A Soul's Salvation

A/N: Well, the epilogue is up next and I hope to get it up by next Sat. This fic has been a source of headaches, joy, and frustration for me, but I thank all of you for helping me through it and being patient when my muse decides that she wants to be stubborn.

I appreciate all of the reviews, and I want everyone to know that I love reading them, and it makes me feel really good to have written something that a whole lot of people like. Thank you for reviewing and putting this fic on favorites.

But, I am going to let you guys in on a little secret. I've been a little shit and decided to go back on an earlier statement. Which one? I'm not saying, but it was in earlier ANs of mine and that is all the hint I am going to give to you. What can I say, I came up with a better ending, this way.

Ok, onto the fic. Thanks again, guys. Enjoy

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Sakura smiled and looked up at the bright blue sky. She took in a deep breath and said, “To be honest, that day when Sasuke confronted me, in the village square, I finally saw what Naruto, and Kakashi-sensei had been trying to protect me from.

When Naruto took me home, he was so upset that I had been provoked to the point where I resorted to violence, and he apologized that he had failed to protect me. I've never seen him so upset, but on that day, he was nearly in tears, and promised me that he would never allow anyone to hurt me, physically or emotionally.

But, then I got to thinking. If he was going to protect my feelings, then I am going to do the same, after all, when you love someone, then you do everything in your power to take care of them, and Naruto has never really had anyone to care for him. I have finally figured out what real love is, and it is a whole lot better than I imagined.

So, that is what I've been doing, and I'm sorry that I have not been by to see you in such a long time. Imagine my surprise to find that a year since that awful day has gone by, and I never even noticed it. Naruto says that when something makes you happy, time seems to have a way of flying by. I suppose that he is right.”

Sakura's eyes moved over the quiet field and she could not help but think of that day when she and Sasuke crossed paths, again.

She walked through the village square, her basket filled with the goodies that she knew Naruto and his friends would want to during their weekly get-together. She smiled as she anticipated an evening with her own friends, laughing at how stupid their men were acting, as they played poker. None of them were very good losers.

She grinned when she noticed the large fruit cart sitting only a few feet away, and was about to approach it, when out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sasuke walking towards her, a scowl on his face.

He stopped a few feet away from her, and glared at her, but didn't say a word. Her own eyes took in his appearance, and from the looks of things, Tsunade-sensei had made good on her promise to have him transferred to Suna.

“Well, I hope you are happy.” He snapped, finally breaking the silence between them. He could see the ANBU that were following him tensed up, but when they made no move towards him, he turned his eyes back to Sakura.

Sakura's own eyes never left his, and those his were angry, her's were not. “I'm very happy, Sasuke.” She replied, her tone even. “I see that you are leaving Konoha.”

Sasuke shoved his hands into his pockets and sneered, “It's a shame that Konoha would allow the last of the Uchiha to leave, and let that monstrosity stay. It's pathetic.”

Shaking her head, she replied, “You are the only one with that opinion, Sasuke. It is you who are in the minority. The people know Naruto, and they respect him, and not just because of who his father is, either. They know that he is a good man, who loves this village more than his own life. They see his heart, and in the end, that is all that matters.”

Sasuke snorted, and crossed his arms over his chest. “I suppose that you think that by me having to stay in Suna, I will one day see the 'error of my ways'. Well, let me tell you this, I know that I am not wrong.” He snapped.

Smiling softly, Sakura nodded. “I know that you believe that you are not in the wrong.” She murmured. “In your mind, you are correct in all of your actions, and see no reason to change the way you think and behave. Until you learn that even the great Uchiha Sasuke can be wrong, you will always feel victimized by those who think and feel differently than you.”

He was about to snap at her, but froze when a large hand fell upon his shoulder.

“Don't you think that it is time to be on your way, Sasuke?” Kakashi asked, his tone hard. He had heard every word that his former students had spoken to each other, and he was tired of watching Sakura having to defend herself and Naruto to him.

The younger man glared at him, but was then pushed from behind by one of the masked ANBU. “Let's go.” The man said, though his voice was slightly muffled from behind the mask. “The kazekage needs you there as soon as possible.”

He would have told the man to 'fuck off' but thought better of it, and then shrugged. He turned and looked at Sakura, once more, but noticed that she and Kakashi were now standing together. He sneered at the pair, and walked past them, his head held high.

Sakura watched her former teammate walk away, and for a moment, she flashed back to that night when he left for Orochimaru's.

“Don't worry about Sasuke.” Kakashi said, giving her an eye crinkle. “He will be fine. He just needs to grow up, and start acting like a man. When he is mature enough, then he will be welcomed back.”

“He'll never grow up, Kakashi-sensei.” She replied, her tone wistful. “He is still the same brooding, little boy that thinks that he has to fight the world. He will always feel as though he has something to prove, and that everyone is out to get him. No, I don't think that Sasuke will ever change, and I doubt that he believes that he has to.”

He reached out and ruffled her hair, ignoring her pout as her frantic hands did their best to smooth out the damage he caused.

“Well, he is Suna's problem, now.” Kakashi said, shaking his head. “Perhaps they can give him the attitude adjustment that he so richly deserves.”

As her eyes cleared and focused once more on the headstone before her, she softly said, “Naruto has made this entire village proud. Shortly after the scene with Sasuke, Tsunade-sensei announced that she had decided on Naruto as her successor. You should have seen his face. I've never seen him so happy. He has followed in his father's footsteps, and has finally proved to the village that he is worthy of their attention.

Everyone was there. Gai and Lee cried and told Naruto that it was his youthful determination and the power of his eternal love for me that made him strong. Everyone simply congratulated him, his friends cheered for him, but I made sure that I was the loudest of them all. I wanted him to know how proud I am of him. I am still the ambassador, and though I love the job, I am finding harder to leave Naruto. So, I have decided that when Naruto takes his place as hokage, I will find a replacement for myself.

You are probably wondering why I would want to give the job up. Well, it's because after Tsunade-sensei's announcement, he proposed to me, right in front of the village. I said yes, of course, and everyone cheered, but in the back of my mind, I suppose the decision to step down had already been made. In a way, I suppose I would feel as if I were abandoning him, and I can't see myself leaving my husband for long periods of time.

Neji said that it was clear that Naruto and I were meant for each other. We were the family that Naruto had always craved, and the devotion I has always dreamed of. He said that not too many people find their soul-mates, but somehow, Naruto and I managed to find ours in each other.

I suppose that he is right. Whenever he and I are alone, in our apartment, it is as if time speeds up, and we lose track of the time pretty easily. Naruto nearly missed a meeting with the hokage and Gaara, the kazekage, but when he explained what happened, he told me that Tsunade-sensei nodded and then said, “I'll excuse it, this time, but until you and Sakura are married, you can't use the 'honeymoon phase' excuse.”

Hinata and Kiba finally married. Her father threw a huge fit, but Kiba calmly reminded him that he was no longer in charge of the clan, and could be banned from the ceremony. I suppose being banned from his eldest daughter's wedding shocked some sense into him, because he was on his best behavior.

Kakashi, however, was not. Obito, you should have seen him. He was laughing, dancing, and having a grand time. He also informed everyone that he liked both men and women, and proceeded to hit on Iruka-sensei. Anko was not happy, at all.

Tsunade-sensei followed through on her threat, and locked Neji and Tenten in a room together. I don't know what happened, but when they were finally let out, Tenten looked a lot happier, and Neji was smirking. To this day, no one knows what they said, or did, but whatever it was, I'm glad that it happened, because both are a lot happier.

Things in Konoha are much better, these days. I wish that all of you were here to see it. I suppose that if you were here, then things might be different. But, Naruto and I have decided that just because you are no longer with us, that we will include your memories in our wedding. You are still a part of us, even if you are not here in the flesh.

I told him about our meeting, Obito. I told him everything, and you know what, he believed me. He said that if only Sasuke had taken after you, then perhaps he would have found something worthy, instead of revenge. Maybe he would have found someone he could protect, and cherish like you did with Rin.”

Sakura's head fell forward as she thought for a few moments, but quickly snapped up when a soft voice asked, “Are you almost finished, Sakura?”

Looking up, she found Naruto standing over her, clad in the robes that were identical to the ones his father used to wear. Because he was set to take Tsunade's place, she had told him that he'd better start getting used to wearing them, and so, he had decided on wearing the set he found in his father's belongings. He was nearly the exact identical of his father, the only difference being the whiskers on his cheeks.

After the confrontation with Sasuke, the elders presented Naruto with several boxes of his father's belongings, stating that they had been waiting for the day when Naruto's parentage finally came out. As they prowled through the boxes, they were stunned to find several pictures of the fourth hokage, along with a beautiful woman, who was clearly pregnant. It was clear to both Naruto and Sakura that the couple were very much in love, and to see his father's hand resting on his mother's womb, caused Naruto's eyes to tear.

It was that moment that he finally understood that he was loved and wanted. Had his parents lived, he knew that his life would have turned out differently, but he was positive that his love for his Sakura would have been just as strong.

A few days after receiving his father's belongings, an envelope had appeared on their doorstep, and when she had opened it, thinking it was an invitation, she was stunned to find copies of the pictures that Sasuke had ruthlessly destroyed.

She found out later that the man who ran the photo shop in the village, had been a teammate of Naruto's father when he was younger, but an injury had forced him to retire. He knew about Naruto, and had always kept his eye on him, though never approached the boy. When Naruto turned up in his shop, wearing the Konoha symbol around his head, the man had developed the pictures, and had made copies, just in case Naruto ended up losing the originals. As great as he was, the fourth hokage was forever losing things, and the man was sure that his son was no different.

When Naruto saw the pictures, he grinned and shook his head, saying that this village was just full of surprises and had thanked the man personally. Despite Sasuke being in the picture, Naruto was adamant about hanging them on the walls. He was proud of the long road that he had walked, and wanted to remember every single second.

Now, as he stood over her, Sakura watched as his eyes moved over her, making sure that she was not upset or saddened. When she flashed him a bright smile, he grinned.

“I'm finished.” She announced, as she stood up. She took his hand and grinned up at him. “I see that Tsunade-sensei ordered you to another meeting.”

“I think that the only reason why she keeps calling me is so that I can take her place in the meetings, while she goes and takes a nap.” Naruto grumbled, his face twisting into an adorable pout. “Lord Masahara is so boring. How in the hell did you stand him and his 'I'm so much better than everyone' attitude?”

Sakura giggled, and replied, “He rarely spoke to me, except on a few occasions, but when I told him that I could not marry him, he finally admitted that he had gone after me only because Tsunade-sensei asked him to, just to make you jealous. Admit it, it worked.”

“Bastard.” Naruto muttered, though a grin told her that he was far from angry. “But, if he had been serious, would you have married him?”

Sakura was quiet for a moment, causing him to freeze and stare down at her. When she finally looked up, she smirked and said, “I wouldn't have made it down to the alter and we both know it. You would have found a way to stop it, and convince me not to marry him.”

The blonde thought about her words and then nodded enthusiastically. When he heard Sakura's laugh, he grinned and chuckled as he led her out of the field.

“Kiba told me that he thinks that Hinata might be pregnant.” Naruto said, as they walked back to their apartment. “Says that she keeps getting sick, and wants to know if you will take a look at her, tonight.”

Sakura smiled and nodded. It had become a habit that she and Naruto, Neji and Tenten, Ino and Shikamaru and Kiba and Hinata would all get together and have dinner together, at least once a month. This month, it was going to be at Hinata's house, and would be a perfect place for Sakura to take a look at her.

When they arrived home, Naruto groaned when he saw that a messenger was standing at the door, waiting patiently on him. He held his hand out, already knowing that Tsunade had told the messenger to bring the scroll to him so that he could deal with it.

The messenger quickly handed him the scroll, bowed, and then left, leaving the ambassador and future hokage alone. He opened the scroll, and after reading it, he began to laugh.

When he caught his breath, he handed the scroll to Sakura and said, “Apparently, baa-chan is tired of waiting for us to set a date for our wedding. She's probably only doing this because she knows that she can drink to her heart's content.”

Sakura giggled. It figured that Tsunade-sensei would do something like this. After all, she was the one who kept after the both of them to hurry up and marry, and it seemed that the rest of the village was tired of waiting, as well.

When he opened the door, he waited until she was inside and then entered, and locked the door behind him. He followed Sakura into their bedroom and watched as she sat down at her vanity. As she let her hair down, he smiled and softly said, “Do you know how beautiful you are?”

Her eyes met his in the mirror, and she nodded. “Of course I do. You tell me everyday, and personally, I like hearing it.” She replied, and blew him a kiss as if to prove her statement.

He walked up behind her, and took the brush from her hand and began to pull it through her long hair. He was glad that she decided to grow it out. It made her look softer, and it drove him wild when it would fan out over the bed when they made love.

For several minutes, they were silent, and then he quietly asked, “You miss him, don't you?”

Biting her lip, she slowly nodded. “Every day.” She affirmed, as tears formed in her eyes. “I just can't understand why I didn't see it. I wish he would have just told me that he was sick. I could have helped him.”

“Honey, you did.” Naruto soothed. He put the brush down and knelt beside her, turning her face so that she could look into his eyes. “You gave him the family that had been taken from him. Your father was the closest thing to a son that he had, and you became a daughter to him. He didn't tell you because he knew that you would refuse to let him go without a fight. He didn't want you worrying over him, and he died the way he wanted.”

He looked at the pictures of the man who had taken Sakura underneath his wing and trained her. For the first time in a very long time, Sakura had a father-figure in her life, and now, like her real father, he was gone.

Akumitsa was very sick, though he didn't tell Sakura, nor did he seek treatment. Instead, he trained her harder, making sure that she could protect herself. He watched her bloom into the woman she was now, and when she was at the height of her happiness, he demanded one more training with her, and when she was getting ready to leave for the night, he had stopped her and quietly told her goodbye.

Sakura, not realizing that anything was wrong, and anxious to get home to him, smiled at him and gave him a kiss on his cheek before saying good night to him, and running off.

It was very early in the morning that Kakashi came to their home. He remembered that day well.

“I need to talk to Sakura, Naruto.” Kakashi said, his voice quiet. “She needs to know.”

“Needs to know, what?” Sakura asked, yawning. She padded out into the living room and smiled when she saw Kakashi. “Want some coffee?”

Kakashi moved forward and gently took her upper arm in his hand. He led her over to the couch and sat her down, then knelt before her, and took her hands in his.

“Sakura, last night, Nachito Akumitsa died in his sleep. His body couldn't fight the sickness, anymore.” He said, his tone soft.

Sakura blinked and then took in a deep breath. “What are you talking about, Kakashi?” She asked, her voice wavering. “I don't think that this is very funny. If this is a joke, it's cruel.”

Pulling her down into his arms, Kakashi slowly rocked her, while he knelt beside her. “I'm sorry, Sakura.” He murmured, his fingers running through her hair. “I'm so sorry.”

Sakura cried harder than either men had ever seen her, even harder than the day she walked to Konoha's gates and cried for him to bring Sasuke back to the village. It got so bad that he had to go and get baa-chan to sedate Sakura, just to get her to calm down.

His funeral was held a few days later, and his name was added to the long list of ninja that were gone, but not forgotten. He held Sakura tightly in his arms, as baa-chan recounted all of the honors that the elder ninja had received, and it was a huge shock to learn that the man was responsible for many of the rules that governed the ninja of Konoha.

When it was Sakura's turn to speak, he released her and watched as she walked up to the pedestal. Everyone was in attendance, even valley's elder, Gaara and his siblings, and Lord Masahara and his companions. She took in a deep breath and then gave a shaky smile.

“I had a speech prepared, to read to all of you, but I've changed my mind.” She said, as she addressed the large crowd.

“Instead, I'd like to talk about second chances and about how important it is to forgive rather than hold a grudge. Akumitsa-Sensei used to tell me not to use a bandage for my heart, and that the only thing that heals those types of wounds is time. But, he was wrong. The pain of losing a loved one never goes away. It dulls after time, but it never leaves.

He took an angry girl, a girl who thought that she had something to prove, and he became the person that I had needed for a very long time. My father was his student, and when my father died, Akumitsa-sensei lost a part of himself. When I came along, he accepted me, and began healing the part inside of me that I had thought died with my mother and father, but at the same time, he was healing something inside of him.

Senseis, the good ones, will grow attached to their students. They have the pleasure of watching those students grow, flourish, and then walk away. So, when one of their students die, it is a painful blow. I know that Akumitsa-sensei hurt deeply when my father died, and perhaps he blamed himself for not teaching him enough, or not preparing him better, but I believe that through me, he found redemption, and that gave him the peace to move on.

Fate gave me a second chance. Life forgave me all of my sins, and allowed me to shine, even though, at first, I didn't have much to work with.

I realized, while in his care, that everyone deserves a second chance, no matter what. No one deserves to walk alone in life, and when we find someone who makes a difference in our lives, we need to hold onto them for dear life and tell them just how much they mean to us.

When someone wrongs us, the obvious thing to do is hold onto the anger, but if we look beyond the layers and see the person beneath, and see their pain, it becomes easier to forgive. We need not forget, but to forgive, and let go of the anger, we become better than those who would stand against us.

Akumitsa-sensei will always be in my heart. Not only as a sensei, but as the father than I had desperately needed. He will never be forgotten, just as those who have passed before him will never be forgotten.

Let us forgive those who have trespassed against us, and start out on the road that Akumitsa-sensei and the ninja who created Konoha dreamed of. Let today be the beginning of a new Konoha, and let us rise with our brothers to greater heights.

Before I step down, I want to say one more thing. If you have lost someone precious, know that when you think of them, or go to the memorials and talk to them, know that they hear you and continue to love you just as much as you love them. Love doesn't die with the body. Love is eternal, and can never be taken away.”

As she stepped down, he held out his hand to her, and watched as she smiled as her hand settled on his. He could understand every single word that she spoke. Despite being so angry with her in the beginning, his love for her only grew. Never once did it waver, and he was glad that he had finally taken the steps to move forward.

Now, as they sat in the quiet bedroom, he noticed the time and softly said, “Hey, beautiful. It's time to get ready for dinner at Hinata's.”

Sakura's eyes lit up, and when he brushed away her tears, she smiled and hugged him before leaping up, knocking him on his backside, and rushing to the closet for something to wear.

He smiled indulgently before picking himself up and following her. Soon, they were on their way, and were soon at their friend's home.

Akamaru barked happily as they came through the door, and they could hear Ino and Shikamaru arguing about how lazy he was, as Tenten hissed at Neji to quit touching her.

When they were all settled, Naruto calmly stood up and called for everyone's attention. When he had it, he smirked.

“Well, it seems that baa-chan is eager to gave a party, so she has decided that we will be getting married a month from now.” He announced, his blue eyes twinkling. “Everyone is invited.”

Neji and Kiba slapped him on the back, while the women began to giggle and talk about which type of wedding dress she should wear. As the evening wore on, and the men pulled out their cards, Sakura leaned over to Hinata and whispered, “I want to have a look at you. You don't seem to be yourself, and I just want to make sure it isn't anything to worry about.”

Hinata nodded and stood up. She led Sakura to hers and Kiba's room and quietly shut the door. She watched patiently as Sakura examined her and when told to sit, she sat upon their bed, and waited for Sakura's report.

“Well, I can't say that I'm surprised.” Sakura said, grinning. When Hinata's confused eyes met hers, Sakura reached over and patted her hand. “In about seven months, you will feel much better, though you might feel sleep deprived, but that is why Kiba is here.”

Hinata blinked, and softly asked, “I'm pregnant?”

“About two months along, and from what I can tell, the fetus is healthy. In a month, the morning sickness, and tiredness should disappear, but it might not. Pregnancy is different for every woman.” Sakura replied, smiling.

Hinata's hands went to her stomach, and before Sakura could say anything else, Hinata was up and out of the bedroom, rushing down the stairs, and to her husband's side.

Kiba as staring intently at his cards, doing his best poker face, when he was suddenly attacked by his wife, who threw her arms around him, laughing.

“Babe!” He whined, “I'm trying to concentrate here.”

Hinata shook her head and whispered, “We're going to have a baby, Kiba.”

The dog ninja's eyes grew wide and suddenly, Hinata was being whirled around, his laughter joining with her. As Sakura walked into the room, Naruto asked, “Well, is she or isn't she? We couldn't hear what she said.”

Sakura nodded and grinned. Naruto looked at the others and nodded, causing everyone to stand and congratulate the new couple. After they had settled down, the women were now going between wedding preparations and baby showers, while the men chatted.

Soon, it was time to leave and once the door closed behind them, Naruto wrapped his arm around Sakura's shoulders and murmured, “Tonight was a lot of fun.”

“Yes, it was.” Sakura agreed. “But, I can't help but wonder how people are going to react when we decide to have our own children.”

Naruto snickered and said, “They'll probably be praying for mercy. My attitude with your strength. Our kids are going to be a handful.”

Sakura giggled. It was just what the village needed. Another Naruto, except with her strength to go along with the mischief.

They fell silent for a few minutes, but then Naruto quietly asked, “Are you sure that you want our wedding there? Baa-chan said that we could have it any where we wanted.”

“I'm sure.” Sakura said, her eyes turning to meet his. “I think that it would be the perfect place.”

He nodded. Whatever made his Sakura happy.

“I've got an idea.” He said, his tone serious. When Sakura stopped and looked up at him, he leaned down and whispered, “How about we start practicing for our honeymoon. After all, you know that I am always needing to practice, and I want to make sure that our special night goes off without a hitch.”

Sakura's eyebrow lifted and she nodded solemnly. “I think that is a good idea. You need all the practice you can get.”

Naruto's handsome face twisted into a large grin, and he quickly picked her up and began to hurry for their home.

Life, as he knew it, was about to change, again.

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Theme for this chapter is

The people and the friends that we have lost, or the dreams that have faded... Never forget them.--Yuna in Final Fantasy X