost, of the people who had been taken from her. She felt numb, her heart aching with a grief that never seemed to lessen, no matter how much time passed.

She finally reached her destination, her eyes fixing on the two graves that stood side by side, almost isolated from the others. Her chest tightened as she read the names etched into the stone.

Hyuuga Neji.

Hyuuga Hinata.

Her legs felt weak as she sank down in front of Hinata's grave, her hand reaching out to touch the cold stone as if it could somehow bring her friend back to her.

"Hey, Hinata," she greeted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I brought you a sunflower. I still think it's funny you loved these. They don't suit you, you know? You were always so delicate, so quiet. I always thought you'd prefer something more obvious... like lavender." She tried to smile, but it came out broken.

She placed the flower on the grave, replacing the wilted ones she had left the previous week. She was the only one who visited this grave, the only one who brought flowers or offerings. The only one who remembered.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice cracking as tears filled her eyes. "I'm so sorry. You deserved better than this."

Her shoulders shook with the effort of holding back her sobs, her hands trembling as she curled them into fists.

She had fought to have Hinata buried here, in the new cemetery dedicated to the fallen. But the villagers still whispered her name with bitterness, blaming her for what Kaguya had done. It didn't matter that she had been possessed, that she had no control. All they saw was the face of the one who had brought calamity to their village.

"They blame you, you know?" she continued, her voice thick with grief. "They blame you for what happened. They say you brought Kaguya here, that you were the reason for all of this. Even after everything you did to save us, they still hate you."

She wiped at her eyes, her heart breaking as she remembered the day she had been forced to kill her friend, the day she had destroyed the Tenseigan and ended the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Hinata had been broken, defeated, her world shattered. And now, even in death, she was still being punished for something that was never her fault.

"I wish I could have done more," she whispered, her voice choked with tears. "I wish I could have saved you, Hinata. I wish I could have given you the peace you deserved."

Her eyes closed as she leaned back against the grave, her knees pulled up to her chest as she wrapped her arms around them.

"You were already so broken... and I can't help but wonder if you wanted to die that day. If maybe... you really felt there was nothing left for you."

She wiped at her eyes, the tears coming faster now. "I don't know if I did the right thing. Everyone calls me a hero, but I don't feel like one. I feel like I lost everything. Like you felt, too."

The pain in Sakura's heart was almost unbearable, a constant ache that never seemed to lessen.

"I hope you're happy now," she murmured, her voice trembling. "I hope you're at peace, wherever you are. I hope you're with Naruto, and that you're both happy...happier than I am."

She buried her face in her arms, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs as the weight of her grief threatened to overwhelm her. She had lost so much, and she didn't know how to keep going, how to keep living when everything she loved was gone.

The world seemed so empty now, so devoid of the life and laughter that had once filled it. She was surrounded by people who called her a savior, a hero, but all she felt was the crushing weight of her own loneliness.

The wind whispered through the cemetery, the leaves rustling softly as if offering her some small measure of comfort. But it wasn't enough. It would never be enough.

"I miss you," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I miss you so much. I wish you could tell me what to do, how to keep going."

She sat there for what felt like hours, the world around her fading into nothingness as she lost herself in her grief, in the memories of the people she had loved and lost.

And as the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the cemetery, she finally forced herself to stand, her legs feeling weak and unsteady. She looked down at the graves, her heart aching with a sorrow that would never fade.

"Goodbye," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I'll see you next week," she promised, her voice barely a whisper. "I'll keep coming back."

With one last, lingering look, she turned and walked away, her steps slow and heavy as she made her way back to the village. The pain in her heart was a constant, aching presence, a reminder of everything she had lost. But she would keep going, for them. For the people who had given their lives to protect her.

60 years later...

The warm hum of conversation filled Ichiraku Ramen, the cozy little restaurant as lively as ever. Little Anri sat with her family at one of the tables near the entrance, her small legs swinging back and forth as she devoured her ramen with the kind of enthusiasm only a child could muster. Her father, a broad-shouldered man with kind eyes, and her mother, a gentle woman with the unmistakable Byakugan eyes, sat beside her, chatting idly as they enjoyed their own bowls.

Anri paused mid-slurp, her attention drawn to a table in the corner of the room. Her eyes sparkled as she looked intently at the empty table, her small hand rising to wave excitedly.

"Anri-chan," her father's voice interrupted her gaze. He glanced curiously at the table she was so focused on but saw nothing out of the ordinary. "What are you looking at, sweetheart?"

Anri, still smiling brightly, turned to her father. "I'm waving at the pretty lady, Papa! She's sitting over there."

Her father exchanged a puzzled look with her mother. The older woman sighed, shaking her head with a soft smile. "She's still at it, huh?" she murmured to her husband. "Her imaginary friends."

He chuckled, reaching over to ruffle Anri's hair. "Seems so. When do you think she'll grow out of it?"

"Hopefully soon," her mother replied, though there was no real concern in her voice. "It's kind of cute, in its own way."

Her father nodded in agreement, then gently guided Anri's attention back to the family meal. "Alright, Anri-chan, time to finish your ramen. You don't want it to get cold, do you?"

Anri pouted slightly but obediently turned back to her bowl. As she continued to eat, however, she couldn't resist sneaking another glance at the empty table.

From the outside, it appeared unoccupied. But to Anri's eyes, there was something special about it. Two figures sat there, unseen by anyone else.

Hinata sat with a serene smile on her face, her lavender hair flowing gracefully over her shoulders. She waved back at Anri, her expression warm and affectionate. Seated beside her was Naruto, his trademark grin as wide as ever as he watched the little girl with amused curiosity.

"Again, huh?" Naruto teased gently. "How often are you going to bump into that girl?"

Hinata's smile widened. "Her name is Anri, Naruto-kun. And she's a sweet child. She can see me, so I've been making an effort to be around more. I like her."

"Anri, huh?" Naruto leaned back, crossing his arms. "I just hope she doesn't get too attached. Don't want her ending up like me, getting all teary-eyed whenever she can't see you."

Hinata laughed softly. "I think she'll be okay. I believe she might have the Tenseigan, like I did. That could be why she can see us."

Naruto's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Really? So she's got some special eyes too, huh?"

Hinata nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, I think so. I wonder if there were people like us before, people with the Tenseigan who could see past bearers like this. Maybe I just never realized it back then. Or maybe they just didn't reach out to me."

"Maybe," Naruto agreed, his eyes softening as he glanced at Anri, who was now happily chatting with her parents. "Do you think your soul is tied to the Tenseigan, like Kaguya's was, or is it just something you and Anri have in common?"

"I'm not sure," Hinata admitted, her gaze distant. "But I hope Anri grows up to have a better life than mine."

Naruto reached over, taking her hand gently in his. "Hey, don't say it like that. Your life wasn't all bad."

Hinata smiled softly, squeezing his hand. "I know. I had you, didn't I?"

Naruto's expression turned wistful, a hint of sadness in his blue eyes. "Yeah. I just wish we'd had more time. Maybe had a kid like her."

Hinata's smile widened, a tearful warmth in her eyes. "I would have liked that too."

Naruto grinned, his tone turning teasing. "At least one of the perks of the afterlife is we can keep trying and trying, but nothing will happen!"

Hinata's eyes widened in mock shock before she playfully slapped his wrist. "Naruto!"

He chuckled, rubbing the spot where she'd hit him. "Sorry, sorry. I couldn't help it."

Hinata giggled, leaning over to rest her head against his shoulder. "You never change."

Naruto sighed contentedly, looking down at their joined hands. "You're the only thing that keeps me going these days, you know."

Hinata's heart swelled with affection. She looked back at Anri, who was giggling at something her father had said, her bright eyes twinkling with joy.

"Maybe she'll grow out of it, maybe she won't," Hinata mused. "But if I can give her even a little bit of happiness, it'll be worth it. It's a shame I don't have cool time magic or something though."

Naruto's gaze softened as he looked at her. "I don't think she minds. You always did have the biggest heart, Hinata."

She smiled, leaning in to kiss him gently. Naruto closed his eyes, savoring the feeling, even though it wasn't the same as when they'd been alive. It was enough, for now.

As they pulled away, they noticed Anri's family getting up to leave. Hinata stood, a reluctant sigh escaping her lips. "It's time to go."

Naruto groaned playfully, phasing through his chair. "Alright, let's go watch the sunset with my parents. Again."

Hinata chuckled, the sound light and musical. "You know, you don't have to keep coming if it tortures you so much."

Naruto shrugged, a grin on his face. "What else am I going to do? After the first few weeks, I was absolutely bored out of my mind. The afterlife freaking sucks. At least you're here."

Hinata smiled at him, the warmth in her heart spreading through her whole being. "I'm glad you're here too."

Naruto took her hand, leading her out of the restaurant. "Well, let's get this over with. Sasuke's so lucky. He doesn't have to sit through another session of staring at the sun with his parents."

Hinata giggled, following him closely. "Where is he, anyway?"

"Probably with Sakura," Naruto said with a knowing smile. "Ever since she joined him four days ago, they've been inseparable. It's like they're trying to make up for all the lost time."

Hinata sighed happily, thinking of her old friends. "I'm glad they're together again. Sasuke was so lonely for so long."

"Yeah," Naruto agreed, his smile softening. "I can't blame him. They deserve to be happy."

He glanced back at Hinata, her hand still clasped in his. They stepped out of the restaurant, the cool evening air wrapping around them. Naruto took a deep breath, his eyes closing for a moment. Even though he couldn't actually feel the breeze anymore, he liked to pretend he could.

"Ready to watch the sunset for the five millionth time?" he asked, his tone teasing but his eyes full of affection.

Hinata laughed, the sound bright and full of life. She squeezed his hand, her heart light and free. "As long as it's with you, Naruto."

Naruto smiled, his heart swelling with love for her. "Then let's go."

They walked hand in hand through the streets of Konoha, now just a memory of the life they once knew. The village was different, but some things remained the same. The bonds they'd formed, the love they'd shared—they were eternal.

As they made their way to the hill overlooking the village, Naruto felt a sense of peace settle over him. For all the hardships they'd faced, for all the pain and loss, he was happy now. Truly happy.

Hinata looked up at him, her eyes shining with a light that seemed to glow from within. Aft

er everything she'd been through, all the suffering and sacrifice, she had found her peace too.

THE END

[Author's note]

Thank you everyone who supported this story, I hope you like liked it. The ending was a bit depressing, but I couldn't think of another way to end it. I hope it was sufficient for you all.

Have a great day!