A Soul's Salvation

A/N: Ok, guys. People have asked how they might find out when I plan to update, and after some thought, I have decided to put my updates and anything that I need to say on Livejournal. You can find me by typing in Kogasangel. So, starting tomorrow, that is how you can keep up with my updates, or talk to me.

Anyways, here is the latest chapter. I was stuck on the beginning of the chapter, but once I got through it, everything else kind of flowed. So, please enjoy and review. Thanks.

~!~

He stared at the stone, his fingers tracing over the two names that he would never forget. He knew that he needed to go home and rest, but the past few days had him running through emotions that he had forgotten that he had.

Sakura told him that he was the only one blaming himself for the deaths of Obito and Rin. She said that they had forgiven him and could hear him when he went to their graves, but he knew better.

He knew that he would never be forgiven for their deaths, and even if they could hear him, he seriously doubted that they would forgive him, especially Obito. Before he died, he had asked his good friend, Kakashi, to watch over and protect Rin. But, in the end, Rin died, and he had betrayed Obito by allowing her death.

No, there was no forgiveness. There was no escape from the void that lived within his heart. In his mind, he was guilty of not one, but two deaths.

“I see that you are still wallowing in your self-pity, though I'm not surprised.”

Turning to the newcomer, his eyes narrowed dangerously, Kakashi watched as Sakura's new sensei, Akumitsa, approached. The older man held a smirk on his face and stopped a few feet away from him.

“A ninja is born to live and die with blood on their hands and the wind at their back, boy.” Akumitsa said, his tone hard. “I know about your former teammates, and to be honest, I can't think of anything that you could have done differently, except die, yourself.

Kakashi turned his back to the man and said, “This is none of your business.”

Akumitsa chuckled and calmly replied, “Oh, but it is. You see, I see a lot of myself in you. The only exception is that I refuse to blame myself when I did the best damn job I was capable of. Can you honestly say that your teammates would have done things differently? If they had, perhaps instead of two, there would be three people to mourn.”

Turning on his heel, Kakashi shoved his hands in his pockets, and walked past the old ninja. However, he stopped when the older man reached out and gripped his upper arm, causing him to stop.

“Despite what you think, you were correct in your actions.” Akumitsa said. “Don't you think that you have lived with the 'what ifs' long enough? When are you going to grow up and stop blaming yourself for something that was out of your control?”

“It's because of me that they lost their lives.” Kakashi snarled, his dark eye glaring into the soft brown of the man before him.

“No, they lost their lives honorably, and in battle.” Akumitsa replied. “It is every ninja's goal, at least the good ones, to die honorably. Do not take their honor away by feeling sorry for yourself, or blame yourself. No one blames you, except for you, and because of that, your teachings to your own students were at the very least, pitiful.”

Letting go of Kakashi's arm, the old man walked forward to pay his own respects to his own teammates, friends who he buried so long ago. Kakashi turned to walk away, but Akumitsa's voice reached his ears.

“People die, copy ninja. But that doesn't mean that the living should stop living. But, if you are going to continue to live with your regrets, then that means that their sacrifices were in vain, then you would have betrayed them.”

Spinning around on his heel, and ready to tell the old man to mind his fucking business, Kakashi froze when he saw that the area was empty. Glancing around, he tried to find the old man, but was unable find him anywhere.

Reaching up, he scratched the back of his neck and shook his head. He really needed to get some sleep. But, he couldn't help but think about the old man's words. Was he right? Was it possible that he had been wrong all of these years? Was he betraying his teammates' memory by constantly mourning the loss of their companionship?

Walking into the night, he began to question his own reasons for blaming himself. Perhaps if he stopped feeling guilty, then he would have to accept that he had been weak and unable to save them. But, it would also mean that he would have to accept that they were really gone, and he was left behind. Alone.

~!~

The morning sun hit Sakura's eyes and she groaned. Sleep, for her, had been elusive and she found herself staring up at her ceiling for several hours, until finally, her body gave in and allowed her to rest.

She could hear Naruto moving around in the living room, and she bit her lip. She couldn't believe that he was actually speaking to her, even though it was forced, and he was actually being nice to her. She couldn't help but feel a bit saddened that for him to talk to her, it had to be because he was ordered to be around her.

Shaking her head, she got up and went into the bathroom to shower. Once she was cleaned, dried, and dressed, she opened her door and was hit by the scent of something burning.

She rushed into her kitchen to find Naruto, standing over her sink, waving his hand over a burning pan. She smiled as she heard him softly curse the burned bacon, and watched as his head turned towards her when he finally noticed her presence.

“Hey,” Naruto said, a smile lighting up his handsome features, “I was just making us some breakfast, but I am thinking that instead, I'd like to treat you to breakfast out, ok?”

Nodding, she smiled, missing the way his face softened and his eyes took in her form, and said, “Sure. That sounds great.”

Letting out a sigh of relief, Naruto quickly cleaned up his mess, and then grabbed his jacket. Moving over to the door, he opened it and said, “After you.”

Sakura giggled at the sight of him bowing and walked out the door, and watched as he locked it behind them. Then, the pair began walking. As they walked, Naruto grew uncomfortable with the silence and suddenly asked, “So, how are things going with valley?”

Sakura was stunned. Despite all that she had done for Konoha and valley, no one had bothered to ask how things were going with valley. All most people cared about was if the money was going to continue to pour in, or not.

“Things are going really well.” She said, her eyes darting over to peek at his face. “In fact, I am leaving next week for a week-long festival that they hold every year. It's supposed to be a lot of fun.”

“I bet that they will have lots of good things to eat.” Naruto said, dreamily. Glancing down at the girl beside him, he said, “I can't wait until it's time to go.”

Sakura turned confused eyes up to meet his blue ones, and he grinned. “I'm your bodyguard, remember? I've got to go everywhere with you.” He explained, grinning.

Shaking her head, Sakura couldn't help the grin that formed on her lips, and she nodded. “I think that they would really like you.” She replied, thoughtfully.

When Naruto finally stopped walking, Sakura looked up to find them standing in front of the ramen shack, with a wide grin upon Naruto's face.

Silently groaning, and inner Sakura mumbling that she's rather eat a pair of moldy socks, she followed the blonde ninja into the shack and listened as Naruto gave the owner's daughter their order.

They made some small talk, but stopped when Sasuke entered the shack and began to head over to where they were sitting. He didn't even wait to be invited, and sat down beside Sakura, his dark eyes appreciative of her outfit.

She had chosen a simple, white sun dress, and her hair was pulled up into an attractive twist, accenting her beautiful neck and shoulders.

His eyes darted over to Naruto, who was currently glaring at him, and silently warning him not to make any sort of moves on their female teammate. It was also clear to the Uchiha that Naruto was staking his claim over the pink-haired woman, and that was something that he could not allow.

Sakura could feel the tension between the two men and sighed. It was just like old times. Both seemed intent on proving the other to be weaker, though she really didn't see the point in it, anymore. Both were ANBU, and both were well respected in the village. So, what was their deal, now?

When their bowls were placed in front of them, Sakura quickly began to eat, mostly because she was starved, and only stopped when she realized that she was the only one eating. Naruto's mouth was twisted into a scowl, while Sasuke's mouth was in a hard line.

“What is up with the two of you?” She asked, no longer being able to stand the uncomfortable silence. “The both of you are acting as if you are still competing with each other. Knock it off.”

Neither male relied to her. In fact, they only glared at each other harder. Sighing in frustration, she slumped down in her seat, and crossed her arms, waiting for the explosion that she was sure would come.

However, she was saved when a feminine voice called out, “Sakura!”

She looked over to see Temari and Kankuro standing a few feet away, waving at her. Standing up, she decided not to tell them where she was going. Besides, she doubted that they would even notice that she had left the table, anyways.

Walking over to the young woman, she smiled and asked, “What brings the two of your here?”

Kankuro smirked as he watched the tension at Sakura's table rise, and he said, “If you ladies will excuse me, I am going over to make sure that they don't wind up killing each other.”

Both women nodded, and Temari said, “Gaara wanted me to extend his apologies for missing your meeting, yesterday. Lady Tsunade and Lord Akio met with him and the elder from valley to map out some sort of alliance, and from what he said last night, the new alliance will be a strong one, thank goodness.”

“I'm glad.” Sakura replied, smiling. “It's time that we join forces to prevent needless violence, especially from those who seek to destroy our homes.”

Temari cringed as the memory of when Suna joined with Sound, in order to destroy Konoha. Despite knowing that they had been deceived, and had made amends to Konoha, she still felt horrible and terribly guilty, especially since the Hokage before Lady Tsunade lost his life in the battle. Had Suna not joined in, then the war might not have happened.

Sakura saw that Temari was lost in her thoughts, and knew exactly what she was thinking. Reaching out, she placed her hand on the older girl's arm and softly said, “Suna didn't know that they were being used. No one blames your village for anything, Temari. Honest.”

Taking a deep breath, Temari smiled. “Yes, well, Gaara has requested that you join him for the meeting that you were supposed to have yesterday. He is in the gardens by the training grounds.” She said.

Glancing over her shoulder and seeing that her teammates were now on their feet, their hands clenched, she looked over at Temari, who nodded in understanding. “You go on.” She said, grinning. “Kankuro and I will make sure that they behave themselves, I promise.”

Shooting the girl a grateful smile and a whispered thanks, she quickly left the shack and headed straight to the gardens.

Temari watched as the girl left, and shook her head. Suddenly, something sailed past her head, and plopped on the wall right beside her. Staring at the mess on the wall, she narrowed her eyes and found that it was ramen.

Glancing back at the table, both Naruto and Sasuke had handfuls of the noodles, and were ready to launch the handfuls at the other, while Kankuro sat between them, covered in the noodles, broth, and pork that had been Sakura's breakfast.

Rolling her eyes, Temari began to walk over to the table and clenched her fist. Someone was going to get it.

~!~

Sakura took in a deep breath, and smiled. She had forgotten about this place, but was glad that Gaara had chosen it as the place to meet her. As she walked through the blooming garden, she quickly found the new kazekage sitting on a bench, clearly waiting for her.

As soon as he heard her footsteps, he quickly stood and waited for her to join him beside the bench.

“Good afternoon, kazekage.” She said, giving a respectful bow.

Gaara tilted his head towards her, and then motioned for her to sit down. Once they were seated comfortably, he said, “Temari explained to you as to why I was unable to make it to our meeting.”

Lifting an eyebrow, Sakura nodded, and waited for him to continue. The man beside her stared out before him, and after a few moments of silence, he calmly said, “I don't remember much of the last time I was here, but I know that I caused a lot of damage.”

Sakura stared at him for a moment, but then shook her head. “No, your beast did that. We all know that you were not responsible for its actions. Hell, I think that you were strong to hold him off for as long as you did.” She replied, and reached over to pat his arm, just like she had done with Temari.

The man beside her turned his head and looked at her. “Are we friends, Sakura?” He asked, his green eyes staring intently into hers.

At first, she didn't know what to say. She knew that the only people he had to talk to was his brother and sister. Everyone else was scared to death of him, despite the fact that his beast was no longer in charge. The Akatsuki saw to that.

Her mind made up, she gave him a brilliant smile and nodded. “Yes, I would like to think that we are friends.” She affirmed. After all, if anyone knew what it felt like not to have friends, it would be her.

Gaara's eyes brightened for a second, but then went back to the same dull green that she was used to seeing. His eyes moved over the garden before them and together, they sat in silence, enjoying the gentle breeze that caressed their bodies.

After several minutes, Sakura asked, “So, did you want to discuss the meeting that was held yesterday? I know that our original meeting was to discuss an alliance, but now, I am sure that you were able to accomplish that all by yourself.”

Gaara nodded. “The meeting was very productive. Suna will soon be enjoying the benefits of being in an alliance with Konoha and the other participants. However, I have requested that you be our ambassador.” He said, his tone stoic.

Sakura's eyebrow lifted. He wanted her to be the ambassador to his village? Goodness, that would mean that she might have to pull out of going on missions, due to the fact that she would be so busy with the villages.

Gaara nodded when he took in her expression. “Do not worry. Temari will also be our representative, and will come to which ever village you are, so you will not have to travel to Suna, as much.” He explained, a smirk upon his face.

Sakura giggled and then gently nudged the young kazekage's arm. “Well, you've thought of everything, haven't you?” She asked.

The young man nodded. “Of course. That is how I have survived for as long as I have.” He agreed.

Shaking her head, she sighed. It amazed her that a man who was once so brutal could talk to her as if she were his equal. But, she jumped when his warm hand covered hers.

Glancing over at him, she found that he was watching her intently. His hand was much larger than hers and gently squeezed her hand, as he quietly said, “I know what happened with you and the fox. I also know that Lord Akio has asked you to marry him, and has even gone to your hokage for permission to court you. Is it your wish to be courted?”

Sakura cringed a bit, and then sighed. “I honestly don't know.” She replied, her eyes staring straight ahead. “Sometimes, I think that perhaps it would before the best if I did leave, and let Naruto move on with his life, and move on with mine, as well. But, there are other times when I just can't bear to think about being with someone who I don't love.”

Gaara was silent for several minutes, but then said, “If it is your wish not to marry, then let me know and I will challenge Lord Akio for your hand.”

Sakura's eyes were wide, and she timidly asked, “Why would you do that?”

“Because we are friends.”

~!~

Naruto stormed down the streets of Konoha, looking everywhere for Sakura. He was in a really bad mood, mostly because of Sasuke.

The bastard was doing his best to try and come between him and Sakura, and when he told the spoiled brat to back the hell off, the asshole flipped him off before grabbing Sakura's bowl and attempting to fling some of the contents on him, but ended up getting the noodles all over Kankuro, instead.

He, in retailiation, grabbed a bunch of his own noodles, and flung it at Sasuke, but the asshole ducked and it hit the wall beside Temari, only missing her head by mere inches. So, both he and Sasuke grabbed handfuls of noodles, and were about to launch them at each other until Temari came over and smacked the taste out of both of their mouths.

And, to make matters worse, his cheek still stung. However, once she had calmed down, and Sasuke left for lord-knows-where, Temari explained to him that Gaara had wanted to speak to Sakura, and so, that was where she went.

However, Temari failed to tell him exactly where they were meeting, and so, he had to search the village for her. But, luck was smiling down upon him, because he caught sight of Kiba and Akamaru.

Yelling his friend's name, the pair stopped and waited for the blonde to catch up, both wrinkling their noses as the smell of ramen and broth hit their senses.

“Fuck, Naruto! Did you decide to take a bath in that offensive shit?” Kiba growled, his eyes narrowing.

Flipping the dog ninja off, he knelt down beside Akamaru and asked, “Will you please help me find Sakura? I sort of lost her, and I really need to find her.”

The large dog cocked his head to the side, but then turned and began to sniff the ground, looking for Sakura's scent. Kiba fell into step with his friend and asked, “So, you lost her?”

“It's all Sasuke's fault.” Naruto grumbled, his hand stuffed in his pocket. “He showed up while we were having breakfast, and all hell broke loose. I'm just glad that Temari got her the hell out of there, before we started our very own food fight. Kankuro wasn't so lucky.”

Kiba smirked. “So, did the Uchiha say anything to you?” He asked, eager for answers. Ever since the bar, he and Neji were trying to keep tabs on the Uchiha brat, but were coming up empty, as far as information went.

Naruto shook his head. “Basically, he bragged about how he was going to take Sakura away from me, and that I've made it easy for him by pushing her away.” He growled. But, then his shoulders slumped. “Maybe I did push her away. To be honest, I was really angry over her hitting me all the time, but I think that I am beginning to understand why she did it. Like me, she was constantly teased, mainly over her forehead, but when her family died, she had no one to turn to, and no one to tell her how to deal with members of the opposite sex. Maybe if I had looked beyond the anger, I could have helped her.”

“Nah, you can't hold yourself accountable for her actions, even if you do love her.” Kiba replied, his tone lazy. “Sakura is one of those women who need a strong man to deal with their fucked up issues. Uchiha would never be able to take care of her the way she needs to be taken care of. You, on the other hand, can. And, you love her, and have loved her since you were kids. Now, she recognizes that, and wants you just as much as you want her.”

Naruto shot Kiba a look that told the dog ninja he didn't believe his words, but when the dog ninja put his hand on his arm, Naruto froze.

Kiba knew that he shouldn't be saying this, but it was time someone told Naruto just how Sakura felt, even if the young woman wasn't going to do it, herself. Taking in a deep breath, he said, “Look, Uzamaki. Sakura loves you, even if she doesn't say it. I know this because Hinata has told me what Sakura has said. Apparently, when she realized that she had fallen in love with you, she was horrified at all that she had done to you. It was because of you that she began to change, and I must say, it is for the better.”

Naruto narrowed his eyes. “Why are you telling me all of this? Won't Hinata be angry at you for telling me what she said to you?” He demanded, though he was secretly pleased at what he was just told. This piece of information just confirmed that he and Sakura were meant to be together.

Kiba shrugged. He glanced over at Naruto and gave the blonde a lop-sided grin, “Because you are my friend.”

~!~

Sasuke slammed his door and cursed as loud as he could. Damn that fucking Naruto. Didn't he know that he was getting in the way of true love? Hell, if anyone deserved to be with Sakura, it was he. That woman would be an Uchiha, and he would not settle for anything less. But, Naruto was becoming more than a nuisance, he was getting to be a pain in his ass.

He wasn't stupid. He knew that Naruto had most of the village's support, and that there were bets on how long it took for the pair to get together. Well, he wouldn't let their union happen. In fact, he would do all that he could do to turn Sakura's eyes toward him.

Now, all he needed was a plan, and it needed to be a really good one.