Greetings! I am out with the next and FINAL chapter to this story! I'm so happy to finally have it done, and it has been such a wonderful experience! This is the first fanfic that I have ever started and that got me introduced to this wonderful community. I have met several people through this, and I can honestly say that I feel like writing does connect people, no matter how far away the distance.

Anyway, I'll let you guys start reading, and I'll continue my author's note at the end!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto in any way, shape, or form

Chapter 34 (Final): Until Then

Upon arriving at the Haruno Compound, Sakura wasn't quite sure what it was she should expect to see –or where exactly to look, for that matter.

When she had finally heard Sasuke, it had been his small whimpers of fear somewhere inside of the Haruno Clan main household. Upon further examination, she had realized it had been the underground passage way that they had discovered when doing the Haruno Clan Ritual.

'Sasuke is smart' Sakura noted how he had brought his mother somewhere where they would be able to hide, even if he was currently conflicted on who in particular to hide from. Regardless, he had had enough sense to know that they did not want to get found, and he found a way to do just that.

She had heard his quivering stop all together when she had opened the passageway, as if in fear that whoever it was, was there to harm them. "Sasuke? It's me, Sakura-chan." Sakura tried her best to make Sasuke feel relaxed, but even then got no response from him.

The poor kid, he was so afraid, he didn't even know who he could trust anymore. Not after seeing his dear Onii-sama with a sword bloody with his father's own blood. "It's okay Sasuke-kun, I'm not here to hurt you…" She said soothingly, trying to pinpoint where exactly he was.

"Sasuke-chan…" Sakura heard Mikoto's voice, and it was enough for it to lead her to a far corner of the room, where she saw Sasuke there standing rigidly, gripping a kunai with both his hands as if they were the only thing holding him to reality –hell, as if it were the only thing keeping him alive. Mikoto's hand was on his shoulder, her panting rigid and exhausted, as if it was an extreme effort just lifting her hand.

Sakura could see Sasuke's puffy red eyes, red due to having strained himself to stay awake –to protect his Okaa-san, due to the silent tears he had cried all night long, in fear of falling asleep and waking up to see his Okaa-san dead, and tears for all the loved ones he had just lost.

"It's okay Sasuke, you're safe now, don't worry." Sakura ran to him and dropped to her knees, and it was all Sasuke could do, seeing Sakura there with her arms wide open to him, to run to her arms and finally cry, letting out all the tears he had been trying so desperately hard to hold in.

And like that they stayed for nearly five whole minutes, Sakura knowing that Sasuke needed this comfort before doing anything else.

"Listen to me Sasuke-kun," Sakura began after a while, running her hands soothingly through his hair all the while, "It is really important to get your Okaa-san to the hospital, okay?" she separated herself from him to look at him in the eye.

Having taken a quick look at her, Sakura could already tell she needed medical attention quickly, if not to give her medicine for her fever, then to check if there had been any injuries done to the child she had inside of her. "There are Anbu members and Jounin in every corner that can look after you while I run to the hospital and help-"

"N-No!" Sasuke panicked almost immediately. "P-Please… don't leave me…" he gripped onto her sleeve in need. "I don't want to leave Okaa-san alone either." The tears were starting to come back.

Sakura stared at him in hesitation for several minutes. "Okay, but you have to keep up with me, alright?" Because, when it came down to it, Sakura couldn't say no to this Sasuke, so she tried to give him a small smile as she used her finger to wipe his tear away. Sakura eagerly nodded and watched as Sakura walked over to his Okaa-san, asking if she was in pain and if it were alright for her to take Mikoto to the hospital.

No later was Sakura carrying Mikoto bridal style (an image that, he was sure, had he not just lost his entire family, would have had him laughing), running quickly through the town in the direction of the hospital, although she was not running as quickly as she should have, seeing as Sasuke was an unexperienced academy student.

By that morning, everybody had learned of the shocking news of the massacre, if not leaked by the stupid elders, then leaked when Sakura had notified the Hokage of the events, having sent him a slug right before going to search for Mikoto.

And as the shinobi searching the ruins came to find, there was absolutely nobody left alive –no one shown any mercy.

So, to have Sakura show up suddenly with Sasuke and Mikoto in hand, it was slightly surprising and had everybody running to cater to her every need. When a nurse tried to take Mikoto from Sakura, she glared her away. "She will be inspected by no one but me. Now get me a room."

"I'm s-sorry Haruno-san, but you're n-not a doctor here, so I c-can't-"

"Was I asking you?" a quick glare at the nurse had her running to comply to Sakura's demands, Sasuke in the background watching in awe as his Onee-san ordered everybody left and right, and a bed was brought for Mikoto to lay on. They hurried her to a room, where nurses were getting ready to take her blood samples and blood pressure, the normal routine, but Sakura had them all out of the room as soon as she got settled, stating that the Hokage himself had given her direct orders to be the sole caretaker of Mikoto.

Of course, that had been a lie, but Sakura knew exactly what was wrong with Mikoto, and the other nurses did not, and all those blood samples and checks would be pointless. Mikoto had nothing wrong with her other than a fever, some malnourishment, and some mental trauma she'd have to deal with. And more specifically, Sakura didn't want the nurses discovering and alerting everyone about the fact that Mikoto was pregnant just yet.

After providing Mikoto with some pills and telling her to rest, assuring her that Sakura wouldn't take one step away from that room and that Sasuke would be kept no more than a foots length away from her, she was finally put to rest and allowed to sleep off her exhaustion.

Now, Sasuke was another story.

He had been unusually quiet since she had found them in the Haruno Compound, and with good reason too. She had to talk to him… but tell him what? What could she possibly tell him to alleviate the pain and shine some light on this whole ordeal? Frankly, even though she thought she understood the reasoning behind everything, she was left at a stump –because Itachi had tried to kill her. The cold reminder left a bitter taste in Sakura's mouth as she felt the need to punch something into smithereens. No, she brushed her thoughts aside; this was not about Sakura, this was about Sasuke, and she had to put her personal feelings aside, if only for the sake of Sasuke and his future.

Sakura opened the door outside the room and called for a nurse, ordering her to contact the Hokage and bring an ANBU to the room –she was very particular with the name, and said she would accept none other than he.

Which is why, five minutes later, Hatake Kakashi found himself knocking to enter the room of Mikoto Uchiha's hospital room. Sakura opened it rather quickly, Kakashi taking off his mask for the briefest of moments to look at Sakura with sympathy and worry.

"Sakura…" He didn't particularly understand what it was that he wanted to tell her. I'm sorry. Are you hurt? How's Sasuke? How did you even find them?

"We'll talk later Kakashi." She muttered under her breath. "I'm going to go have a word with Sasuke, can you guard Mikoto's room?"

Kakashi merely nodded, putting his mask back on and entering the room.

"Sasuke, this ANBU here is a very close friend of mine who is going to take care of your Okaa-san alright? You and I are going to go on a little field trip."

Sasuke, who had been sitting on a chair nearby, staring at the floor, looked up as he lay his sights on an ANBU member. "But… Okaa-san." He argued. Frankly, he didn't trust anyone but Sakura or himself to stand guard over his mother –he didn't know this ANBU member… for all he knew it was his brother in disguise!

"Mikoto will be okay now. Mr. Anbu-san here is one of my very close and very trusted friends, and he is very strong. I trust him with every fiber in my being. Nothing is going to happen to Mikoto." She assured him with a kind smile, one which Sasuke couldn't help but give in to, which is why ten minutes later, he found himself on the hospital roof top, a can of juice and a sandwich being tossed to him by Sakura, who had gotten herself a matching meal as well.

But neither can nor sandwich was opened or eaten for either of them, and they sat there in silence for what felt like an eternity.

"What's going through your mind, Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked him.

There was a long pause as Sasuke mewled over his words, not necessarily having anything he wanted to say. "I hate him."

Sakura tried not to flinch at his words, and suddenly, it seemed like Sasuke didn't have anything but wordsto say as he looked up at Sakura with hatred -cold, hard and steely hatred, in his eyes. "He took away Otou-san, and he would have taken away Okaa-san if you hadn't shown up. All for the sake of his power. I'm going to get strong, and I'm going to make him pay for what he did to Otou-san, and the rest of the clan."

Sakura didn't respond, staring at Sasuke –no longer Sasuke-kun, but Sasuke. It was unbelievable how, seemingly overnight, seemingly in under three hours, the innocence of Sasuke which she had grown to love so much had just… vanished.

"Sasuke…" she said slowly, and in the next blink of an eye, Sakura had quite literally slapped the hatred and anger out of him, it being replaced by pain and confusion.

He growled and pouted childishly, rubbing his cheek, which had now formed a red mark the shape of Sakura's hand. "What was that for?!"

She ignored him, and instead went off on her own random tangent, or so it seemed to Sasuke at first. "Sasuke-kun, have you ever wondered why I don't stay in the Haruno Compound? And why it's so empty now?" she began, and even though Sasuke could distinctly recall wondering why it was so empty, he hadn't bothered to genuinely take this question into serious consideration. Sasuke stared at her expectantly, waiting for her to answer.

"They're all gone now… killed… almost every last one of them." Sasuke's eyes widened at the mention of it.

"Yours too?"

"Yes, we were attacked by shinobi from another land… They were in search of power as well… I saw my mother die in front of my very own eyes…" she went along with Itachi's "reason" for killing his clan. "But that's irrelevant, as of now," Sakura shook her thoughts away and she looked down at Sasuke. "What's important for you to learn from me is that I did not go on seeking revenge. I could have, if I wanted to. They had taken away everyone who I had held dear, and it wasn't until just recently that I came across other Harunos'… my cousins…" Sakura began. "But to me, growing up all alone, right around the same age as you, it was hard for me to fit in and accept my past and move on; to find something more." She tried to see if Sasuke was understanding any of what she was trying to share with him.

Yet, he stared back at her with an almost blank look. She sighed. "You're still young Sasuke. You have much to learn about this world and about life, and about why Itachi did what he did," Sakura began.

"There's a reason?" Sasuke tried not to sound angry –betrayed even, because it seemed like his Onee-san was trying to justify Itachi's actions.

"Think of Itachi, Sasuke…" Sakura began. "Not the Itachi that you saw tonight," she added quickly, seeing Sasuke's brows furrow in pain, "The Itachi you knew a year ago; a month ago." She saw Sasuke's expression soften into one of sadness. "Thinking back to that Itachi, do you think he is capable of such hatred?" Sasuke didn't say a word for the longest time. "Well? Answer me Sasuke."

"…No" the words sounded bitter and confused and resentful as they came out of his mouth. If that was not his Onii-san, then what had caused him to commit such crimes?

"Then I ask you to keep an open mind as you grow up. The truth will reveal itself in due time." Sakura concluded.

"So you just expect me to live on forgiving Itachi for what he has done?" his glare suddenly hardened on Sakura.

Sakura shook her head. "I'm not asking you to forgive him. What I am asking of you is to not be selfish."

Sasuke, selfish? He could almost laugh at the thought, if he weren't so confused. How was he being selfish when he was left with nothing –other than his mother, when it was Itachi, not him who decided to kill everyone? Before he had any time to voice these thoughts out loud though, Sakura beat him to her response.

"Just… put yourself in your mother's point of view… She didn't just lose a husband, Sasuke-kun. She lost her son. She does not hate Itachi –she thanks him for sparing you." Sakura tried to explain. "Mikoto already has one child going down the wrong path… don't make it become two, Sasuke… Your mother needs a strong man in her life, and that role is to be filled by you Sasuke. She asks nothing from you other than you learn to love and appreciate your friends and family –these values are essential to grow up as a healthy shinobi." Sasuke seemed to understand, but not agree upon the morals Sakura was trying to teach him.

"And if you don't do it for her… then do it for the role model you will become to your younger sibling"

Sasuke's mouth froze at this comment, his mouth parted open slightly due to the comment he was about to make. "S-Sibling?" he stuttered out.

Sakura nodded slowly, smiling a small smile. "That's right Sasuke-kun… Roughly eight months from now, you yourself will be an Onii-san. And it is your job to raise your little brother or sister as you see fit. Think about how you saw Itachi. Now multiply that by two. That baby will grow up without having a father figure, Sasuke-kun. And it'll look to you to fill out that role. Now you stare at me and tell me you want your little brother and little sister watching as you destroy your bright future for the sake of revenge."

And really, that was all that had to be said there. Because in between revenge and his little brother, his little sister, he really had no choice, did he?

This wasn't just about his future anymore. It was about the future of his Okaa-san and his younger sibling, and the future of his clan.

"I understand…" Sasuke said slowly, after a long while of thinking.

Mentally, Sakura was doing flips of joy –never had she been able to rationalize with Sasuke, let alone have him agree with her. Then again, she had never been a sister-like figure in Sasuke's eyes either, so that might have something to do with it.

"Now, this does not mean you cannot act like a child, Sasuke-kun." She ruffled his hair lovingly. "You are a kid, first and foremost. Do not bring responsibilities onto yourself. Everything will be handled and taken care of."

"By who?" Sasuke looked up at her curiously.

"By me of course." Sakura grinned. "I will always be a part of your life, Sasuke… And I will always be there, watching you, even if you don't know it, and even if I'm not there physically"

The words were a great comfort to Sasuke, who embraced Sakura and began crying on her. He was glad, at least, that he wouldn't have to shoulder all the weight on his shoulders…

When Mikoto came to, she was relieved to find Sasuke and Sakura alongside her, sitting on some nearby chairs eating ice cream. It seemed odd to stare at such a casual scene –almost as if her son hadn't just killed her husband and the rest of her family. She was glad to find, at least, that Sasuke was doing okay. Sure, she knew things would never be the same –that every inch of normalcy had been taken from him, but for the time being, he was at ease. She was sure Sakura had somehow worked wonders on him, noticing the air around him was different from when they had been hiding back in the Haruno Clan basement.

Kami, what would she have done without Sakura here? The only thing that was left for her now was to raise her child the right way –the way she couldn't have done had she died the previous night.

And now, thanks to Sakura, she had the opportunity to do just that.

"Sasuke-kun, think I can talk to Sakura-chan in private for a few minutes?" Mikoto motioned to her son with a soft smile.

Sasuke's eyes widened frantically. Frankly, he didn't want to be alone, or away from Mikoto or Sakura, for that matter.

"Why don't you meet my friend Anbu-san?" Sakura suggested with a smile. "He's kind of awkward, but he's nice, I promise."

And so Sakura somehow got Kakashi to babysit Sasuke, while she and Mikoto talked about much needed matters.

Mikoto didn't really know what to say for the longest time though.

So, Sakura began. "Am I correct in assuming that Fugaku, ahh… told you?" she questioned uncertainly.

Assuming that Sakura was referring to the whole 'Sakura is from the past' thing, she nodded. "I… I just want to thank you, Sakura, for everything you've done for my family." Mikoto began.

Sakura merely shook her head. "I did nothing anyone else wouldn't have done, Mikoto." She objected. "In fact, I should apologize for not being able to prevent this whole thing from playing out…" she sighed.

"Sakura, even if it was a mission assigned to you, you could not have done a better job than you already have."

Sakura couldn't help but think that if she had perhaps gone back even further something could have been done, perhaps going back to the days around the Kyuubi attack, and she voiced these concerns out loud. "I'd still like to think there could have been something more I could have done…"

"Well, all that's in the past now… it's time to look forward… to a future with three Uchihas' in it." She said with a small smile, rubbing her belly.

At the mention, Sakura smiled. "Yes… with three Uchihas…" No longer was it just one. Sasuke would no longer be alone… at least, he would no longer feel alone; that was where the difference was. Because, as intelligent and as skilled as Sasuke was, he was equally as stupid for thinking that he had been alone, because he never had been –he had always had Konoha supporting him through everything.

There was a long pause, as both of them let that statement sink in –to Sakura it was a joy, being used to only just having one, but to Mikoto, it was a dread that slowly began to sink in. "So… what happens now?" Mikoto tried to change the topic, because thinking about how there were only three would only remind her of her great loss, and it wouldn't do any good for the baby.

"Now… we reconstruct what has been lost. You may go on living in the Uchiha Compound if you'd like," Sakura began, seeing Mikoto flinch at the mention, "or you could decide to move in to the Haruno Compound. I know it's a little bit different than what you're accustomed to, but it will probably help to not be trapped by those memories. The estate isn't that bad off, and a little reconstruction would take no time at all." Sakura explained.

"Only under your blessing, Sakura." Mikoto bowed slightly, in which Sakura shook her head to.

"My best interest lies within your best interest, Mikoto, there is no need for this formality. We are in this together." She grabbed Mikoto's hand and squeezed it reassuringly.

"Then we will take up your offer. I'm sure Sasuke wouldn't mind the change all too much…" Mikoto smiled.

"Great" Sakura said. "Sasuke will continue on in the academy, as usual then. You… well, I will make sure you are protected…" Sakura furrowed her eyebrows.

"Protected? From who? Itachi wouldn't dare come back to dispose of me, would he?" Mikoto questioned.

Sakura shook her head. "Itachi may very well be the only one saving you." Sakura stressed. "From what I can deduce, it was more of a threat that Itachi made that if anything happened to Sasuke, Itachi would reveal any and all information he had about Konoha –which one can assume is a lot." Sakura added for quick emphasis. "But with you added to that equation… Well, the Elders may refuse to it… They might even have you taken out, you see…" Sakura bit her thumb in frustration.

"But Sasuke… someone has to take care of Sasuke, right?" Mikoto countered.

"Right, which is the argument that we can use… but they may not buy it…"

Suddenly, Mikoto let out a laugh, one which confused Sakura. "Sakura-chan, let's worry about that later. I'd like to see the Elders try to touch me." Suddenly, Mikoto became a lot more malicious and confident, and it kind of scared Sakura. "Let's see what the Elders will try to do once I create a sob story about my entire family being taken out in front of my very eyes, and me being the mother of the only Uchiha, and harboring the life of another as we speak. I'll tell you, they'd sure have some audacity to try and figure out a way of somehow manipulating and convincing the Hokage to go along with their ploy."

"This wouldn't be the first time they've acted out without the Hokage's consent though, Mikoto." Sakura tried to explain.

"All the more reason why the Hokage will have them under a leash and will be keeping a close watch to protect me. If Konoha knows what's good for them, they'd see me as a valuable asset." Mikoto explained.

Sakura chewed over this information. With this, she had a point. The Hokage had had too much leniency to think that the Elders would listen to his command and try and settle things with the Uchiha peacefully. Now more than ever their power would be limited severely –they were crippled. And this, Sakura could use to her advantage, especially because the Hokage knew her reasons for being in the past.

And if she had failed to make a difference pertaining to the Uchiha Massacre, he better bet his ass that she'd make a difference pertaining to the lives of Mikoto and Sasuke.

"You're right," Sakura finally deduced. "The Hokage will keep a tight leash on the Elders to protect you… but if there's anything I've learned from dealing with them, it's that they always find a way to get what they want." Sakura began, "So, it seems like a little fear tactic won't hurt either…" Sakura smiled wickedly.

"Fear tactic?" Mikoto questioned.

Sakura merely looked up with a vibrant smile that seemed more evil than anything. "They have yet to deal with the Haruno heir on the matter."

Konoha had been busy since dusk that day.

It had begun with the alerts of the Uchiha Massacre, followed by several ANBU teams in search of Itachi, only to find that he was long gone, vanished without a trace.

Then it moved on to searching the rubble and the ruins of the Uchiha Massacre. Few had dared to search for survivors. Even fewer had offered a hand in collecting the bodies of the deceased.

Yes, it was definitely a busy day, what with the burying of the bodies and the constant search for any survivors…

-A search he knew to be fruitless, but it had to seem like he at least had faith, if not for the publicity, then for the faith of everyone in Konoha who looked on in horror at the vicious and atrocious actions of a once highly esteemed captain of the strong and powerful ANBU.

It was bad enough that he thought he could have somehow prevented these lives from dying –he should have known the Elders would try something like this before hand. Hell, he knew it was to happen because Sakura Haruno herself had told him it would… But it had been out of his power, as much as it angered him to think; hell, he was the Hokage, esteemed as the most powerful shinobi of the village, and he was left useless in a situation such as this. He couldn't control the Elders, and he could especially not control the Uchiha, or Itachi for that matter. Itachi had made his decision long beforehand. With or without the elders, he would have committed the crime –it had only been a matter of time.

So here he was, scribbling away, paper after paper, signing off all the death certificates on every single Uchiha, their pictures all attached to their each individual file, containing their name, age, sex, and other miscellaneous information about them.

It was especially worse when he came across a face he knew fairly well, like that of Fugaku Uchiha.

He could not imagine how Konoha had moved on from such a great loss –not just once, but twice.

Yes, Konoha had seen better days, he decided.

At least, the mood of the town seemed to brighten up considerably when two survivors were found and identified, no thanks to Sakura Haruno –Sasuke and Mikoto Uchiha. She was revered as a hero after having told them her story (of course, altered from the real chain of events that occurred), and in the midst of it all had proclaimed herself the head medic for Mikoto and Sasuke, an action that although at first fought over by the head medics in the hospital, was quickly silenced by Sakura's quick temper, her capable skills, and of course by the Hokage's quick approval on the matter.

It only slightly surprised him when, hours later, Sakura appeared before him with a request.

"I'd like to request a meeting with the Elders, please." Sakura bowed as she spoke.

"With the Elders?" The Hokage questioned.

"Yes" Sakura confirmed, standing up straight, "in order to assure Mikoto's protection." Sakura stated.

The Hokage thought this through. "Very well… you will have your audience. Why do you fear for her well-being?" the Hokage asked.

"Because those Old Bags wouldn't know a good deed or a smart move even if it hit them across the head." Sakura explained. Before the Hokage could speak up, she interjected him. "She's pregnant, Hokage-sama." This shut him up altogether. "Now as can obviously be seen, Fugaku and Mikoto must have been doing something right to produce such powerful offspring." Sakura began, stepping away from the Hokage and finding herself on the window sill, where she watched over Konoha's panicked bustle.

"We can't afford to let that child perish…"

"But more importantly we can't let that child go into the wrong hands, Sakura," The Hokage furrowed his eyebrows.

"And by attempting to prevent such a thing you're basically handing Sasuke into the hands of Orochimaru, who will come to destroy Konoha. The truth about Itachi will reach his ears eventually, and not with a positive connotation describing Konoha, I assure you. It's best he hears it from us, still having faith in Konoha, other than hearing it from Orochimaru or the like once he has betrayed his village." Sakura explained.

"What I am more concerned about is the Elders getting their hands on that child." She looked sternly at the Hokage. "If Danzo took Shisui's eye without a second thought and sentenced Itachi to a life worse than death without hesitation, taking this child from Mikoto would hardly be much of a crime to them."

The Hokage was only slightly surprised to discover that Sakura knew what Danzo had done. "…So what do you suggest we do, Sakura?"

"What I suggest you do, Hokage-sama, is ensure Mikoto's safety, first and foremost. They must not and will not touch a single hair on her head."

"And how do you suppose I do that?" he responded.

"You know what I found to be most effective when dealing with the Elders?" she questioned momentarily. "Threats and fear." She gave him a smirk.

The Hokage contemplated this. "I suppose it is time to give them a taste of their own medicine."

Mikoto was released from the hospital later that day, where she reunited with Sakura, and alongside Sasuke and Kakashi, now relieved of his ANBU duties, they made their way to the Haruno Compound.

"Well Sasuke, say hello to your new home." Sakura smiled warmly as she let Sasuke enter what had previously been her home, years earlier.

"Do I get to pick my room?" Sasuke questioned.

"Only if you hurry." Sakura winked, and Sasuke, grinned, running off to find the biggest and coolest room he could find.

"Thank you for accompanying us, Kakashi." Sakura turned to look at him, who in turn had been staring warily at Mikoto and Sakura.

He merely shook his head in response. "I bring upon myself the responsibility to protect you, Uchiha-sama." He merely explained. "I will excuse myself for the time being, unless there is anything you two need?" he asked.

"Can you run by the grocery store and-"

"Oh no, look at the time…" Kakashi was gone before Sakura could finish.

"Tch. Kakashi no Baka." She commented under her breath.

"Is it okay… to rely and trust on Hatake-san, that is?" Mikoto questioned quietly.

"Kakashi is…" Sakura pondered on her next words, "one of the few people I suggest you trust in this timeline. Although seemingly lazy and unreliable, he truly knows how to come through for you when the occasion calls for it." She concluded. "Sasuke will come to be one of his Genin in the future, and I can assure you that whatever he does is first and foremost for the benefit of his team."

Mikoto nodded. "I understand"

"If there is anyone to know of your current circumstances, it will be him, and only him. I have informed the Hokage, but that is the extent of my trust. For the time being, we must trust no one else." Sakura explained.

Mikoto nodded.

"You must understand that this child you hold within you… it will come to be one of the most sought after and valuable things as you progress along your pregnancy, and even more so after your labor… Truthfully, I am not sure what may happen, and I must make you aware of this before we go on… It's not too late now, to perhaps…" Sakura tried to say it, but she couldn't.

Mikoto shook her head though, knowing what Sakura was implying. "This… This is the last thing I have of Fugaku's… he was convinced it would grow up to be strong and intelligent, and pure at heart. It is my duty to make sure it lives up to Fugaku's expectations…" Mikoto trailed on with a smile. "This is my duty. And I will not fail. I will protect my children, no matter the challenge."

Mikoto's will and determination was probably one of things that Sakura absolutely loved about this woman, Sakura thought. Sasuke and Itachi must get it from her, she deduced.

"Very well. I cannot guarantee you that the next few years will not be tough… And I also cannot guarantee that I will be there… but I do promise that I will not leave you alone or defenseless… For a long time… Sasuke was as much my world as anything else… and even now, he is a centerpiece to protecting Konoha's future. I will guarantee his happiness and his protection." Sakura and Mikoto looked at each other with confidence and will power.

"To a brighter future, Sakura."

"To a brighter future." Sakura chanted out Mikoto's toast.

The next day, Sakura found herself well hidden in a meeting room, surrounded by the Elders and the Hokage, all rigidly sitting on their own respective desks. The tension was high, just because it was two days after the massacre –there was only one possible topic here that they could possibly talk about that could not have waited until tensions in Konoha had settled down. "As you are all aware, Mikoto has survived the Uchiha Massacre… an… unexpected event" The Hokage began.

"Yes, thanks to that Haruno of yours, Sarutobi." Danzo glared. "What is the point of this meeting?" he questioned.

"To… assure Mikoto's safety, Danzo." He said calmly.

"I have already discussed this matter with Itachi." Danzo glared.

"This wouldn't be the first time you've gone back on your word." The Hokage countered, of course referring to how Danzo had ordered Itachi to kill his clan before peaceful arrangements could be attempted.

Danzo's fists clenched. "What are you accusing me of, Sarutobi?" his eyes narrowed. "You know very well that what I did was for the well-being of Konoha! This is all for the well-being of Konoha! It must be done."

"You have gone on unrestrained long enough Danzo. This is not for Konoha. This is for the selfish desire of yours. What harm does Mikoto bring to Sasuke?" The Hokage asked.

"She may turn Sasuke against Konoha!" one of the elders countered.

"Had she been a threat to Konoha, do you not think Itachi would have disposed of her? Although he loved his family, he proved that his loyalty was with Konoha by killing anyone who was a viable threat to our peaceful living. She bares no ill-will towards Konoha –she has seen the wrong-doings of the Uchiha Clan… This is why she had been spared."

Murmurs erupted in the room.

"Mikoto is needed to raise Sasuke and give him a home –without her, Sasuke will become a threat to Konoha in the future." The Hokage added, seeing that slowly, some of the elders were starting to see the benefit of having Mikoto around.

"A bigger threat is what he will become with her at his side!" Danzo countered, slamming his fist on a table.

"A bigger threat is what he will turn to when he feels he has no home and has been deserted by Konoha."

All eyes turned towards Sakura's direction, where she had previously been undetected and unseen by all the Elders.

"What the-?!" This is a private meeting, how did she get in?!"

"She is my guest. I trust her opinion more than anything." The Hokage explained.

More murmurs erupted.

"A Haruno?"

"But why her?"

"Didn't she save Mikoto?"

Sakura ignored everyone, staring straight into Danzo's eye, who stared back at her with anger. "Mikoto. Must. Be. Eliminated." He proclaimed.

"That's your opinion," Sakura began. "In my opinion, it is you that needs to be eliminated." This comment was probably better left unsaid, Sakura decided, but she didn't care –Danzo's idiocy angered her.

"You will watch your tongue! Haruno or not, I will not stand for this insolence!" Danzo roared, his face growing a few shades redder.

"No. You will watch your tongue." Suddenly her eyes were ablaze and gold, enough of a threat for all the remnants in the room, minus the Hokage, to take an uncomfortable shift in their seats and have Danzo twitch slightly. "I'm sure you wouldn't want it getting around that you created the orders to have Itachi kill his clan." Her eye sparkled with mischief as Danzo suddenly froze on the spot. "I hold ties to my village and my Hokage, not to Elder's that go behind the Hokage's backs and order mass murders behind the scenes." She proclaimed dangerously, enough so that the Elders could size up the threat that was Sakura. "I wonder what the village would do if they catch a scent of this…" she thought this out loud, putting a finger on her chin as she pretended to think, looking up at the ceiling. "Why, I'm sure they'd have your head, don'cha think Danzo?" she looked back to Danzo, as if daring him to go against her.

"W-Why you… How did you…"

"How I got my information is irrelevant Danzo-san. What is relevant to the topic at hand is how accurate my information is, and Mikoto's absolute protection from you." She stated. "And unless we have a deal, then I think you're in for some trouble."

"You wouldn't." Danzo glared.

"Are you willing to make that bet?" Sakura's eyes narrowed as she lowered herself to Danzo's level. "You think I'm bluffing? You tell me when a Haruno has chosen murder over saving a life." She taunted him.

"….."

"I didn't think so." Sakura let an accomplished smirk appear on her face as she turned around and began walking off. "And let one thing stand certain, Danzo." She turned around momentarily. "I am not like my ancestors –I've lost my Haruno way. I will kill if I find I need to. That includes whatever shinobi you think will be enough to kill Mikoto, or me for that matter. Know that you'll be raising hell if you try either; I have my contacts."

And then she was gone, leaving the Elders baffled.

That night, Sakura slept in relative peace –at least, something akin to it. For once in what felt like ages, the world was still; there was absolutely nothing to worry about. Nothing she could concern herself with worrying over, at least, because as she saw it, there was no use in worrying over something she could not change. Itachi had already killed his clan –this could not be changed. But she had secured Mikoto's safety, at least for the time being, and she knew Sasuke was doing better, having Mikoto and Sakura alongside him for support, so this left her with a sort of comfortable ease.

But what was left to do? She doubted that this "Tobi" Uchiha knew that Itachi had failed in killing his mother –the logical theory in this was that Tobi, whoever he was, had helped Itachi kill his clan, a plausible idea seeing as it would take a person a lot longer to go on a mass murdering killing spree if not.

And if he helped kill the clan, and he wasn't being forced to do it, because he bore no headband and obviously held to ties to Konoha, it meant that he wanted to do it. So how far would he go to assure himself that there truly was no other survivor other than Sasuke?

This posed as a problem; and it would continue posing as a problem until Mikoto gave birth and the child was well into their fifth or sixth year, ready to enter the academy.

This further left her conflicted because, frankly, she didn't know how long she could/would stay.

How much time had passed in her own present future? She had lost track. How much more would pass if Sakura stayed for Mikoto's nine or so months of pregnancy? And what about years later?

Now the question was, who needed her most? What timeline, more specifically.

Finding her comfortable ease destroyed, she grumbled incoherent words and she tossed and turned in her sleep.

If she didn't stay, she had to entrust someone to protect Mikoto, not just for the time being, but until Sakura came back to the present time –meaning eleven years down the road. And as much as she trusted Kakashi with her own life even, one man alone could not, and should not be given that heavy burden.

But who else in this world did she trust enough to protect them?

The thought came to her almost immediately.

'It's time Konoha is reintroduced with the Haruno Clan.'

And with this thought in mind, she decided that there was definitely more work still to be done in this timeline.

"Sakura-chan!" She heard Mikoto bellow from somewhere near the main entrance of the household, "We're home!"

"Coming!" She quickly jumped off the bed and headed to the front door, where she could see Sasuke and Mikoto struggling with the groceries. "You should have just waited for me, I would have been more than happy to accompany you two." Sakura sighed.

"Yeah, but you had things to do Sakura. You've been so busy with everything, we didn't want to inconvenience you." Mikoto explained with a smile.

"Right!" Sasuke agreed.

Before Sakura had any time to argue, Mikoto shut her up with the promise of a big meal tomorrow. As of now, it was late, and, as they had all agreed, it had been a long day.

But, on her way to her room, she suddenly felt a pulse of chakra, and she instantly froze.

He hadn't quite known what to expect, sneaking into the village that had come to associate his name with the devil, two days after the massacre, especially.

But, he had to make sure Sasuke was safe –that Mikoto was safe, above all else. Saving her hadn't been part of the original plan –nevertheless, a part of him, at least, could say that he was glad for the change of events –glad that Sakura stepped in when she did.

But at the mention of Sakura's name, dread filled his every being. He could still remember the look of pain and sorrow as she attempted to stop him –the pained look she was fighting back as she was forced to draw a weapon before him. Her screams, cried out in such proportions that he had never heard so much agony before in his life… And it had been him to cause this. He had…

'No' Itachi told himself sternly, stopping his train of thoughts before he entered another bout of depression. It had to be done. Because if he didn't kill her then Madara would have, and he would have made it a lot more painful than he had –not to mention Madara would have also tried to dispose of Itachi, and that he couldn't have. He had plans. He had to make sure they went accordingly.

Itachi feared what it was that Madara would do once finding out Mikoto was pregnant –convincing Madara that Sasuke needed a mother was a simple task, but convincing him that the child she was bearing was crucial as well was a different story. Madara was a ruthless, merciless, and cruel being; if he caught word of Mikoto's pregnancy… well, he'd rather not think of it.

But even more fearsome was the threat from within –Danzo. It had been more than obvious that Danzo had been less than enthusiastic when Itachi revealed the news that Mikoto would be spared; even more so when Itachi threatened him with it. But these things had to be done. It was family, first and foremost.

Because people who abandoned their friends and family were worse than scum, right?

But now he just had to check on her –to make sure she was okay. Perhaps to even assure himself that she didn't hate him for what he had done, even though something deep within him assured him she didn't.

He couldn't help but feel panicked when he found the Uchiha Compound relatively empty, aside from a few shinobi still searching the ruins.

Perhaps in the hospital?

Nope, he could still not sense her there. So where could his mother and Sasuke be? Warning bells rang in his head, perhaps thinking that Danzo was responsible for this. But it couldn't be –as stupid and selfish as Danzo was, he genuinely thought of what was best for Konoha. Of course, his opinions were slightly skewed, but nevertheless…! He wouldn't risk Itachi spilling secrets to enemy nations.

So where was she?

He really shouldn't be searching so soon after the massacre, but he couldn't help himself; he also shouldn't be searching for so long, because that only ever increased the possibility that he would be caught, but he also didn't care. There were only two people capable of sensing him; and one of them was dead; the other, the Hokage, he was sure he could reason with.

Within five more minutes, he was finally able to locate Mikoto, conveniently with Sasuke at her side, both of them carrying groceries.

-except, the Uchiha Compound was the opposite way.

So where was she headed? A few more minutes of slowly following led him to the Haruno Compound.

And then, he sensed it.

Sensed her

He was so stricken with shock, he was sure his chakra might have slipped –in fact, he was quite certain of it, but unless she had been paying attention perhaps she wouldn't have sensed it.

But that didn't matter much to him.

She was there.

Alive. Breathing. Not burned to a total crisp.

But how?

He didn't even care. Hell, it could be some resurrection jutsu, and he wouldn't care.

Before he could register anything else, she was already there before him, a kunai in her hand as she stood on a rooftop across from his own. And there she stood, her glare on him hard and her eyes igniting a golden flame within his body.

Of course –why would he expect anything less? Not only was he a murderer –a traitor of the leaf… but he had also tried to kill her, this much was obvious that she knew.

He made an effort to move, having the strong urge and desire to go to her, hell, even apologize and embrace her, but as he even dared lift a hand, her eyes suddenly turned golden. "Don't you dare take another step towards me." The voice was vicious and deadly, the threat imminent. No longer would she hold back like she had previously.

It made his heart clench slightly, but he swallowed that pain down in a second. He had no right to feel hurt by Sakura's words, or her actions thereafter. They were nothing, he quickly reminded himself –never had been, despite the flurry of emotions he had felt in such a short amount of time.

He wanted to ask her how she possibly survived, but he figured that would be a stupid question –of course she wouldn't tell him anything. She never had, and more than likely never will.

Instead of taking another step forward, he stood up straight, releasing himself from the crouch he had previously been in.

Instead, he asked another question –one which had been haunting him since he had witnessed her in the Haruno Clan Ritual. "What are you?" His question seemed simple and straight to the point, but he knew it to have a very complex answer.

Her eyes narrowed, but not in anger or suspicion –she was conflicted.

Taking this as hesitancy, he continued. "I saw you. You are not twelve."

You are not who I thought you were…

But neither was he…, Itachi couldn't help but think as his eyes narrowed for the slightest of seconds.

Suddenly, Sakura tucked her kunai away. "You'll find out… eventually…" Sakura stated slowly.

You'll find out eleven years from now, she wanted to tell him.

He didn't respond for the longest of time. "And Okaa-san?"

"She is fine. She is safe." Sakura nodded for a brief second.

Itachi understood this to mean that Sakura was protecting them –he could feel relief wash over him at this. Before he could say anything more though, Sakura spoke.

"Leave." She stated simply. "You are no friend of mine. Nor of Konoha." Her heart strings were tugged as the words left her lips. But what else was she supposed to say? He had tried to kill her –hell, as far as he had known until just now, he had killed her. Not only that, but he didn't seem to show any remorse –any regret for what he did. Her eyes darkened at the thought.

He didn't care about her. Never had.

Itachi stared at her for a long time, wishing he could explain everything to her (little did he knew she already knew most of everything there was to know, aside from her "murder"), but knowing it was impossible. "I will be watching you." He merely stated, turning his attention to some part of the house, where they could both distinctly feel the presence of Mikoto and Sasuke.

I will watch over all of you, the real words he wanted to say.

"This will be the last time you shall see me." Sakura merely muttered quietly, staring at some fixed point on the ground, suddenly finding the tile of the roof very interesting.

Itachi heard her comment but could make nothing of it.

After all, there was no way of knowing that the next time he stepped foot in Konoha to catch a glimpse of what had become his little brother/sister, there would simply no longer be a Sakura Haruno –the twelve year old ANBU who he had met months prior to the Uchiha Massacre.

She had completely vanished –off the grid completely, as if she had never existed… He had tried to catch whiff of her, perhaps hear from random wandering travellers about their experience with a short tempered, pink-haired kunoichi, but he had heard nothing. She was nowhere.

Not in Konoha, not in Suna, not in Kumo, not in Kiri, not in Oto.

She was gone.

And with her, the precious memories he had once valued and protected.

Memories of happier times –memories that haunted him with 'what ifs' and 'if onlys' that could never, and would never be.

And just like that, years later, Itachi was just Itachi. He was not a man who had once fallen –no, he had never fallen, he had constantly told himself. He had stumbled. But he had never fallen.

He was a lone man with a dark past, and an even darker future, and there was no changing that.

Not after she vanished.

End of Chapter/Story

This concludes my longest story as of now!

Soooo... what did you all think about the ending? I wanted to leave a few things up in the air, such as the gender of the child, if and when Sakura is going back to her timeline, what happens to some of the minor characters in the story, such as Shisui and the remaining Harunos', etc. etc.

These will all be revealed in the first chapter of the sequel, kind of like a "Since Then..." intro to the new story.

Now, I have stated this before and I will restate for emphasis. The sequel will NOT be started until I am done editing this story, more than likely the first 20 or so chapters until I deem it acceptable.

Also, you guys CAN STILL VOTE on whether or not Sakura should remain in the past or go to her timeline. The poll will still be up until the posting of the first chapter in the sequel, currently named Sakura's New Future.

Anyway, that is all I have to say in respects to this story. Drop a review and tell me what you all thought? This had been a great experience for me, and this story has helped my writing improve greatly, from start to finish, and I hope my writing style and length of chapters proves just that. I want to thank all my readers for sticking with me through everything, especially my long hiatus and how long it takes me to update my fics. It means a lot, and I hope you will all wait patiently until I have the sequel.

I am trying to plan the plot line of the sequel heavily (something I did NOT do with this fic, the result being my editing of it), so that in the future I have smoother flowing of the plot and quicker updates. Hopefully, in the long run, it'll show.

The next story I will most likely be posting an update on with be Somewhere We Belong, so keep an eye out for that one, and go to my profile for a little sneak preview of the next chapter for that ^_^ I promise you guys, it starts getting a little steamy ~!

Anyway, I'll shut up now! But seriously! Post a review, send me a message, or something and tell me what you think ^_^ Also, don't forget to check my profile for the poll and some info, which I am trying to update at least once every one or two weeks.

Toodles!

-MarzSpy