A Soul's Salvation

A/N: Well, we are closer to the end of this fic (It will be my first completed Naruto fic :::throws confetti:::) and I've finally worked out all of the details for the final chapters. The first few chapters were about forgiveness, now, these next chapters are abut acceptance and over-coming prejudice. So, please enjoy this new chapter, and thank you for all of your support. Also, thank you for the wonderful ideas that you guys have given to me to help me out of ruts. Your ideas are very much appreciated.

Please read and review.

~!~

The candles flickers as the lovers writhed together, straining to each reach their peak. It had been only a couple of hours since they returned to their room, but it seemed like an eternity, as they found new ways to express their love to one another.

His body was pressed tightly against her back, his sweat mixing with hers as he allowed his hips to thrust against her, while her face had turned and was now buried against his neck. She had long ago given up on crying out, mostly because her throat was so raw and sore, and now, all she could do was whimper.

His hands were clenching the bedsheets, and his low growls soothed her, as he knew they would. It would appear that despite not being able to touch her, himself, the kyuubi was attempting to seduce their female, and knew his growls would do the trick.

Sakura seemed to love the growls, because each time he did it, her back arched and she pressed her body even closer to his.

She could feel her body getting ready to release again, and she bit the side of his neck, silently telling him that she was close. He, of course, already knew it, but quickened his strokes to a pace he knew would bring her to completion.

When it hit, Sakura's teeth broke his skin, and he snarled, his own release hitting him as the pleasure and pain of her bite rushed through him. When he came, his arms wrapped tightly around Sakura, and he held her tightly to his body as his seed continued to bath her insides.

When her mouth left his neck, he quickly moved so that his lips were upon hers, and he could taste his own blood on her lips, and he smiled against her lips.

When they finally pulled back to breath, he allowed his forehead to fall against hers, as his hands ran over her body, making sure that he didn't harm her during their lovemaking.

She sighed happily and didn't fight him as he moved her to lie on her back. Propping himself up on one elbow, he grinned down at her and said, “I think that you gave me a hickey.”

Lifting her eyebrow, she smugly replied, “No, I gave you three. One on the right side of your neck, one on the left side, and one on your right inner thigh.”

When she began to giggle madly, he snorted and shook his head. However, his mood quickly changed when he softly said, “Tomorrow, we go back to Konoha. I have to admit, I'm nervous.”

“Why?” Sakura asked, frowning. “Is it because of what people might say about us?”

Giving her a stern look, he shook his head and said, “You know better than that. No, what I am nervous about is that we'll have to inform that stuffy lord that you are no longer going to marry him, and we still have to get Sasuke out of our hair. Things could get nasty.”

Sakura's eyes turned towards the window, and she sighed. No matter what they did, or how far they came, in some way, shape, or form, Sasuke would always cast a shadow over them. When she was younger, she had chased after the youngest Uchiha in hopes of him returning her misguided love, but now that she was a woman, she longed for someone who saw her in the same light as she saw them, and now, she had that.

She didn't need or want Sasuke. She had Naruto, and in her opinion, he was the best thing to ever happen to her.

He watched as her face contorted as she delved into her thoughts. He nearly laughed at some of her expressions, and while he wanted to know what was on her mind, he knew enough about his pink beauty to know that when she wanted to tell him what she was thinking about, she would.

Coming to a decision, she looked up at Naruto, who was watching her with curious eyes. Reaching up, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her. Looking into his eyes, she softly said, “Let Sasuke do his worst. I am not losing you.”

“You will never lose me, Sakura.” Naruto whispered, his lips brushing against hers. “I told you before, we are going to be together for a very long time. This is only the beginning for us.”

Smiling, Sakura returned his kiss and when they broke apart, she whispered, “It's a beautiful beginning.”

~!~

Neji frowned as he walked towards the center of the village. It was clear to him that there was some kind of commotion going on, but he was not sure what it was. However, when he reached the center, he found Tenten, along with Lord Masahara's companions standing before the Uchiha, their faces twisted in anger.

“You cannot condemn Naruto for something that the fourth hokage did that was in the protection of this village.” Tenten snapped, her face twisted into a mask of rage. “To even bring up the nine-tails tells me that you are getting desperate, Sasuke.”

Sasuke leveled a cool glared at Tenten and then addressed the crowd. “It was the nine-tails who killed our fourth hokage.” He said, his voice calm. “Had the fourth hokage lived, then the third hokage would still be alive today, because it would have been the fourth hokage who would have fought Orochimaru and saved Konoha. Uzumaki Naruto is a youkai hiding in a human body. How long will it be before the fox breaks free?”

“The fox will never break free of Naruto.” Neji said, stepping onto the platform and coming to a stop at Tenten's side. He inwardly winced when he saw her stiffen, and knew if he saw it, then so did the Uchiha. However, he had to settle this matter before Sakura and Naruto came home. He would not allow this fool to destroy their happiness. “The fox is no longer a threat, and you, of all people, should know that Naruto would never harm a person, unless it was in self defense. He loves Konoha. To compare that man to that beast, is criminal.”

Sasuke smirked. “Of course you would say that, Hyuuga.” He snapped. “After all, your dear cousin is one of Sakura's best friends, and a friend to Naruto. You'd do anything to protect Hinata's interests.”

He could hear Tenten's ragged breathing, but his eyes stayed on Sasuke's. “Hinata has chosen another protector.” He stated. “Kiba will see to Hinata-Sama's interests. However, I have to wonder what your motive is for this little gathering. Perhaps you are attempting to force Naruto out, so that you will be able to move in on Sakura. Let me inform you, it will never happen.”

The people around the small group began to whisper. It was true that Naruto had never harmed the village. Many of them knew that Naruto had every reason to hold a grudge against Konoha, however, he, instead, chose to protect the village. Now, they were wondering why the last Uchiha was attempting to discredit the young man. Was it jealousy?

“It would seem that you plan to turn the village against the young man has failed.” A smooth voice said. Sasuke's lips curled into a sneer as Lord Akio Masahara stepped onto the platform and stared him down. “Just how low are you willing to sink to obtain the young ambassador?”

“So, I suppose this marriage proposal of yours was just a ruse to get Sakura and Naruto together.” Sasuke said, his face twisting into a smirk. “You could have chosen one of the better ninjas in this village, but you chose the village's idiot. You set this entire thing up, and now, Sakura has to endure that fool. She loves me, and I will not watch her throw her life away simply because of some sort of misguided sense of guilt.”

Akio shook his head. “The girl loves the blonde.” He said, his tone even. “She chose him because he has loved her for a very long time. Whatever she felt for you, is long gone. You are only causing her pain, and if you continue, I will cause you pain.”

“Is that a challenge?” Sasuke snarled, his eyes flashing from black to red. His anger grew as the taller man shook his head and sighed. “I am the last of the Uchihas. You will not disrespect me.”

“You are the last in a long line of fools.” A gruff voice snapped. The crowd gave way to reveal Sakura's newest sensei. The old man moved forward, his eyes narrowed.

“Your brother, Itachi, was a very gifted, intelligent individual. He made the decision to break the mold of the Uchiha, and did it in the most vile way possible, hoping to spare you the pain of what he and the others of your line went through.” Akumista said. “He died, knowing that you would kill him, but he died at peace, as did Uchiha Obito. He and Obito were the only members of your family who were not driven by their greed and selfishness. I wish Obito had lived. He could have taught you a few things about honor. In my opinion, he was the best of the Uchiha clan, and you, my boy, represent the worst.”

“You know nothing, old man.” Sasuke gritted out. “Itachi and Obito died foolishly. Itachi could have had everything, but he gave it up. Obito was just a plain fool. Nothing more, nothing less. He was a weak fool who deserved to die.”

Before he could say another word, a strong hand clamped down on the back of Sasuke's neck. Suddenly, he came face to face with Kakashi, who'd exposed his own sharingan.

“If you say another word about Obito, it will be the last word you ever speak.” Kakashi warned. “You will never speak his name again. You don't have the right.”

Looking behind his former sensei, Sasuke saw the hokage, Jiraiya, and the others watching. Neji's mouth was twisted into a smirk. It was never wise to anger Hatake Kakashi. He almost felt sorry for the Uchiha.

Almost, but not quite.

~!~

When they walked into the village, Sakura frowned. “Where is everyone?” She asked, her green eyes turning to Naruto.

The young man shrugged. This was strange. Normally, the streets of the village were bustling with activity, and now, the streets were deserted.

Grasping her hand, he gave Sakura a gentle tug, and together, they began to walk. As they neared the center of the village, they could hear people talking, and Sakura froze when she heard her sensei's voice.

However, her shock turned to anger when she heard Sasuke call him an old man, disrespecting him in front of the entire village. Moving forward, Sakura led Naruto into the center of the village and watched as Kakashi brought his face close to Sasuke's. However, Naruto stopped them at the edge of the crowd, and together, they watched as Kakashi's stance became threatening.

She couldn't hear what the man said, but judging from his posture, he was very angry. However, what she could not hear, Naruto could.

A large grin spread across his lips as Kakashi dressed Sasuke down in front of their village and watched with glee as the younger man was finally knocked off his pedestal.

“He doesn't know what Obito was like.” Sasuke said, trying to defend himself as he motioned towards Akumista. “Obito was lazy, and could never tell the truth.”

Kakashi shook his head. “Itachi should have put you out of your misery.” He said, his tone hard. “The poison of the Uchiha line had already invaded you, even at the young age you were when Itachi killed the others of the clan. It's clear to me that you know nothing about the Uchiha clan, save for the greed and self-serving traits you seem to share with most of the members of your family.”

Letting the younger man go, Kakashi looked to the sky. “Let me tell you about two young ninjas named Obito and Rin.” He said, knowing that once he started, he would have to finish. For the first time in his life, his secrets would be revealed, and for once, he didn't care.

“Yes, Obito was lazy, constantly late, and never told the full truth. Except when it came to his teammates.” Kakashi said, smiling at the memories underneath his mask. “He was the one who made us laugh, and was the one who told me that, at times, breaking the rules was necessary. It was because of him and Rin, that I broke the rules for the first time, and have continued to break them ever since.”

“Obito fell in love with Rin, but she fell in love, or so she thought, with me. No matter what he did, she ignored him, and looked at me, hoping to see her affections reflected. He never told her that he loved her until the day he died. You see, it was on a mission that he was hurt so badly, that he finally told her. Then, he turned to me, and even though he didn't say the words, by giving me his sharingan, he was telling me that he loved me, too. That by giving me the sharingan, he would be with me, watching over me. Rin removed the eye, and placed it within me. I never got a chance to tell him how much I cared about him, too.”

Looking up at the sky, Kakashi could feel the pain of that day washing over him. However, he had to continue. “His last wish was for me to watch over Rin. At first, I did it as though it were nothing more than a duty, but then, I began to notice that I was starting to share similar traits that Obito had, like being late, and telling half-truths. Then, I began to feel things for Rin, that I knew Obito had felt. Before his death, I had only seen Rin as a teammate, but after his death, a part of me grew to love her. As the time went on, I noticed that she began to withdraw from everyone, including me. I tried to bring her out of her shell, but I was not successful. Then, we were assigned another mission, with a new teammate, she was injured severely, but I knew that she would be able to heal herself. However, once the battle was over, I went to her and found her slowly bleeding to death. I ordered her to heal herself, but as she took her last breaths, she cried out for Obito, and then walked out of my life, forever. It was as if she had simply given up when Obito died.”

Sakura's eyes filled with tears and without a word, she allowed them to slip down her cheeks. So, this was why Obito had returned. He had wanted to force Kakashi to relive those days, and see for himself that he had not been at fault for either of their deaths. However, he had come across her, and decided to help her, instead.

Obito really was one of a kind. Too bad that Sasuke had not taken after him.

Kakashi took in a deep breath and turned his eyes to a still scowling Sasuke. “When I acquired your team, it was as if I were looking back in time. However, instead of history repeating itself, your team managed to surpass mine. The two people who were meant for each other, are together, and should something ever happen to either one of them, I have no doubt that the other will follow shortly after. It's time to grow up, Sasuke.” He said, sternly. “Grow up, and move on. Quit thinking of only yourself and start thinking of the two people who have supported you from the beginning.”

Naruto looked down to find Sakura crying silently. Wrapping his arm around her shoulders, he leaned down and whispered, “Let's go back to your apartment, baby. I think that we have seen and heard enough.”

Nodding, Sakura allowed him to lead her away, and gave a silent prayer of thanks that they had not been noticed.

However, Lord Masahara had noticed them, and watched as they walked away from the crowd. It was clear to him that they were, in fact, a couple. Looking over at Tsunade, he gave a brief nod, and watched as a bright smile crossed her face.

Sighing, he shook his head and squared his shoulders. Well, win some and lose some. But, damn...he hated to lose.

~!~

When they entered her apartment, Sakura gave a sigh of relief and plopped down on the couch. She smiled up at Naruto, who looked around and grinned.

“Well, you have a choice.” He said, his tone light. “Here or at my apartment.”

Cocking her eyebrow up, she asked, “What?”

He took in a nervous breath and then knelt down in front of her. Hopefully, she'd agree. Now that he had a taste of what it was like to sleep with her in his arms, he wasn't ready to give it up. Not one bit.

“We've known each other for a very long time, and now that we are together, I feel as though we've already gone through the 'dating phase' and I think that we need to move onto the 'living together' phase.” He replied, his face not showing any sign of nervousness.

His hands, however, were sweaty and he was anxious to wipe them on his pants.

Sakura was quiet, and for a moment, he feared that she would tell him that she wanted to wait for a while to take that step, but grinned like a fool when she said, “I think that it would be better for you to move in here. We'll have more room, and you don't have a lot of stuff. It would be easier to move you, than move me.”

“Damn straight!” He cheered, and quickly yanked her into a hug. Laughing, he kissed her cheek, and then said, “Well, let's not waste any more time. Let's go and get my stuff so that we can concentrate on more important matters.”

“More important matters?” She asked, curious.

“Yeah, like just how long it will take me to work you up into a frenzy before I make long, slow love to you.” He replied, his eyebrows waggling suggestively.

Suddenly, it was Sakura who was in a hurry. “Well, what are we waiting for?”

~!~

It took only a few moments, but when they finally reached Naruto's apartment building, they smiled at each other and quickly made their way to his door.

Sakura was telling him about a meeting that was coming up with Suna, and frowned when he suddenly stopped.

“What is it?” She asked, and then turned her eyes to look in the direction he was staring at.

Scrawled on his door were the words, 'Here lives the killer of the fourth hokage. Death to the nine-tails.'

“Oh, gods.” Sakura breathed, horrified. “Who in the hell could be so damn cruel?”

Naruto took in a deep breath. “I'll give you one guess.” He said, his tone emotionless. He knew exactly who had done this, and even recognized the handwriting. The game was going to come to an end. Today.

Opening the door and pushing Sakura inside, he said, “Stay here. I've got something that I need to do.”

Sakura opened her mouth to argue, but the door closed before she could utter a word. Sighing, she turned and gasped at the mess that greeted her. Naruto's entire apartment was in shambles, and all of his pictures, the ones he held so dear, were ripped to shreds.

Squatting down, she scooped up the pictures, and brought them over to the table. They were lost to Naruto, and even though she didn't say, she also knew who was responsible.

This had gone on for long enough. No more secrets. No more whispering. No more petty comments and rejections simply because of fear.

As the ambassador of Konoha, she had a duty to show all other villages just how good hers was. So, she was going to start by enforcing the fourth hokage's request.

Standing, she walked to the door and opened it. She stepped out into the sunlight and began walking. She didn't know what she was going to say, but if Sasuke crossed her, he would find out why she was considered to be just as, if not more, dangerous than Tsunade-sama.

It would not be Naruto who received her fists. This time, it would be the Uchiha who got to taste her fury.