Disclaimer: I do not own any Naruto characters.

A/N: Yes! We're finally done! I'd like to thank all of you for following the story and submitting the reviews. It really means a lot to me to know that there are people out there who enjoy reading my story. I hope you like the ending!

Epilogue: The journey home

It was always hard to say goodbye, especially for two siblings who had just reunited after losing touch with each other for twelve long years.

"But… that's ok. I'm glad that you and your friends stayed for the coronation ceremony." Shou gently caressed Haruka's hair as he said. "I understand that the hidden village of Konoha and the people there mean a lot to you. I just want you to be happy."

"Onii-sama, I promise you that I will come back and visit a lot." Haruka said eagerly. "I have already thought of ways to improve the medical system in the country. We especially need to set up emergency medical support for our miners. Also, we need to build medical schools to train new doctors, and we have to…"

Shou smiled and nodded as he listened to all of his baby sister's great ideas. When Haruka finished, Shou walked up to Kakashi and shook his hand.

"I would like to thank you and your comrades for everything you have done for our country. We would not be here today without you." Shou paused, then he leaned towards Kakashi and whispered. "And you are a very lucky man. I would have stolen Shiori from you if she weren't my sister."

All Kakashi could do was rub the back of his head and laugh.

"Also, you listen." Shou changed to a threatening tone. "If you mistreat Shiori in any way, I will send a whole troop to Konoha and beat you up. You'd better be good to her."

Kakashi looked at his future brother-in-law sincerely and said, "Shou-sama, please trust that I love your sister more than I love myself. I promise you I will protect her with my life. I won't ever let anything happen to her."

Shou relaxed into a smile after hearing Kakashi's promise, and the two men hugged.

Haruka then said goodbye to Kenji and all the people she knew. "I will be back soon." She promised everyone as they waved their beloved princess goodbye.

Finally, the Konoha shinobi began their journey home. They had decided to take it easy, especially since many of them still sustained injuries from the battle. Everyone was walking leisurely, enjoying the warm sun and the scenery around them.

Kakashi and Haruka were walking at the back of the group, simply enjoying each other's company.

"What did onii-sama say to you when we left?" Haruka asked curiously.

"Oh, nothing." Kakashi decided to tease her a bit. He loved watching her getting all flustered. "He said you're just a baby and I need to take good care of you. That's it."

Haruka's jaw dropped upon hearing that. "I'm not a baby at all!" She protested.

"Oh of course you are. You have never kissed a boy before, have you?" Kakashi continued to tease her.

How dare he used that against her! Haruka pouted. She needed to get back at him somehow. She slowly gathered some chakra into her hand. This operation required her super human speed and precise chakra control. She had to be careful.

When she had gathered enough chakra in her hand, Haruka quickly reached out and pulled down Kakashi's mask, then she stood on her toes and pressed her lips heavily against his.

Never kissed a boy before huh? She would change the fact right now so that he could never use that to tease her again.

It took Kakashi a moment to comprehend the situation. He couldn't believe she was the one who kissed him first and not the other way round, but, ah well, he couldn't really complain about it. For the moment, Kakashi let himself forget about everything else and just focused on the kiss.

He first let their lips warmed up to each other's presence, then he brushed his tongue ever so lightly against her lips and her teeth, begging for the entrance. He could feel her body tense up when their tongues met. He gently explored the inside of her mouth with his tongue, and he encouraged her to do the same.

They finally broke for air after a long while. Haruka looked at Kakashi with her starry eyes. "That was… amazing." She said breathlessly. "YOU, are amazing." Kakashi corrected her.

Haruka smiled and looked away shyly. Suddenly she realized that everyone in their group had stopped walking to watch them. She quickly buried her face in the nape of Kakashi's neck in embarrassment. "Kakashi… they are all watching us." She whispered.

Kakashi laughed and pulled up his mask. He grabbed Haruka's hand and walked past everyone to the front of the group. "What are you slackers all standing around for? Let's hurry and go home!"

Haruka smiled when she heard the word "home". Yes, they were going home, to a beautiful place called Konoha, where she and Kakashi would continue to star in one exciting story after another.

THE END