A Soul's Salvation

A/N: Ok, I am going to gripe, seeing as how some have griped at me. First of all, Sakura is not being chased by Gaara. He offered to fight for her, because he considered her a friend. Second, the length of the last chapter was about a 100 words and some change shy of 4000. This chapter is 4000 words and some change. I will not write 5000+ chapters, except on oneshots. Now, I can only update when my time permits me. Yesterday's chapter was finished last week, but seeing as I only had a couple of minutes on the computer last weekend, I had to put it up this week, and will be placing this weeks chapter up today. I am a full-time medical assistant, full-time mom, so I am limited in how much time I can spend on the computer.

Those who know how I write know that when I say there is a specific pairing, I mean it. That doesn't mean that there won't be some friction, or drama, it just adds to the spice of the fic. This is a strictly Naruto/Sakura fic. There is no one else who will win her.

So, now that i have gotten that off of my chest, let's move on and you can enjoy this latest chapter. Please read and review. Thanks to you guys for all of the support and I am sorry for griping. It's just one of those days.

p.s. I am also in the process of updating some of my IY fics, as well, and everyone will just have to be patient with me. Thanks.

~!~

Sakura stared at the young man beside her, but then sighed. “Gaara, I appreciate the offer, but I can't ask you to do that. I know that you are trying to help, but I can't keep running away from my problems, just because there is someone willing to take care of me.”

Gaara shook his head and calmly said, “You misunderstand me. I am simply offering to fight the man to free you from this absurd marriage proposal. I have no intentions on marrying, nor do I desire any kind of relationship other than friendship. My life is too complicated to bring an innocent woman into it.”

Sakura allowed a sigh of relief to escape her lips and then smiled. “Ah, I understand, now.” She said, chuckling. “I was afraid that I was going to have yet another person to have to fend off.”

The young kazekage's mouth quirked up a bit, but then frowned. “Besides the lord, who else is bothering you?” He asked, his tone demanding.

“Well, for some reason, Sasuke is starting to come around me, and last night, he came to the bar where Naruto and I were talking with friends, and he asked to talk to me. Then, he started to act weird.” Sakura murmured. “For goodness sake's, he actually smiled. That, in itself, is highly unusual.”

Garra's eyes hardened, and he was silent for several moments. However, his thoughts were broken when a loud voice called out, “THERE YOU ARE!”

Both kazekage and ambassador turned to see a breathless Naruto, followed by Kiba and Akamaru, running towards them, his face pinched.

When he came to a stop, he looked down on Sakura and said, “You should not have left without me. I've been looking for you everywhere.”

Sakura blushed and was about to explain when Gaara stood up and calmly replied, “I asked to speak with her about matters regarding my village. It is my fault that she left, and I accept full blame for any irritation you have gone through.”

Reaching back to scratch his head, Naruto's face broke out into a large grin and he said, “Nah, don't worry about it. She just gave me a bit of a shock. Thankfully, my buddies, here, were able to track her down.”

Gaara silently nodded over to the dog ninja and his partner, before turning to Sakura and bowing. “I'm afraid that I must leave. I have issues that I need to attend to before we leave for Suna.” He said, as he stared down into her eyes.

Sakura nodded, and was about to get up to bow to him, but his hand gently landed on her shoulder and he quietly said, “Remember, Sakura. My offer is still open.”

Sakura bit her lip and nodded, before watching the young man turn away and stroll towards town. When he was out of sight, Naruto plopped down beside her and gave her a stern glare.

“In the future, I would appreciate it if you would inform me when you go somewhere.” He said, his tone gruff. “It's my job to make sure that you are safe, and I can't do that if you are not there for me to keep you safe.”

The blush on Sakura's face told him that she received the message loud and clear. But, before she could reply, Kiba cleared his throat and said, “Well, you kiddies have a good day. Akamaru and I have to go meet up with Hinata so we can go over plans for our wedding.”

Giving the couple a wave and a grin, Kiba and Akamaru took off. When they were gone, Naruto glanced over at Sakura and smiled.

“So, what do you want to do, today?” He asked, his earlier irritation long gone. He watched as a small smile formed on her lips, and she replied, “I'd like to go and get some flowers. I need to visit my parent's graves.”

Naruto nodded, and stood up. He held out his hand, and nearly chuckled when Sakura gave it a funny look. Finally, she took his hand, and allowed him to lift her to her feet. Soon, they were on their way to Ino's shop, and once they had the flowers, along with some village gossip, they were on their way to the final resting place of the village's fallen ninja.

Naruto stood several feet away, watching with protective eyes as Sakura gently laid out her flowers, then settling down beside the graves, and began to talk.

He couldn't hear much of what she was saying, but he did catch her saying that she was finally happy. He had to admit, she looked much happier.

Once she was done with her parents, she moved over to the graves of Kakashi-sensei's friends, and placed flowers on their graves, before settling down and talking to them.

“More flowers?” Kakashi asked, as he came up behind Naruto to stand at his side. When the younger ninja looked at him, he noticed that Kakashi wasn't staring at the graves, but at Sakura.

“What are you doing here?” Naruto asked, his blue eyes wide and curious. It was rare for Kakashi-sensei to visit the graves when there were other people around.

Kakashi did not answer, but simply kept staring at the two graves that bore his friends' names. When he saw Sakura stand up, and brush off her dress, he moved forward, ignoring Naruto.

When he got within a few feet of her, he inclined his head and said, “Sakura.”

“Kakashi-sensei.” She replied, giving her own nod. The man didn't move, and when Naruto joined Sakura, the older man quietly said, “It's taken so long, but I think that I owe it to them to move on, even if that means accepting their deaths, and accepting that I was powerless to stop it.”

The two younger ninjas stared at the man, who held so many secrets, yet hardly ever revealed any. For him to say this to them, it was monumental.

“Rin and Obito have been such a huge part of my life, especially after they died, that I suppose I felt that if I continued to feel guilty over losing them, then I would not have to accept that they were really gone.” He said, his eyes never straying from the graves.

“I think that it is time that I said goodbye.”

Sakura and Naruto watched with wide eyes as the man strolled forward, intent on following through with his decision.

Tugging on Naruto's arm, and gaining his attention, Sakura whispered, “Let's go. He needs to do this by himself.”

The blonde nodded and allowed the young woman to lead him out of the area, but he did look back to see their former sensei kneeling in front of the graves. It was sad to see such a strong man mourn. Perhaps that is why Sakura wanted to leave. She wanted Kakashi to have his dignity.

They walked around the village for a while, and then Sakura noticed the time. Spinning on her heel, she found herself nose-to-chest with Naruto and then said, “I totally forgot. I've got to meet with Tsunade-sensei and go over the plans for next week's festival in valley.”

Naruto grinned and took her hand. “Come on. I know of a short-cut.” He said, as he pulled her along.

They ran, passing by several villagers, who began to whisper at the sight of the pair holding hands. It was clear to the villagers that the two young ninjas managed to come to terms with how they felt and were now acting on it.

Naruto was aware of just how soft Sakura's hand was in his, and he grinned. He couldn't help but imagine if she were this soft all over.

Sakura followed Naruto, and found herself slamming into his back when he came to a sudden stop. When she stepped back, she found that he was looking over his shoulder at her. “Are you ok?” He asked, watching as she rubbed her sore nose.

When he received a nod, he tightened his grip on her hand, and led her inside the large building, where the hokage's office was located. Not once did he let her hand go, not even when he saw Lord Akio's small group standing in front of the office door.

One of the young men, the one Sakura recognized as Masaharu's younger brother, stepped forward and snapped, “Where in the hell have you been? They've been waiting on you.”

Naruto growled, and stepped in front of Sakura. “Don't speak to her like that, asshole.” He snapped. He let go of Sakura's hand and quickly got into a defensive stance, as did the other man before him.

“Now gentlemen.” The dark haired young man, who Sakura recognized as the man Satchi warned her about, “We must be civil, especially in front of such beautiful ladies.” As he spoke, his hand wandered down and lovingly stroked Satchi's bottom, who in turn smacked him so hard that he ended up with a handprint on his face.

Before either man could reply, the door opened and Shizune stepped out. She smiled and nodded at Sakura. “You can come in. They are waiting on you.” She said, cheerfully. When the younger woman entered, the dark haired female's smile vanished and she softly said, “Control yourselves. We can hear you in there.”

Both men grumbled, and Naruto made his way over to a chair that was no where near the other group. Crossing his arms, he settled down to wait for Sakura to come back out.

Inside the office, Tsunade grinned at Sakura. “Well, as you know, next week is the festival in valley. You, of course, will be there and join in the celebration.” She said, cheerfully.

Masaharu nodded. “Indeed. Your guard will also attend, as a precaution.” He said, his tone bored. He didn't miss the sparkle that appeared in her eyes when he mentioned his guard. Mentally sighing, he glanced over at Tsunade and gave a small nod.

The game was now lost. It was clear to him that the girl could not be swayed from what her heart wanted, and what it wanted was the loud-mouthed, uncouth, brat that was sitting in the next room, with his companions.

Strange. He had never been passed over before, and for this girl to look at another with such loving eyes, rather than him, was unconceivable. However, he was a man of his word and would never force himself upon the young woman.

However, he was an opportunist. Should the boy toss her aside, he would easily agree to take her, but unfortunately, from what his people have told him, that simply wasn't going to happen. The boy was just as smitten as the girl was.

Tsunade smiled and shook her head. She was thrilled that Sakura and Naruto was getting along so well, even though her old friend had mentioned wanting Sakura for himself. Of course, it was only because he needed a strong woman beside him, but she knew that Naruto's reasons for wanting Sakura were purely unselfish. The boy wanted her because he loved her. It was as simple as that.

Clearing her throat, she gave Sakura an apologetic look. “Unfortunately, I was only able to secure one room for you and Naruto, so the two of you will have to share the room.” Tsunade said, hoping that she was coming across as apologetic. It was a drastic measure, but necessary if these two knuckleheads were ever going to move beyond shy glances, and timid words.

What they needed was a night of pure, unadulterated passion. And, as loath as she was to admit it, so did she. However, she would rather see her pupil happy, than herself.

When Sakura's shock began to fade, she took in a deep breath and asked, “There will be two beds in the room, right?”

Tsunade nearly burst into laughter at the panicked expression on Sakura's face, but she managed to keep her face still and shook her head. “I'm sorry, but no. There is one bed, and the floors are extremely cold. You and Naruto will simply have to share.” She replied.

Sakura took in a deep breath, then let it out. Somehow, she just knew something like this was going to happen. She didn't want Naruto uncomfortable, but she had to go to valley. It was expected of her, and she couldn't say no, just because she didn't want Naruto to have to be near her any longer than what he had to. Oh, how was she going to explain this to him?

When given leave to go about her daily activities, Sakura left the office and looked over at Naruto, who was in a glaring contest with the lord's younger brother. It seemed as if Naruto made a new friend. But, when she cleared her throat, the young man blinked then jumped up to move over to where she was standing.

“Hey, are you alright?” He asked, his blue eyes wide with concern. “You don't look like you feel well.”

Sakura gulped and quietly mumbled that she just wanted to go home. “Ok, let's go on back to your apartment, but first, I need to get some things from mine.” He said, his arm wrapping around Sakura, making sure that if she passed out, which was a great possibility judging from her lack of color, he would already have a firm grip on her, and he could carry her.

As they walked from the office, Naruto couldn't help but think about that night he shared with Sakura, in her bed, while she was under the influence of the drugs from her attack. For him, he had never been so happy, even though she had not been able to enjoy the closeness with him.

He kept his hold on the woman, and when they reached his apartment, he unlocked the door and pulled her inside, making sure to keep her close to him. Once the door closed behind them, he gently picked her up and moved her over to his bed, telling her to relax while he got his things ready.

Sakura watched as he disappeared into his closet, and closed her eyes. How in the world was she going to tell him that he would have to share a bed with her, the woman who battered him throughout their teens? Sure, he seemed friendlier now, but she didn't know why.

Naruto came to the door of his bedroom and looked over at Sakura. She was clearly asleep, and he smiled at the sight she made. She had curled onto her side, with both of her hands tucked beneath her head. Of course, all that was missing was him being behind her, sharing his body heat with her.

Shaking his head and mentally scolding himself for thinking such things, he walked over and pulled the comforter over her, before smoothing back the small wisps of hair that had fallen into her eyes. The girl stirred for a moment, but then settled.

Standing to his full height, his attention was caught by loud knocking on his door. Cursing under his breath, he quickly left the room, closed the door behind him, and walked to the door, ready to snap at the one who dared to disturb him.

When he flung the door open, he was shocked to find Sasuke standing there, his arms folded tightly over his chest.

“We need to talk, dobe.” The Uchiha snapped, not bothering to wait for an invitation to come in. Naruto growled low in his throat and closed the door.

The dark-haired young man didn't bother to mince words. “Don't interfere with me and Sakura.” He said, his tone dark. “I want her, and I will have her. You are not good enough for her, so quit trying to act as if you are.”

Naruto raised an eyebrow, and then chuckled. “I'm the one not good enough for her?” He asked. “Perhaps you have mistaken me for yourself. I am not interfering with you and Sakura. She has made her choice as far as who she wants, and buddy, it isn't you.”

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at Naruto's calm demeanor. He was used to dealing with a brash, loud, and careless Naruto, but this Naruto made him nervous.

“She needs someone who can help her in her duties as ambassador. She also needs someone who can give her children who are not cursed with that damn kyuubi.” He snapped, his eyes challenging.

Shaking his head, Naruto replied, “First of all, I am cursed with the kyuubi. Any children I have will only inherit the strength, not the monster. Second, Sakura does just fine in her duties as ambassador and won't appreciate someone coming in, trying to further his own agendas by using her clout. No, my friend. I simply want the woman. You, on the other hand will tolerate the woman, just so you can get your hands on her power, and the children she could produce for you. Your sharnigan with her strength. No one would dare threaten the Uchihas. That, Sasuke, is what you want Sakura for.”

“Perhaps.” Sasuke affirmed. “But, I can give her luxury, and a stable home. You can't give that to her. Look at how you live, now. You don't have that much furniture to begin with, and what you do have, is torn up or in serious need of replacing. Do you honestly think that she would agree to live in such a hovel.”

Naruto shrugged. “It would be her choice.” He replied. “But, don't think that just because I live the way I do, I don't have money. Unlike yourself, I tend to save what I earn, building it up so that one day, I can use it when I need it. I don't need to impress other people to make myself feel good, like you. I'm perfectly happy with my life. Can you say the same, Sasuke?”

The Uchiha glared over at the man, but then brushed past him and to the door. Pausing at the door, he turned and calmly said, “As far as I am concerned, you are still nothing more than a loser. You always have been, and you always will be. It doesn't matter what you do in your life, you will still be the same pathetic, foolish, punk that you were when you were a kid. The only difference now is that you are bigger.”

Smirking, Naruto replied, “And you are just as much, if not more, of an asshole as you were when you were a kid. You are also quite pathetic and I can't help but feel sorry for you. I'm sorry that you have this need to prove yourself better than me, and are simply now trying to use Sakura to drive home that fact. However, don't think for one second that I'm going to give you the chance to hurt her in your pursuit of greatness. I'd kill you before I'd ever let that happen, got it?”

Snorting, Sasuke opened the door and slammed it as hard as he could on his way out. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he began to walk in the direction of his home. His plan of trying to shake Naruto's confidence didn't work as well as he had hoped, so he would have to come up with something else.

He turned the corner, and found himself face to face with the new kazekage, himself. Gaara narrowed his eyes as he recognized Uchiha Sasuke. Turning his head, he said to his siblings, “Go on without me. I'd like to have a word with the Uchiha.”

Temari and Kankuro nodded. They didn't bother to spare the young man glances, and quickly got away before their younger brother began to speak.

Sasuke glared at the man before him, but waited for him to speak. Gaara stepped back from the man and calmly said, “You will cease any kind of interference between Sakura and Naruto.”

“Butt the fuck out.” Sasuke snapped, forgetting that Gaara's sand was just as dangerous at the man, himself.

Gaara was unimpressed by the man's bravado. Instead, he simply said, “She is not meant for you, and if you should try to take her from the one she loves, I'll deal with you myself.”

Without waiting for a reply, Gaara moved around the man and followed the path that his brother and sister took. Part of him wanted Sasuke to ignore his warning. It had been too long since his sand was able to play.

Sasuke glared at the ground, but then began to stomp towards his home. He only got a few feet before he recognized the silhouette of Hyuuga Neji. He didn't bother to acknowledge the man, but when he was a few feet away, Neji asked, “How many more people are going to tell you to leave Sakura and Naruto alone before you listen?”

“I am getting really sick of everyone butting into my business.” Sasuke snapped. He glared over at Neji, but was shocked to see Kiba and Shikamaru appear beside him.

Neji pushed away from the wall and turned to look at Sasuke fully. “You can have any woman you want in this village, and yet, you go after the one woman your teammate loves. How much lower can you get?”

Kiba nodded. “We will not let you hurt either of them, and if we have to be the ones to take you out, then I'm game.”

Sasuke began to move towards the men, but froze. Glancing over at the men, he noticed that Shikamaru had invoked his famous shadow manipulation jutsu, and was currently holding him still.

“As you can see, we are not unable to stop you.” Neji said, acknowledging Sasuke's surprised expression. “In fact, if we have to, we will make sure that you disappear for a while, just so Naruto and Sakura may have the peace they so richly deserve.”

“Let me go.” Sasuke gritted out, and was relieved when Shikamaru complied. However, the lazy genius said, “The next time, I won't be so generous. Leave them be.”

Glaring at the three men, Sasuke quickly performed a jutsu and then disappeared fight before their eyes. Once he was gone, Kiba turned to Neji and asked, “Do you think that he got the message?”

Shikamaru was the one who answered. “Oh, he got it, and he isn't happy. My guess is that we will have to be careful and on our toes. He won't go down quietly.”

Neji nodded and then waved when he saw Tenten, along with Hinata and Ino walking towards them. The girls had wanted to go shopping and left their men behind as they went into the various shops. Each were holding at least two bags, and he just knew that they would want the men to carry them.

Sure enough, when the girls reached them, they held out the bags. The men glanced at each other, before sighing and Shikamaru grumbled, “What a drag.” as they took the bags.

As the women talked, the men were lost in their own thoughts of how to undermine the Uchiha's efforts. They knew that they had to be ready, or else, there was going to be a lot of trouble.

~!~

Naruto had finished packing, though he could not help but think about Sasuke's words. To be honest, the man's words had stung, and though he knew it was just sour grapes on Sasuke's part, it still hurt to know that he was still thought of as a loser.

When he heard his bedroom door open, he quickly turned to greet Sakura, who walked out of the room, rubbing her eyes. When she noticed that his eyes were upon her, she smiled sheepishly and said, “I guess I was more tired than I thought that I was.”

“It's ok. I'm all packed and ready to go.” Naruto announced. He flung his pack over his shoulder, and held out his hand for Sakura to take. “Ready to go?”

Sakura stared at his hand for a moment, but then lifted her own hand to grasp his. “Yes, I'm ready.” She replied.

Grinning down at her, Naruto led her to the door and opened it. Once they were outside, he locked the door and turned back to her. “Well, let's go back to your place and see what we can cook up for dinner.” He said, and grinned even wider when she nodded.

As they walked, Naruto dismissed the cruel words spoken to him by Sasuke. If he was such a loser, then Sakura wouldn't want anything to do with him. He would not let Sasuke bring him down, nor would he allow the man to come between him and Sakura. Believe it!