A/N: 2013.01.27 Thanks for your kind reception of the ending and the whole story in general. My heart reached your hearts and I can't be happier. And it seems I've even accumulated enough songs from you guys to create an unofficial, heavily infringing Sumi soundtrack album. :)

I could build a bridge to my heart and lead the way
I could build a home for your world I could not betray
Keep you safe always

Can't Love Me by It's Alive

Very Sai, yes? Thanks, Giò for that one. This one's c/o kiddo626, fits the ending scene from Ch25 segment ~Bonds~ methinks.

Please...Don't wake me from the dream
It's really everything it seemed
I'm so free
No black and white in the blue

Everything is clearer now
Life is just a dream you know
That's never ending
I'm ascending

Blue by The Seatbelts

Lastly, one for the Epilogue c/o Giò, speaks of hope, finding strength despite life being tough, fighting on...

Just hold on tight because if you close your eyes
look inside yourself, there's a shining light there

Open Up Your Mind by Mirai

I hope you find the time to look up all these songs. Beautiful music all. Youtube, babeh!

And so, after all the buckets of tears (mine not yours), I bring you the Epilogue. It turned out longer than any of the other chapters before the finale…If I didn't control myself, I'd probably keep on forever…You'll see what I mean. Thanks again everyone…Cheers! ~Yui

Epilogue

~Reality~

7 years later…

It had been a long time coming, but there were really no serious contentions when the idea was brought up. It was one of those little things nagging at Naruto's brain, a dream that he had to be one of his first acts once he became Hokage. So on his first year as Rokudaime, on the day when the fresh batch of young ANBU graduated from training, the ANBU Shrine was finally unveiled.

The signature spiral tattooed on every ANBU's forearm served as the symbol that identified the memorial, smoothly sculpted in black brass. Names, some familiar, were etched on the granite wall below - Itachi, Tomoya, Natagama, Hari, Oguri, Ikuta, Kuma, Sai, and thousands of other ANBU, most of whom never made it back home. Those without names who did not survive beyond Root were represented by the kanji 'ne' 根 used by the Foundation.

Through that one grueling month of ANBU training he experienced many years back, Naruto contemplated more than once to change the system for the better treatment of ANBU in training once he became Hokage. But as he matured, he realized that the kind of strict discipline imposed was the very reason Konoha had evaded more danger than they had experienced.

ANBU were always the first to set out to neutralize new threats arising around the territories. They were the ones who went on patrol and were the first to engage in battle. They had averted wars and they did it quietly and painstakingly, without regard for their own safety or desire for recognition. Thus, the ANBU Shrine was erected in their honor. It was, to anyone who understood their value, long overdue.

One of the attendees was an old man who knew of a certain young ANBU who used to buy art supplies from him. Shikamaru welcomed him to the shrine and showed him Sai's name etched on the memorial wall after the ceremony.

The old man stroked the name with his forefinger. "He was a good boy," Kintaro said wistfully, now past 80 and traveling with a cane for support.

Shikamaru agreed. "Sai was a hero of the 4th War too."

"Is that so?"

"You didn't know?"

"He never talked about himself in particular, only about his friends."

Shikamaru smiled. Typical Sai. "I suppose you didn't know that he died saving everyone in Konoha."

"That, I know," Kintaro said. Naruto-sama and Sakura-san came to see me soon after it happened. They were kind enough to let me know. That's when I knew that Sai-kun was right when he said Naruto-sama would make a good Hokage.

"Oh that's right," Shikamaru said. "Ino and I were going to tell you the circumstances but Naruto said he'd do it. We didn't talk about it after; I thought he lost his nerve. So he told you after all."

"When I found out, it didn't make me as sad as when I thought he was alone again... He was with his friends. It was a good death."

Shikamaru didn't respond for a while. When Sai died, he questioned himself as to what more he could have done. He went to the trouble of finding out about Sai's past and it still ended with him dying. What was all his effort for? It was his dad who provided the answer. "It's to prepare you to accept what is inevitable," Shikaku said.

"It was a good death," Shikamaru murmured, finally convinced of its truth. Kintaro nodded.

As Shikamaru saw Kintaro off, another old man was coming from outside and walked as far as the Shrine entrance. He acknowledged Kintaro silently as they passed each other. Shikamaru couldn't help but note the contrast between the two old men, one kindly and bent, the other straight and stiff, but both sharing some kind of connection because of one young man who touched their lives in different ways.

Shikamaru walked toward Kotaro and stood beside him as they both gazed at the shrine from afar. Naruto was standing just below the monument and chatting with Iruka-sensei. After Iruka left, Naruto stayed where he was and stared up at the ANBU symbol above him. His Hokage hat hung on his back and the hem of his white garb flapped lightly with the wind.

"They all die in anonymity, you said," Shikamaru began.

"He faded, did he not?" Kotaro said. "The old lore held true. He disappeared without a trace."

"Sai did not disappear," Shikamaru said. He then turned to face the old man. "He did not die at all...not for us. Do you understand, Kotaro-san?"

The man did not reply and just stood there occupied with his own deep thoughts for a short while. Did his master foresee such a thing to happen? A major threat to Konoha years after his death? Impossible. But he did foresee Sai making the right decision at a crucial moment…such faith…that a trace would remain of that gentle little boy who once accorded the great Danzo his devotion. After a moment, Kotaro tilted his head sideways to acknowledge Shikamaru then left quietly.

~墨~

The retired Tsunade nodded toward the Rokudaime before she went on her way. Naruto bowed politely. He remained by the monument and gazed back at the ANBU symbol for a long while. Sakura later walked up to him and stood by his side as they reminisced of a time long gone. They both had short-lived ANBU careers, not even long enough to earn tattoos, but it was a time they would always cherish, a time when Team 7 was complete and in its prime.

"Sorry I'm late, I got caught in the path of life," Kakashi said from behind.

"How does your wife put up with you, Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura asked in jest.

"Well it's actually her fault. She asked me to pick up stuff for her all morning."

Sakura and Naruto laughed. For once, they had a feeling their errant sensei was telling the truth. "You have no choice, Kakashi-sensei. She's due to give birth soon after all," Sakura said.

"How's it feel to be a dad for a second time?" Naruto asked.

"Twice the fun," Kakashi replied with twinkling eyes.

"Does that mean I have four times the fun?" Tenzou said as he walked up to them. He had a two-year old boy riding on his shoulders, a four year old girl holding his right hand and a six year-old boy clutching the edge of his shirt at the other side. His wife was beside him cradling a newborn.

"Four kids," Kakashi mumbled. "I think I'm good with just two."

"Shin! Don't run!" a male voice yelled from farther off.

A 2-1/2 year old boy scrambled toward his mother. Sakura bent down and faced her son. "Listen to your dad, Shin. If you get another bruise on you, I'll use that stinging medicine that you hate."

"Whoa, you've gotten really big, Shin!" Naruto said ruffling the boy's hair. The boy tried to fend him off. "Ooh, feisty," Naruto remarked. "You sure take after me, don't ya?"

They all turned to Shin's father and acknowledged him. The man smiled and bowed politely. "He's a good man," Kakashi said.

"He is," Sakura said sincerely. Her husband was a medic nin like she was. It took a while for love to blossom, perhaps because Sakura found it hard to make such a serious commitment with anyone. But the man was relentless and his determination after at least three years of pursuit eventually took fruition. They named their son Shin. "I promised Sai we'd keep his brother's memory alive," Sakura explained whenever asked about the name. Even her son knew the story of the adventures of his uncles Sai and Shin (the kiddie version) and would go on a long narrative whenever he was with playmates.

"I wonder when Sasuke's gonna get here." Sakura said looking about.

"He has to be on a mission. But he should be on his way back now," Naruto said.

"You work him too hard, Naruto," Sakura said.

"I don't have a choice. I need his help to guide our new ANBU."

"All the guests have gone," Ino reported as she walked up to Naruto and Sakura. Shikamaru and Chouji walked behind her. Neji, Lee, Tenten, Kiba, Shino and Hinata were also drawing near. Akamaru followed behind. Gai was talking to Kakashi and Tenzou not far off. Tenzou's wife took charge of their children and went ahead. Sakura's husband took Shin and did the same. The 500 square meter shrine was now empty apart from the old Konoha 11 and their senseis.

"I have something to show you," Naruto said. "We'll just have to wait till Sasuke gets here."

"I'm here," Sasuke said to everyone's surprise. He just appeared out of nowhere.

"Very ANBU-like, as usual," Kiba noted.

"Yosh," Naruto said. He also had the attention of Kakashi and the other seniors by then. He took a familiar item out of his pocket, looked at everyone and took a deep breath before he spoke.

"Kurama kept something from me from when Sai died. He said he had to wait until I became Hokage. I chose this special day to share it with all of you since we were all there with Sai at the time."

Shikamaru and Ino walked up toward Naruto while everyone else glanced at each other in anticipation. Shikamaru then kneeled down beside Naruto. Naruto kneeled down after him while Ino stood in the middle behind them and placed her hands on both their heads.

The rest stood still knowing Shikamaru and Ino would use their combined abilities to transfer whatever image they would receive telepathically to all of them. Naruto closed his eyes and said, "Kurama, if you would please."

In a flash, they all suddenly found themselves inside Naruto where the kyuubi resided.

"Is it always flooded in here?" Kiba asked.

"Kiba-kun…" Hinata said shushing him with a finger to her lips.

"So this is how it is in here…" they heard a familiar male voice echo through the cavern. They turned and saw that it was Sai wading along the water and approaching Kurama. The Kyuubi, after the war, was no longer in a cage but moving around freely. He now had a partnership with Naruto based on trust and friendship.

"Sai!" Sakura called and made as if to run to him.

"Sakura," Naruto stopped her. "He can't see us. It's just a memory from that time. He found himself here while his blood was entering into me."

"Oh," Sakura said. She bit her lip and looked on.

"You have no doubts about what you are doing," Kurama said, a statement rather than a question.

"Doubts?" Sai asked. "Why should I have doubts?"

"Aah, you are just like him," Kurama said.

"Like who?"

"Naruto. He doesn't think twice once he decides on something."

"I'm not like Naruto. He's more like my brother."

"Hmm…yes, you're more the level-headed type. But when it comes to something like this, you and Naruto are the same."

"I think I understand what you mean. If Naruto was in my place, he will have no doubts either."

"It suits me fine. After all, if the knucklehead dies, I die as well."

"You've been through a lot with him, Kurama-san. I don't think you'd want him to die just for your own survival."

"He wouldn't want you to die either, just for his own."

"But it's not just for his own. He will be Hokage one day."

"And you won't live to see it."

"Yes, I really wanted to be there when it happens. I was planning on telling him a few things once he's Hokage."

"Why don't you tell me, I will pass it along."

"Would you? Thank you, Kurama-san."

"No... Thank you."

"You're welcome."

The water just above their ankles subsided completely and a rock protruded from the ground behind Sai.

"Have a seat, Sai. You can speak as if Naruto is in front of you. I will show him when it's time."

"Alright…uhm...

Hey Dickless… so you're finally Hokage. I suppose you're more sensible by this time. I expect Duckbutt hair is still with you. He should be. I wonder if he'll like that nickname. I've never really given him one. Beetletop asked for a nickname so I figure anyone would be happy to have one. Ugly never liked hers though. Girls are always harder to figure out."

"Uh, Sai…"

"Yes, Kurama-san…oh, would you like a nickname?"

"No."

"…"

"Err…Go ahead, Sai. Continue."

"Okay…uh…I have a letter prepared for all of you for when it's time but I'm kind of busy at the moment. I don't know if I'll have a chance to send it later. The things I wrote there are…well…my feelings, I guess. I can't repeat them all now. It probably won't reach the Hokage Tower in time so… I guess the only important thing I need to say is that I'm grateful to all of you for being my friends…and I'm sorry for not telling you about this secret I have. I suppose you'll find out about it soon.

I believe Pineapplehead learned something in the East. It should make some things clear. Beetletop apparently knows as well, though he didn't seem bothered by it and it made me realize I worried for no reason. Maybe I should have told you after all...but anyway, I'm sorry I didn't. I couldn't. Uhm…what Kotaro-sama probably doesn't know is that I finally understand why Shin-niisan did what he did. He died and I blamed myself...I don't anymore. I understand his reasons...now more than ever. I hope you will understand mine for what I'm doing. I didn't expect it to happen this way, I thought I'd be forced to conjure up something big and powerful in battle and crush the enemy like a bug…"

Kurama laughed at this which made Sai look up at him questioningly. *Ahem* Kurama cleared his throat. "Err…Bug…enemy…" Sai didn't get it. "You have no sense of humor, do you?" the Kyuubi asked.

"I was told I don't."

"Go on then."

"Uhm…so it didn't turn out that way…but I guess I have no reason to complain…this is…quieter...

So Dickless, since you're Hokage now, I hope you speak a little less loudly. The strange faces that you make are interesting but they're probably not advisable during Kage meetings. I think you can learn a few things from the browless Kazekage on how to act more dignified. And it would be best not to make a mess at the Hokage Tower the way you make a mess in your room. Other than that, I think you'll do just fine…

Uhm...Please tell Ugly not to take up that drinking habit Tsunade-sama has. She has bad enough temper as it is. But I have no doubt she will become a great medic nin. And if it makes any difference, I don't really think she's ugly, not anymore...

And I know that whatever happens, Duckbutt will protect you both. Kurama-san, do you think Sasuke will like that nickname?"

"Oh yes, I think he'll love it."

"I think I'm getting good at giving nicknames. I don't think Shino-kun will like a nickname but I've always wanted to ask him if there are bugs nesting in his hair and if they itch. I suppose it will not be any different than Kiba. Do you think Kiba gets fleas like Akamaru?"

"I have no doubt he does."

Sai paused contemplatively at this. "I'm glad I'm not Kiba."

Kurama sniggered. Sai stared blankly at him. Kurama straightened his face.

"Aah Dickless, please tell Kakashi-senpai the Icha-Icha Volume 1 that he lent me is in the first drawer of my desk. I didn't get a chance to read it but I'm sure it's very interesting. He said Neji enjoyed it very much."

"Oh did he now?"

"Yes, Kurama-san. I expect it's very educational. Kakashi-senpai said I can borrow Volumes 2 and 3 from Neji once I finish Volume 1. Neji seems to be a very serious learner. He's a genius too like Pineapplehead…Do you know who I'm talking about?

Shikamaru's head reminds me of a pineapple I drew once. It had exactly 200 eyes just like his IQ. He also reminds me of Kintaro-jiisan for some reason. Kintaro-jiisan is my art supplies vendor. He's kind to me and I think he's very wise. Maybe that's why Pineapplehead reminds me of him except Kintaro-jiisan is a hard worker. Pineapplehead's very lazy. I saw him sneak off once when he spotted Fatso and Ms. Beautiful doing some clean up work at HQ."

"I assume the one you call Ms. Beautiful is the Yamanaka girl."

"Yes. Sakura hit me when I named her Ugly. Girls don't like it when you describe them that way so I had to use the opposite of what they are."

"So you called the Yamanaka girl Ms. Beautiful because it's the opposite?"

"Hai!" Sai said beaming proudly. "She did not hit me."

"But you think she's ugly."

"Not really. It was our first meeting. I did not know her very well. I think now she's quite beautiful."

"Too bad. I would've liked to see her foam at the mouth."

"A foaming mouth is not beautiful. When Fatso eats, he looks like that sometimes. But I really like him. He's a good friend. He gave me a potato chip once. Oh, is it possible to add to my message, Kurama-san?"

"Add all you want."

"Will he be able to see me?"

"I'll make sure he does."

"Good. Here goes…"

Kurama felt the hair on his back stand on end. "What was that?"

"Yamato-taichou and I joined Team 7 at the same time. From the beginning he did a scary face to keep Dickless and Ugly in line. I thought it was a useful technique so I practiced. It's the second facial expression I learned after my smile. How was it?"

"It was scary."

"Good. I never had a chance to use it. I wanted to try it on them just once…"

"You can be quite talkative, can't you?"

"Hmm…I guess I can be... I have to keep awake and finish what I'm doing…It will take a while…Thank you for keeping me company, Kurama-san."

"My pleasure, Sai."

Sai's friends watched and listened as he went on about different things, his memories of Shin, his adventures with his team and with other units. They laughed and held back tears interchangeably as they realized just how much they missed the sometimes clueless yet lovable Artist Nin. Sai even got to mentioning how Tenten's hairstyle reminded him of a mouse he once drew.

"We both use scrolls for our jutsu but the way those large metal weapons come out of hers is very impressive. She's tougher than most male shinobi I know. If she didn't look the way she does, I'd swear she has a penis."

Kurama almost choked at that point…Tenten froze in shock. Neji almost recovered from getting found out about his Icha-Icha fascination. Hinata was praying she wouldn't get mentioned in anyway.

"After the war I thought Dickless would finally respond to Hinata-san's feelings. He really is the slowest person I know. I planned on confronting him with my scary face after this mission was over but I guess I won't have a chance to. I bet he still hasn't made a move by this time. Oy Naruto, if you're really a man then prove that you have one."

A loud thud was heard from behind the group. Someone just fainted.

"Kurama-san, I'll show you something." Sai stood up, walked closer to Kurama and flipped the inside of his ANBU shirt exposing green fabric inside. "Gai-sensei gave this to me a long time ago. I was trying it on just before I was called on this mission and I didn't have time to take it off so I put my ANBU gear over it. I just cut off the sleeves so it won't show. It's actually quite comfortable and it makes me feel lighter. Gai-sensei is amazing."

Gai started sobbing loudly at the back. Sai went on and mentioned each of them a few times more and then…

"Kurama-san…Naruto will be fine now. I'm almost done with my other friends... I'm getting tired…I have to go…maybe I can catch the sunrise…"

"Alright. Farewell, Sai."

"Farewell."

Sai faded from where he stood and the rest found themselves standing by the ANBU monument once again. They stayed there in silence staring blankly in serious reflection for a while.

"Neji," Kiba called.

"Yes, Kiba."

"Can I borrow Volume 2?"

That broke the ice and they laughed as they recalled all the things that Sai had said about them. They decided to make it a tradition to get together again in Sai's company on the same day of every year. The friends eventually left in batches until only the members of Team 7 were left at the shrine.

"Sai was really something else," Kakashi remarked.

"I can't believe you were making him read your porn books, senpai," Tenzou said.

"He liked to read. I thought I'd help broaden his horizons."

"Like you did Neji?" Sasuke asked.

"Exactly," Kakashi said eyes twinkling in full force.

Sakura shook her head. After a while Kakashi and Tenzou left as well, their families were waiting.

And so it was down to three. Naruto stood in the middle and they all stared at the picture book he was holding. Naruto parted the pages to the middle and gazed at the childish drawing of two brothers. "Seven years," he murmured. "We haven't forgotten you, Sai."

"We will never forget," Sakura said trying to smile despite a tear that rolled down her cheek."

"Arigatou, Sai," Sasuke said.

It was then time for Sakura to go home to her own family. She faced Sasuke and smiled. She could look at him now without grief. Naruto, Sasuke and Sai were her boys, her brothers, and she loved all three with all her heart. "Get some rest, Sasuke, you hear? I'll check up on you tomorrow."

"Hai, Okaasan," Sasuke replied mockingly. It was the same routine whenever he came home from a mission. It seemed he had gained a mother over time. But he enjoyed getting fussed over for a change.

When the two men were finally alone, Naruto swung his arm around his best friend. "So Sasuke, why don't we go eat ramen before splitting?"

"Actually, I was gonna ask if I can crash at your place tonight."

"Not again."

"You know I can't go home until Sakura clears the place out."

"I gotta hand it to ya. After all this time, you're still a chick magnet. How do they know when you're back anyway?"

"Somebody at Intel must be leaking out the info. Maybe it's Shikamaru...or Kakashi..."

"Maybe you should pick one from out of them already. That could make all the other girls stalking you to stop camping out at your yard."

"Are you kidding me?"

"No I'm not. Isn't it time you revive the Uchiha clan?"

"It's you, isn't it? You're setting those girls after me!"

"What? Of course not."

"When I find out it's you, dobe -"

"Dobe? I'm the Hokage-dattebayo!"

"Still a dobe. A dickless dobe."

"Teme!"

"Ha! Like Sai said, you still have to prove you have one, dickless."

"I'll prove it. I'm gonna ask Hinata out tonight."

"You will?"

"Uh, yeah. I've wanted to for some time even if Sai didn't say so. It's just...we fought together in the war and everything but afterward, she kept fainting on me again. I got scared for her health so I couldn't really make a move."

"Excuses."

"Speak for yourself. Seven years ago, you went down on your hands and knees and begged all of us not to name any of our future kids Sai. You called dibs and said you want to name your first kid Uchiha Sai but every time a girl expresses interest, you fold like a leaf and hide like a wimp behind Sakura. Maybe it's you who doesn't have one."

"I'm not interested in stalkers."

"You don't even look at any girl. You..wha...why are you smiling like that? Don't tell me there is...who is she? Tell me! Do I know her? Wipe that smirk off your face and tell me!"

"Ow! Let go of me."

"Hmph! Fine! Duckbutt!"

"Dickless!"

~Seriously…Fin!~

A/N: The epilogue was supposed to be a short solemn piece about the ANBU tribute but Sai kinda took over and went comic on me…(If you wanna see Sai's Yamato-scary-creepy face, look up Rock Lee's Springtime of Youth Manga ch13)

For those who expressed interest in my Sumi plot notes, here's the link:

yui1DOTdeviantartDOTcom/journal/Fanfic-9-Sumi-Notes-280477572 (Replace DOT with "." as usual) Holler if can't access. Thanks for your feedback! Cheers!