The End: NaruSaku
Key
Normal
Thinking
Inner Sakura
Kyuubi
He was
The girl sat there, tightly hugging her legs
N-Naruto Was
A tear, the first of many fell down her cheek.
Naruto was right.
The sky darkened and the heavens cried along with her.
The girl just sat there trying not to think of all that had happened. But soon the rain got heavy. And thunder roared thought the sky.
You know we could get very sick if we stay here
Maybe that would be better. Then I wouldn't have to face everyone for a while.
But if you're sick, then it would be impossible to avoid anyone.
Ya, Ya I guess your right.
Slowly she stood up. Only then realizing how cold it was. She shivered and rubbed her arms
I should probably get some shade while the storm passes.
She started to run looking for some shop that was still open. But unfortunately she was still in the neighborhood district and almost all the shops or restaurants where closed, at least the ones that she would dare to go into.
Jeze why is there not one place around here that that I can get some shade and not be surrounded by perverts.
She heard a dangerously loud crack of thunder. Running faster she soon found what she was looking for. It was a restaurant that she had never seen before. It was not very crowded so she wouldn't be likely to run into someone she knew.
And with the little money I have, could perhaps get the taste of Naruto's cooking out of my mouth.
That thought was meant to cheer her up but it had the adverse effect. It only reminded her of his words and the truth behind them.
Am I really that cruel that I have to insult him every time?
Well he does deserve it most of the time.
I'm not so sure anymore, seriously, how many times have we attacked him because of a misunderstanding.
Not that many. Her inner voice said in an unsure manner
Ow come on all the examples he gave where true and you know it.
Look lets just get some food and think about how to handle this later.
Fine
So the very confused girl walked into the restaurant hoping to get some piece and quiet form life. Thought that was not to be
"W-W-what is this place." She said quietly looking around the place in total shock.
All over the place flags where hung and in the center of these white flags was a red circle, each with three charcoal black comma marks creating a triangular pattern within the red symbol, and in the center of the circle was a black dot. Making a very familiar image to the pink haired girl.
"Hello mam, may I help you." Said a man holding a menu. Sakura slowly turned to him and her eyes grew wide. Not only was he dressed in dark blue but he also had dark raven colured hair that was spiked in the back.
"Hold up one moment" he said as he turned to another employee, who also had a similar hair style and clothing, "Hay Agito watch it with the flames." He called to the man who was creating a large flame on a table using a basic flame jutsu.
"So would you be dining alone, hay, where did she go?" The original waiter said when he turned around, only to see the young girl to have vanished.
Sakura came out of the restaurant panting. What was that place. She looked up at the name of the place only to feel even worse than before. It's the new Chinese restaurant.
You mean the one we yelled at Naruto for not taking us.
Yep.
Sakura took a deep breath and walked back in. feeling the need to get some answers. "Umm, excuse me"
"Aaa there you are. May I help you" said the raven-haired waiter.
"I was wondering… Did a blond kid about my height, with blue eyes and whisker marks on his cheeks come in here recently." She said wishing the answer wasn't what she expected
"Why yes, I remember him. He came in trying to make some reservations but suddenly ran off after looking around the place, quite strange."
"So he didn't cause any trouble." She asked with a worried expression
"Why no, he was very polite." He said with a smile
"T-thank you for your time." she said giving a slight bow
"No problem and here have a complimentary poncho." He handed her a packaged poncho with a sincere grin.
"Thank you. Well I better go." With that she hurried out of there.
Glad to be out of there. Man, they could probably call that place Uchiha-R-Us. At least we got this poncho, thought it would be good to throw it out when where done with it.
Sakura was silent and slid on the poncho to keep the remaining rainfall off her.
Good thing we didn't go there sooner.
You mean good that Naruto realized it would be bad for me to go there.
Well ya
And then I go and insult him and claim he was thrown out when he was only looking out for me and trying to help me forget Sasuke.
If her face wasn't already soaked it was now due to the cascade of tears that where streaming down her face.
He was right I am a terrible person. All he ever did was to make others happy and all I due is insult him and attack him.
Now it was time for her inner self to be quiet. So she decided to go home. That was until an old friend decided to show.
"Sakura, what are you doing out here," Called a blond tugging a bored looking brunet.
Ow great just what we needed an argument with Ino-pig.
"H-hay Ino, what's up" she said trying to plaster a smile.
"So what happened!" the blond girl said running up to her rival/friend
"W-What are you talking about?" Sakura questioned
"I mean your night with the hokage-wanaby." Ino said really excited
Sakura just looked down, trying to find anyway to put her experience into some form of cognitive speech, though her demeanor relayed it all to her friend.
"All right come with me. Where going to my place."
"W-w-what?" Sakura said before the blond girl took hold of her arm.
"You have some explaining to do, its raining, and I can tell it will be a long story. Besides I know your parents are out of town and we haven't had a girl's night in a while." Ino said pulling the confused Sakura along.
"So I guess that means I can go home." Said the tired chuunin.
"Not a chance, we could probably use that big brain of yours." And before you could say shoji both where being dragged to Ino's home. Nether one putting up much fight Sakura was to emotionally drained and Shikamaru…Well he mostly just didn't feel like putting up any resistance.
After a few minutes all three teens where up in the above rooms of the Yamanaka flower shop. The smell of flowers was everywhere and even Ino's room had a bundle or two.
"Ok Sakura spill it. What happened and why where you out in the rain alone" Ino said plopping down on her bed. Shikamaru decided to stand and Sakura took a chair, after she through away her poncho.
"You don't want to know Ino." She said unable to meet her friends gaze.
"If you don't I could just use one of my families jutsus on you and get it by force." She said putting her hands in her ready position.
"Ok fine Ill tell you." Sakura said.
"How Troublesome."
Soon she had gone through the whole tail. Everything you have read here she has told her friend. At least all the parts she was present for.
"…So then I left and met up with you two." Sakura said. Trying not to let the images of her former teammate enter her mind.
"I don't believe it"
OK I'm sure Ino will take are side. She has never been fond of Naruto and she also liked Sasuke.
"I can't believe you can be so stupid billboard brow." Ino said glaring at her friend.
Ok I was NOT expecting that.
"Jeeze when are you going to grow up and see the world for what it really is."
"W-what." She said shocked.
"After all he has done for you; you go and say that to him."
Sakura wished nothing more than to disappear at that moment or at least to be able to hide in a hole.
"I know Naruto can be annoying but at least he tries to do well. It is a mystery as to why he seems so fond of you." Ino has now stood up and marched to her onetime love rival. Who was again on the brink of tears.
"Troublesome" the teen genius said.
Both girls, who just now realized that the boy was here, turned there attention to him.
"Ow shit" he mumbled
"Anything you want to add Shika-kun." Ino said giving him an annoyed look.
He just shrugged "Personally I'm just suppressed he took are advice."
"What advice." Sakura asked turning to the other girl.
"Well we met up with one of his clones on its way to meet you guys caring a large basket."
Ugg not that disgusting meal
"So we met up and he gave us the details of your evening." Ino said giving a shrug.
"More like you drilled him and threatened to mind wipe him if he didn't tell." Shikamaru interjected.
"What ever." Ino scowled "Anyway he told us that after you guys ate you where going to the movies. Well me and Shika-kun had just come form there and told him it was a bad Idea."
"What she means is she attacked him and shouted at him 'DON'T EVEN THINK OF TAKING HER TO THAT MOVIE'" he said in an impression of Ino.
"Ok who is telling this story deer boy?" Ino said giving him the death glace.
"Tch, Troublesome girl."
Ino was about to shout some more when Sakura interjected. "What was so bad about this movie I heard it was really good."
Ino just sighed and turned to the cherry blossom
"Its not that it was bad as far as movies go. I'm sure many would really like this movie. It just hit to close to home for all of us rookie nine."
"So what was it about?" Sakura asked. Her curiosity peeked.
"Basically it's about a young woman who has to watch the man she loves walk out on her to fight a war and to reclaim his family honor lost by the hands of his Brother! Sound familiar at all?"
Sakura just could not reply to that. So she just sat in silence. While Ino and Shikamaru got into some argument.
When she finally found her voice she was able to say "So I got mad again for him while he was only looking out for my feelings."
"So let me get this straight. You got angry at Naruto for not taking you to a certain restaurant and also for not being able to go to a movie. Both time blaming him for some reason or another while in-fact all he was trying to do was to keep you happy and not become upset. Am I right?" Ino said crossing her arms and glaring at the pink hired girl.
Sakura could only nod her head and prepare for the worst.
"It seems to me that this whole night you where looking for every excuse to end it. When all he wanted to do was try and make you feel better."
"Can you please explain why you seem so fit to insult him for making a few comments about some guy who betrayed his and your trust?"
Did she just insult Sasuke? Sakura's eyes widened.
"Well I'm waiting Sakura. Why did you get so upset?" Ino asked tapping her feet.
"Look I admit everything he said about me is true. But I was not about to let anyone insult Sasuke-kun." She said clenching her fists.
"And there in lies your problem." Ino said in a matter-of-fact tone
"What" Sakura asked
"You can't get over this schoolgirl crush and realize how much it is ruining your life. You need to relies he never had any feelings for you. That he betrayed all of us and should no longer be seen as a member of this village." Ino sat down after that.
"But how can you say that. You where also one of his hopefuls." Sakura said pointing a finger at her.
"Its simple I grew up." Ino said. While Shikamaru saw this as the moment he had to actually do something. So he got up, walked over to Ino and placed his hand on hers.
"Wait…You…And You…TOGETHER." Sakura exclaimed eyes widening.
"Today was our second date." Shikamaru explained.
"Ow, I see." Sakura said. Great I ruin not only mine and Naruto's evening but Ino's and Shikamaru's to.
Finally the tears start to fall. Ino turned her head to her boyfriend's and got a nod. He then gave her a quick peck on the cheek and left the room. But not before giving some advice.
"Sakura, while none of us know why Naruto has been looked down on by most people in his life. So trusting others is not something that he is accustomed to. That means the feeling of betrayal hurts him more than most. But that also means he is the one most likely t forgive. If you are sincere and don't wait to long I'm sure he will forgive you." With that the deer boy left and with him much of Sakura's worries.
"Well you seem to have found yourself quite a catch." Sakura said. Trying to avoid the subject they had been on.
"Well I had to act fast before that sand wench came and took him." This caused both girls to giggle. "Thought it would be nice if he where just a little more animated. But that's just one of the reasons I love him."
Soon the night went on with make-up, movies, and munchies, or whatever goes on at a ninja sleepover. All that was for sure is that both where trying to steer clear of the troubles that Sakura was facing. But in her mind three questions kept popping up.
What are my true feeling for Naruto and Sasuke?
Did the curse mark really have that much affect on him?
What do I do now?
After there final move the girls decided to get some sleep. But while Ino fell into slumber quickly Sakura did not have such an easy time, and no it was not all because of Ino's snoring. But those questions kept clawing there way back to her mind.
The clock struck nine when Sakura finally woke, Ino had already showered and changed. Sakura staggered to the shower to wake herself up after her restless night.
Why is it NOW that I can't seem to keep my eyes awake and not last night?
But once she had showered and dressed in some spare clothes Ino had lent her she looked at the clock again, it was not 9:30 AM
"Ow shit I am in so much trouble." Sakura shouted. Ino only gave a questionable look "I was suppose to be at Hokage-sama's office an hour ago." Ino only chuckled "You are dead."
Ten minutes later we see a painting Sakura outside the front door of the village leader. She lightly tapped on the door but gets no reply. So she slowly opens the door prepping herself for another lecture, but hears only snores.
It seems that the Hokage had somehow gotten some sake past her everwatchfull assistant and was now passed out. Sakura knew she should be extra careful when waking her teacher due to her cranky nature so she quietly crept over.
Upon reaching the sleeping blond she sees what her head resting on a photo album. The same one she had been looking at when Naruto had gotten the Idea for the dinner. Sakura paid little heed to it thou. She gave the woman a light shake and called her name. Then she started to stir
"What is it Sakura." She said in a very annoyed voice.
"I'm sorry to wake you sensei but are lesions where suppose to start an hour ago. I wanted to let you sleep but it start-"
"Can it Sakura. I know you where late and I know something went wrong last night so spill it."
So for a second time Sakura had to tell all that had happened. But she also was forced to tell all that happened at Ino's including her and Shikamaru's date, this caused Tsunade to laugh at loud, though she put on a very serious face once she was done.
"Sakura I am appalled at you. When I accepted you as my apprentice I thought you had a higher maturity than others but after this I am not so sure. I know the trouble you're going though with Sasuke is hard but you can't let that ruin any chance for happiness. But it seems your friend did a good job setting you straight last night. So I guess that lecture is over. Now I need to know one thing, what are you going to do now?"
After finishing she leaned back awaiting her students reply. But before she could get a word in another ninja busted through the door, she was tall with purple hair tied in a ponytail and wore an oversized trench coat.
"Hay Tsunade I need to talk to you." The snake woman said
"Arg, Anko," Tsunade shouted rubbing her acing temples, "Can you please nock, your are as bad as Naruto."
"Wups, Sorry Tsunade didn't know you where in a meeting, I'll come back later." She said turning to leave
"Wait," Sakura shouted "Actually Anko I need to ask you something." This had both older women staring with a questioning look.
"OK what do you want to know" she said closing the door.
"I wanted to know about the curse mark." She took a deep breath and gathered her courage to continue. "Exactly how much it affects the users mind, I mean-"
"You want to know if the curse mark had that much effect of duck-head." She cut off. Giving a smirk at her chosen nickname for the Uchiha. Though it only caused Sakura to frown, but she nodded all the same.
"Look from my own experience, and form what I have seen, the answer is no." this caused Sakura's eyes to widen. Anko continued "At least the first level dose not. While it dose hurt like a bitch it does not really affect the mind at all. Only bring out what most try to keep locked away." She crossed her arms and sighed. "So in short your little boyfriend would have left even without the seal sooner or later."
Sakura was a little devastated by this. For so long she had blamed the curse for Sasuke's actions but it was all for not. Now she realized that he really did not have any feelings for her and would have left no matter what she did, unlike Naruto. So that answered one of her questions. Now she needed to take care of the others
"Thank you Anko-sama," she said giving a little bow to the snake woman. Then turned to the other woman and "Sensei, can we skip training today. I really need to speak with Naruto and apologies and to tell him..." she tried to finish but just couldn't bring herself to do it.
"Now while I'm happy your taking responsibility for your actions but there is a problem." Sakura got very nerves at this. "There is no way for you to see Naruto for a while he just started a mission late last night."
Sakura calmed down a little "ow so Ill just catch him when he gets back in a few days."
Tsunade just shook her head. "No Sakura its not that type of mission. It's a training mission with Jiraiya and won't be back for at least two years."
"What" Sakura shouted. Distraught that she had finally come to terms for her feelings for her teammates and now both are gone.
"And before you ask I can't tell you where they are. No ninja in the whole village except Naruto and Jiraiya will know there location. Both for protection and training purposes."
"Why dose he need so much protection. Does this have to do whit that red charka he has?" She said in one quick breath.
"That I can't tell you. Only Naruto could tell you that. For it's his secret." She said to the girl who slumped into her chair on the brink of tears. "Look Sakura, there is nothing you can do now. So why don't you take this time to work though you emotions and work to become a better person so when he gets back you can put your problems aside."
Sakura looked up at her teacher and smiled. "OK Sensei. Should we get started?"
Too years have come and gone, Sakura did what she said and did all she could to better herself. She has mastered her teachers fighting style and changed her outfit to (The one in the series so I don't need to explain). Then the day came when Naruto finally returned.
She had tried to catch him at the gate but missed him by a few minutes. So she decided to wait for him at his apartment. She headed over there and waited for him by the door.
She waited for half an hour. The whole time preparing what she would say. While she had been planning this for a while she was still nerves. That did not change when the blond teen came walking down the hall.
Damn I'm not ready
Yes you are. But that's not important just look at how hot he looks now.
You really are not helping. Though when did you ever.
"S-S-Sakura is that you." Naruto said with a startled look. Which quickly grimed, "What do you want" he nearly spat.
"I-I just wanted to talk to you." She said in a meek voice.
"Fine come on in." He said in a cold voice.
His room was small and dusty but she didn't care she swallowed her fear and said the words she has been wanting to say for years. "I'm Sorry Naruto."
Naruto just clenched his fist "SAKURA! I am so tired of this. I've saved your life countless times! And what do you do? You run to Sasgay, praise Sasgay, live SASGAY! And what do I get? A punch in the face when I save your life. I-I love you Sakura! Don't you understand that!? Why would Sasuke, no, why would YOU love Sasuke?! Hmm? All he's done is knocked you out and turned you down. And you do the same to me. Kind of hypocritical don't you think?! Why can't you accept me for once? I finally got you to go out with me, and all you do is make fun of me for mistakes I've done. Man, the funny thing is, I love you Sakura, and no matter how mad I get, I can never stop. I will never love anyone else, because you have already stolen MY heart, just as Sasuke stole yours...I love you Sakura..."
He tried to continue but before he could he had been embraced by Sakura "I'm sorry, I'm sorry I'm Sorry." She repeated over and over.
Though Naruto didn't take her seriously. That is till he felt a warm wet feeling on his chest. He looked down and saw what it was. Tears, Sakura had started crying.
"Well what about Uchiha." She said pulling away.
"I don't care if I ever see him again. I just want you to forgive me." She said trying to fight the onslaught of tears.
Naruto turned away from her and walked to a cabinet near his bed. In it he took out a small velvet box. "Here" he said handing it to her "I had planned to give this to you the night I left. But, well you know."
She opened the box and gasped. Inside was a beautiful emerald oval stone imbedded in gold with a matching golden chain on either side. "N-N-Naruto-kun."
"It's called the Emerald Eye. Just take it as a way for me to say I forgive you." He said with a calm face.
At this the tears returned in full force. She quickly hugged him again but this time more fully. But unlike the last time, Naruto returned the favor.
"N-Naruto-kun I...I..." she tried to say but the blonde pushed a finger to her lips.
"Shhh, I know."
The End
There you have it the final chapter in my first story. And while I am upset that it is over I am also really looking forward to my next fic. Though you should know it will be NaruHina and no amount of comments will change that.
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