A Soul's Salvation

A/N: Thanks so much for the reviews, guys. Please continue to read and review. The next chapter is already being written and will be up before the weekend.

~!~
The theme for this chapter was inspired by:

Ohana....
Ohana means family,
family means.....
noone gets left behind, or forgotten....
Lilo and Stitch(See what you guys get when I watch Disney movies)

~!~

Sakura awoke with a start and groaned. Her head hurt and she briefly decided that she would never touch another drop of booze again.

However, when she opened her eyes and looked around, she saw that she was back in her apartment, and in her bed. The entire night must have been a dream. Of course, Uchiha Obito didn't return from the grave. Geez, she must have really tied one on to dream something that weird up.

Glancing down at her, she noticed that she was wearing the clothes she went out in and grimaced at how wrinkled they were. Well, she would just have to do laundry and iron them.

But, when she yanked back the covers, her eyes widened and she saw that she was still wearing her shoes, and they were covered in dirt. Blinking rapidly, her throat constricted as she glanced over at her bedroom door and then slowly back down at her feet.

Making her way from the bedroom, Sakura moved quietly, and peered around the corner to see if anyone was there, waiting on her. When she saw that the room was empty, she shook her head and moved over to the couch, but froze when she looked at the table that sat in front of her couch.

There were two glasses there. One of them was empty, and the other was full. The full glass had been the one she had obtained for Obito when they were sitting together after she had cried....at least in her dream. But, if the glasses were here, did that mean that last night wasn't a dream?

The tiny hairs on the back of her neck were now standing at full attention as Obito's words began to echo in her mind. Sliding down to the floor, Sakura held her head in her hands and rocked back and forth, thinking.

But, as she sat there, she could see a lot of truth in his words. She did have a lot of pride, too much, if she were to be honest, and at times, she used violence as a way for her to deal with what she perceived as blows to her pride, but in the process, she managed to hurt others' prides.

Especially Naruto's. He had such a hard life, and when he turned his eyes to her, she responded by belittling him and hitting him, sometimes knocking him unconscious, and at the time, she gloried in it. Perhaps it was her way of showing Sasuke that she could be his equal. But, in truth, all she showed was that she had turned into a huge bitch with an attitude, and the one person who accepted her the way that she was, she humiliated.

She didn't deserve the kind of loyalty that Naruto freely gave. But, she was going to do her damnedest to try and show him that he had hers.

~!~

The room was packed, and loud voices could be heard as older and younger ninjas joined for the meeting that the Hokage called. It was a rare thing, so it must be very important.

As she walked into the room and quietly took a seat by the window, she noted that Naruto and Kiba were laughing loudly at some joke, while Hinata smiled softly at them. Sasuke and Ino were close by, sitting together, and not speaking. From what she could see, Obito's prediction seemed true.

She saw Kakashi leaning against one of the walls, and was reading his infamous Icha Icha Paradise book, while ignoring Gai, who was wailing that he was setting a horrible example.

Other ninja that she recognized were there, and had joined their former teams, but Sakura was the only one who wasn't near her former teammates.

Instead, she turned her eyes to the window, and gazed out, her face in a thoughtful expression. Since getting up off of her floor, pouring out all of the booze in her apartment, and cleaning herself up, she felt better than she had in a long time.

Maybe it was because someone actually cared about her to step in and stop her insane behavior. It's amazing what the compassion of a stranger can do to change one's outlook on life. Now she understood that she had wasted a large part of her youth by chasing after a dream that was not going to come true.

It was time to let some dreams fade.

She noticed that she had an excellent view of the ninja memorials, and smiled softly. Obito would never know that just by talking to her, he had saved not only her life, but also her soul.

Hinata glanced over and saw Sakura gazing out of the window. She pitied the young woman, but noticed that there was a slight change in Sakura's demeanor. The young woman seemed calmer, and at peace. Her shoulders were not tight with stress, nor did she appear to be anxious.

Turning her pale eyes towards Naruto, she felt a pang in her heart. Once he told her that he could not give her the love that she wanted from him, due to his love for Sakura, she turned her affections to Kiba, and found that they were a perfect match. Though they were opposites, they fit together well, and fell in love.

But, try as he might, Naruto refused to listen to anything anyone had to say about Sakura. He had told them that she had hit him for the last time and he wasn't going to be her punching bag any longer. She didn't tell him that she would catch him from time to time looking longingly over at the young woman, nor would she tell him that he seemed lost without her. The two would simply have to figure this out for themselves and that is why she made it clear to everyone around them that they were not to interfere.

However, that didn't stop people from talking about Sakura. They said that she was too violent, and was always trying to prove that she could handle her own, but in the end, she was simply a bossy, nosy, whiny, bitch who needed to be put in her place.

It was sad, really. She knew how loving Sakura could be, but years of trying to pull her own weight with team seven really did a number on her, and the fact that Kakashi paid more attention to the males of the team had been a huge blow to her ego, and probably still hurt.

But, Hinata's concentration was broken when Tsunade stepped into the room and called for attention.

“This is going to seem like a pretty boring request, but because it is with a village that we are trying to gain an alliance with, it warrants special attention.” She said, her eyes roaming over the room, and coming to a stop on her apprentice. Frowning slightly, mostly because the younger woman seemed to be in a daze, she pulled her eyes away and said, “I need a volunteer to escort an elderly man back to the village. To be honest, it is just an escort mission and will only require one ninja and because of that, it doesn't pay very much. Is there anyone who would be willing to do it?”

For several moments, no one spoke. Tsunade sighed and knew that she would probably have to decide on someone, but then a chair scraped on the floor and she turned her eyes to look at Sakura, who was still gazing out of the window.

“I'll do it.” Sakura said, her tone soft. As she turned her green eyes to look at her sensei, she noticed the woman's relieved smile and nod.

“Thank you, Sakura. The client wishes to leave today, so you are excused and will meet him by the front gate in an hour. Are there any questions?” Tsunade asked, a smile upon her pretty face.

Turning, Sakura began to walk towards the door and over her shoulder she said, “No.”

Closing the door softly behind her, Sakura walked into the streets of Konaha and headed straight for her apartment. She needed to change if she were going to be walking through the woods.

Once she was in her trademark red dress, Sakura turned to her mirror and stopped. Staring back at her was someone she didn't really like. Someone who put on a pretense of superiority. Snarling at her reflection, she ripped the offending material off of her body and stormed into her closet and began to dig around in the back.

Finally, she found her mother's old clothing and found a pair of black pants and tight black shirt. Slipping those on, she was shocked to find that she was now her mother's old size and that the clothing fit perfectly.

Glancing at the clock, she quickly put on her sandals and braided her hair. Walking out of her bedroom, Sakura noticed her father's sword hanging on her wall....forgotten. Just like her parents.

In her zeal to greatness, Sakura forgot the two people who loved her just as unconditionally as Naruto did. Neither one of them ever left her behind, or forgot about her, even if she was being a brat.

Grabbing the sword, she tested it in her hands and allowed the memory of her father explaining to her how to hold it to surface. He had been such a good swordsman. He had also been a good dad, too.

Strapping it to her side, she turned and grabbed her pouch of kunai and strapped them to her thigh before picking up a dagger and its holder that belonged to her mother and strapped that around her waist and underneath her shirt.

Now, she was ready to go and meet the client. Now, she was ready to meet her future.

~!~

Once the meeting was over, a large group of ninja moved over to sit in the shade besides Ino's flower shop. Their conversation varied, and stopped when the image of Sakura came into view.

To say she looked different was an understatement. This Sakura didn't have on that silly dress that she normally wore, and actually looked the part of a ninja. Kakashi's eye narrowed as he followed his former student, and fell to the sword that rested at her hip.

“That was her father's.” He murmured, his eyes following the silent young woman until she disappeared from sight.

Sasuke lifted an eyebrow and asked, “What was?” Not that he cared, of course, but the sight of Sakura had shocked him. He didn't know she even knew what the color black looked like.

Kakashi stood to his full height, and replied, “The sword she carried belonged to her father. He was probably one of the best swordsmen of this village. But, I don't know why she has chosen to carry it now.”

Naruto didn't say a word. Instead, his handsome face twisted into a scowl and he turned away. Hinata smiled and said, “I think she looks wonderful. It's a nice change.”

Kiba quickly changed the subject and loudly volunteered to buy everyone lunch. Soon, the large crowd was on their way, but a certain blonde young man was tagging behind, his scowl gone, and a saddened frown marring his features.

Despite everything, he hoped Sakura's mission went well.

~!~

Easy mission, her ass. It had not been half a day, and they had been attacked at least three times. Finally, the old man sheepishly explained that he had lied to Tsunade about who he really was in order to see just how committed she was to joining forces with his village, and quickly promised Sakura that he would pay her and the village a handsome price.

Now, as the tiredly made their way into his village, the hidden village of the valley, he was quickly surrounded by his people and she had been offered a room in his home. Smiling kindly at him, mostly because he reminded her of her own grandfather, she accepted and had rested fully.

His wife, a loud, large woman, made her sit down and fed her a breakfast large enough to make Naruto sick. Thankfully, her stomach kept everything down, but she felt as if she wobbled when she walked.

When she stepped out into the bright sunlight, she saw that the village elder was speaking with two men, and turned her way when she began walking towards them. The elder took in a deep breath and softly said, “We need your help.”

Lifting an eyebrow, Sakura noticed that the two men behind the elder were frantic looking and she sighed. Yep, this mission had gone from easy to a pain in her ass.

“Ok, let me hear it.” She said, and waited. Finally, the elder said, “Some of the local noble families have noticed that their children have not returned. We have looked for them, but we can't find them. We thought that since you are a ninja, well, perhaps you would help us.”

Sakura bit her lip, and wanted so badly to say no. But, Obito's memory came to her mind, and she realized, he didn't have to waste his precious time helping her, yet he did, and didn't ask anything other than to give Kakashi a message in return.

Maybe this could be her way of showing him that she understood his words by paying his kindness forward. Maybe fate had decided that it was time to save her soul from damnation and put her on the track of salvation. All she needed to do was take that first step.

“Where did you last see them?” She asked, her face set in determination. Soon, she was given enough information to go on, and was about to leave when the elder stopped her.

“Ninja, we cannot pay you anything more than what I offered you yesterday on the road here. But, I could have my wife cook you a meal that you wouldn't soon forget.” He offered.

Inner Sakura groaned and whined, “But, she already did and I think I'm gonna be sick.”

Sakura smiled and looked to the sky. “Elder, you contracted with Leaf for a certain amount. I will only take the amount contracted for. Think of this as a show of good faith from Leaf.” She said.

The three men were stunned and watched as she walked towards the area where the children were last seen. When she was out of earshot, the elder turned to stare at his companions and softly said, “Gentlemen, I believe that we have found ourselves a ninja we can honestly trust.”

~!~

It didn't take long for Sakura to catch up to the children, who had wandered so far into the woods that they ended up losing their way. She brought them back to the village and, to her great displeasure, was once again, treated to a meal prepared by the elder's wife.

After collecting the amount due her village, Sakura smiled at the villagers who had come out of their homes and jobs to see her off. It seemed that she now had her very own fan club of little girls who were telling their parents that they were going to be ninjas, just like her.

Once she was gone, the elder called for a messenger and quickly wrote a message to the Hokage of Konoha. Never before had he encountered a ninja who was compassionate and honest. And, he wanted the Hokage to know that the only ninja his village would accept would be Sakura.

~!~

It took her nearly two and a half days to return to Konoha. Mostly due to the fact that she had taken her time and did a lot of thinking, but when she finally emerged from the woods, she found herself on the training fields, staring at Naruto's back.

Sensing her, he quickly turned and narrowed his eyes. He watched as she slowly began to walk towards him and then stop a few feet away from where he stood.

The silence between them grew, but then he gruffly said, “I see your mission went well.”

Nodding, Sakura replied, “Yes, it did. I enjoyed it.”

“Except for that blasted woman's cooking. She was trying to kill us with all that food, I tell you. I don't think that we'll be eating for another week.” Inner Sakura grumbled, but then pouted and crossed her arms when she noticed that she was being ignored.

Naruto gave a sharp nod, and bent down to collect his shirt. He had been training, trying to do everything he could to stop thinking about Sakura and if she were alright. Now, here she was, and though a part of him was happy to see her, his mind was still angry.

As he turned to leave, he stopped when he heard Sakura softly say, “I'm sorry, Naruto. For everything.”

Turning on his heel to face her, his blue eyes widened and he asked, “What was that?”

Taking in a deep breath, she was about to repeat herself, but he stopped her when he snapped, “You're sorry? For what, Sakura? For hitting me? Humiliating me? For stomping me into the ground just so you could look good for Sasuke? Is that what you are sorry for, or are you sorry because everyone in this village sees you for what you are? A selfish brat, who throws temper tantrums when she doesn't get what she wants.”

Inner Sakura was already shaking her fist at him, but Sakura quietly replied, “Yes.”

Naruto laughed, but it was not the kind of laugh that was friendly. This laugh was harsh and filled with anger.

“I suppose you are expecting me to jump up and down and follow you all over the place, just like I did when we were kids. Well, let me tell you, I meant it when I said that I don't want anything to do with you. Nothing you could say to me would ever make me change my mind. Now that Sasuke is with Ino, you figure that you can latch onto me, and sweetheart, I am not falling for it. I might be a fool in some things, but for you, never again.” He hissed, his face coming mere inches from hers.

For once, Inner Sakura was silent. What could she say? Taking a deep breath, Sakura nodded. “I understand. I won't cross your path anymore, and won't bother you. I just wanted you to know that I regret my actions towards you and there is nothing more that I can say.” She quietly replied.

Turning away from the young man, she held her head up high as she walked off of the training field and towards the Hokage's office. She needed to report in and then, when she was alone in her apartment, then she could cry.

Naruto watched her go, and when she was gone, he angrily punched a tree that was unlucky enough to be near him. Slumping down to the ground, he mentally cursed himself for melting to her words, and then attacking her with his. A large part of him felt that she deserved it, but his heart cried in agony.

~!~

Tsunade beamed at her, and came around her desk to embrace her.

“I want you to know that because of your good will, we are now allies of valley and they have requested that you be the only ninja they deal with. Sakura, you are going to be the ambassador for Konoha.” She cried, and then smirked, “And, the elder sent the money that you refused. You really impressed those people and when valley talks about certain things, like which village is the best to go to if a ninja is needed, they are going to think of you, my dear. What you have done for Konoha is something that I have been trying to do for over a year and a half.”

Sakura smiled, but inner Sakura was too busy crying her eyes out to boast about their success. When given permission to leave, Sakura quickly made her way into the streets of Konoha and found that many eyes were upon her.

Keeping her eyes down, she didn't see the man in front of her, and would have collided with him, had his hands not stopped her.

“Sakura, you need to pay attention to where you are going.” Kakashi quietly said, his eyes taking in her tired form. He watched as she nodded, and glanced at the book in his hand, and waited patiently for the lecture about reading such things in public, but it never came.

Instead, she walked around him and lost herself in the sea of people that were on the street, and didn't look back. Kakashi was stunned and allowed the hand that was holding his book fall to his side. He was soon joined by Ino, Sasuke, and Shikamaru.

As the older ninja looked at the younger ones, he quietly asked, “That was Sakura, right?”

Nodding, Sasuke replied, “It was her, but she doesn't look right. In fact, she hasn't looked right in a very long time.”

“Would you if people shunned you?” Shikamaru asked, his tone bored. “That troublesome woman is now seeing the error of her ways, and is clearly trying to change them.”

Ino quirked her eyebrow up at her former teammate and said, “I didn't know that you cared, Shika.”

“I don't, but I'm also not about to kick someone when they are down, either. And, from what my old man has told me, the Hokage was overheard talking about a message she received from the elder Sakura escorted and is the only ninja that the village in the valley will accept aid from.” He replied, and left the other three standing in the road, gaping after him.

The two younger ninjas glanced up at Kakashi and he shook his head. “I don't know what she did, but whatever it was, it made quite an impression on them.” He muttered. “I just hope she can handle it.”

~!~

Sakura closed the door to her apartment and quickly shed her weapons and clothing. Now, sitting in just her bindings and panties, she allowed the tears to come and buried her head into a pillow that had been sitting on her couch.

When you are younger, an apology was supposed to make everything alright, and things went back to normal, but now, she felt as if a part of her died. Naruto was gone, and she didn't have anyone to blame but herself.

The sky darkened and soon a hard rain began to fall down upon the village. Perhaps this was heaven's way of telling her that she wasn't crying alone.