A Soul's Salvation

A/N: That's all folks. Yes, this fic is finally completed, and though I am sad that it is over, I'm glad that I was able to write it. I hope that you enjoyed it as much as I have and thank you, everyone, for the kind reviews, ideas, and inspiration.

As I stated in the previous chapter. I was a little shit with this chapter. I went back on something I said from the first chapter, and decided that since he was such a huge part of this fic, he deserved some time in the spotlight. So, read and find out what I am talking about.

I am nearly done with my next Sakura's little black book fic. I decided to do Naruto, just because I love him to bits. So, please be on the look out for that.

Merry Christmas, everyone, and please have a safe and happy holiday.

Now, I give to all of you, the final chapter of A Soul's Salvation. Please review.

~!~

She sat at the vanity and sighed as she stared at her reflection. Today was the day that her life would be forever changed. Today, she would become Naruto's wife.

As the minutes ticked by, she thought of all that had happened to her, and how the words of one individual could inspire such change in so many people.

She was no longer the angry, young woman, who was out to prove herself to her male counterparts. Instead, she was a happy woman, who looked forward to the rest of her life with the man who had loved her for a very long time.

Naruto had also changed. Sure, he was still that loud, obnoxious ninja, but there was a side of him, the side that proved he was more than just an over-grown kid. He had grown into a man, who had finally stepped out of the shadows of his blood, and managed to surpass everyone's, including her's, expectations. Now, he was being groomed to take over the position that his father once held, and she knew that he would be an even greater hokage than his father.

Kakashi-sensei was no longer the brooding sensei. Yes, he was still a major pervert, always reading those books of his in public, but he was more open with those he considered friends, and he didn't hesitate to recount the memories of his past with his former teammates. She supposed that it was his way of moving forward, and learning to live without guilt and regret.

Tsunade-sensei had made sure that no matter what, Naruto was the one who would take her place. She would not hear about anyone else, and even though the counsel didn't even have another candidate in mind. It seemed that they, too, had chosen Naruto as their new leader. And so, Tsunade-sensei announced, in front of the entire village, that after the wedding, Naruto would rise to the position of hokage, while she happily went into retirement. Of course, she warned Naruto not to pull the same stunt that his father did, and cause her to leave her retirement, because if he did, she promised him that she would make damn sure that they found each other in the next life, and she'd pound the life out of him.

Tenten and Neji finally settled into a relationship, though it had taken Tenten a few weeks to believe a word Neji said to her. However, he finally declared to the Hyuuga clan that he intended on making Tenten his wife, and Hinata didn't hesitate to give him her blessing. However, both decided to take it slowly, and Neji decided that he would start by properly courting Tenten. But, he revealed to Naruto that because he refused to engage in more intimate relations with Tenten, at least until she grew more comfortable, he and his hand had grown quite friendly with each other.

Kiba and Hinata had spread the word that they were now expecting their first child, and Hiashi had quickly jumped into the 'expecting grandparent' mode. No one would ever suspect that he had opposed the union between Kiba and Hinata from the way he was carrying on about all that he wanted to teach the baby. Hanabi had decided to follow in her sister's footsteps and joined the academy. It was just by chance that she ended up getting Neji's former sensei, Gai, and she had moaned and groaned about having to wear that hideous jumpsuit. Thankfully, Neji had stepped in, on her behalf, and convinced Gai to allow Hanabi to wear her regular clothing.

Lee and the village girl had dated for several weeks, but he ended it when he realized that no matter what he did, the young lady seemed quite uncomfortable with his job as a ninja. To be a ninja was his dream, and he could not give it up, and so, he had gently told her that he thought that it was for the best that they parted ways. However, when the elder from valley arrived, along with his escort, Lee was introduced to a female ninja, who held the same affection for green that he had, and they were inseparable for the remainder of valley's visit. Because she was still the ambassador, she would often have to travel to valley, accompanied by Naruto and Lee. Of course, Lee only went to be with the female ninja, but he was also great to have around on the boring walk to and from valley.

Ino and Shikamaru had decided to inform their friends that while away on a mission to a neighboring village, they had decided to marry. Of course, Ino had prettied the story up, but Shikamaru told her and Naruto that Ino had basically threated to beat the ever-loving shit out of him if he didn't make some kind of commitment to her, and so, he decided that marrying her was better than hearing her screech. Besides, she couldn't be any worse than his mom, and he wasn't interested in looking around for anyone else, so either way, it worked out for him.

Choji decided that it was time for him to find someone for himself. However, it came as a shock that when Gaara and his siblings were in Konoha, that he ended up hanging out with Temari. Even though she was older, the kunoichi had taken a great interest in the hefty ninja, and had offered to make him dinner. When he got a taste of her culinary skills, Choji knew that he was hooked, and they had been together ever since.

Gaara was constantly with her and Naruto, whenever he visited Konoha. He and Naruto had forged a strong friendship and both were determined to show a united front, even to their allies. The young kazekage still requested some of her time, just so that they could talk, and she found that she rather enjoyed his company. Naruto, surprisingly, had encouraged them to spend some time together. He said that Gaara was now learning to associate with others and considered them to be in his tiny inner group of people he trusted, and he wanted to foster Gaara's new found ability to converse with others.

Of course, the kazekage was still someone to be feared, as Sasuke quickly found out. After reaching Suna, Sasuke was immediately given quarters, and then told what his duties were to be. Until he earned the privilege of being given higher ranking missions, he would have to handle the low ranking ones. At first, Sasuke had argued and spat objections, but they fell on deaf ears. He was placed on another team, and despite a rocky beginning, he was finally working with his new teammates.

But, she had learned through Gaara, that Sasuke still felt as though he had been the victim in the events that happened in Konoha. He still didn't get why he had been ordered to leave, while Naruto, who housed a killer, was allowed to stay. It saddened her to hear that despite everything, he just couldn't get past his own vanity, and she finally realized that any hope she had of him one day returning, and rejoining them, was long gone.

Lord Masahara had sent word to her that he looked forward to her upcoming wedding, and promised to be there, along with his companions. She couldn't help but grin when she told Naruto that she had invited him, and watched as Naruto's face pinched up, just the way it had when they were younger. He moaned and groaned, but finally relented when she snuggled up to him and reminded him that she was marrying him, not the lord.

Kankuro had made the huge mistake of getting drunk one night, and hitting on Anko. When he awoke the next morning, he found himself tied to her bed, naked, with the snake-wielding woman lying beside him, also naked. At first, he thought that when she woke up, she'd untie him and they'd go their separate ways, but when she did wake up, she jumped on him, and he didn't leave her bed until it was almost dark. Now, he refuses to drink whenever he is in Konoha, and whenever Anko looks at him, he pales and does his best to not show any kind of fear, though the trembling gives him away, every time.

Iruka had decided that he was simply not into women, mainly because he simply could not be comfortable around females, and to his delight, Kakashi found that the younger man had been looking at him, ever since Kiba and Hinata's wedding. So, they decided to take chance and were loving every single minute that they shared together.

Her lips curled into a gentle smile as her eyes turned to the pictures that hung on her wall. Oh, how she would have loved Akumitsa-sensei to be the one to walk her down the isle. His death still hurt her, though it was getting easier to deal with day-by-day.

The picture of her parents hung next to her beloved sensei's and she could not help but notice just how happy her family had been, even if she had been a pain in the ass when she had turned into a teenager.

The picture of Kakashi-sensei and his team brought a grin to her face, and she could not help but wonder why Rin had overlooked Obito. Even as a kid, he had the Uchiha good looks. Kakashi-sensei had once said that despite having the Uchiha name, Obito marched to a different drum. He wasn't like the other Uchihas, and for that, she was grateful.

“Sakura?”

Turning, she found Kakashi-sensei standing at the door, his eye trained on her. “Are you ready?” He asked.

She looked the man up and down and nodded. It amazed her that he could look so good in his ANBU uniform. When he noticed her looking him over, he winked and watched as she jumped slightly, blushed, and gave off a soft laugh. Stepping forward, she allowed him to take her arm and wrap it around his. He led her down the stairs and together, they began to walk to the field where Naruto was waiting for her.

“I'm surprised that you chose the memorial as the place to hold your wedding.” Kakashi murmured, his dark eye turning towards her. “You could have picked anywhere you wanted, but you chose there. Why?”

Sakura was quiet for a few moments, but then said, “Because, I wanted everyone who loved me to be there, to witness the start of a beautiful life with Naruto. Just because some of those people are gone, doesn't mean that they won't be watching. I said it before, when someone dies, and the people who matter to them come and talk to them at their graves, they can hear, and just because they can't reply, doesn't mean that they don't feel the same way.”

Kakashi nodded his head, and then quietly said, “I never thanked you for what you said to me that night out on the street. I was so angry with you at the time, but after thinking about your words, I began to realize that it wasn't you that I was angry with. It was me.”

Sakura's green eyes turned and he nodded. “Yep,” He affirmed. “You heard me correctly. I was angry at myself for holding onto the past. I've lived with my regrets and guilt for many years, Sakura, and to just let go was the hardest thing I think that I've done in a long time.”

“You know, Obito love you.” Sakura said, smiling. “If he didn't, then he would never have entrusted Rin to you. He knows that you did the best you could, and never held a grudge against you. I'm glad that the grudge you've held is finally over.”

The man looked down on his former student, and then gave her one of his famous eye-crinkles. They made their way to where Sakura's bridesmaids were standing and blushed when Ino snapped, “Finally. Let's get the show on the road.”

Hinata rolled her eyes at Sakura, but then grinned and gave her a hug. “Just remember,” Hinata whispered, “We are all behind you and Naruto.”

Ino quickly pulled the two girls apart, and said, “It's showtime, girls.”

One by one, the kunoichi that were the closest to Sakura, made their way down the isle, and moved to their spots. When it was time for Kakashi to walk her down the isle, he whispered, “This is it. Are you ready?”

Sakura's mind flashed with memories of all that had happened to her in the past months, and she smiled. When he saw her nod, he took in a deep breath, and began to lead her down the isle, towards Naruto, who was wearing the robes that he would wear as hokage, and a huge smile.

His eyes followed her, as she and their former sensei made their way towards them. He could not help staring at her. She was wearing a dress that Hinata had commissioned for her as a present, and it fit her like a second skin. The straps were thin enough to show off her beautiful shoulders, while the skirt was just the right length to tease him with glimpses of her long legs. Her beautiful face was lightly dusted with enough makeup to enhance her eyes, and bring out the pink in her lips. Her hair had been twisted up into a delicate ensemble of curls that ran down her back.

He ached to touch her, and had to bite his tongue to prevent him from snapping at Kakashi to hurry up. Kiba, his best man, had probably sensed his urgency, and softly whispered, “Calm down, Uzumaki. She'll get here when she gets here.”

When they stopped before Tsunade, she smiled and motioned for the guests to sit down. Her honey-colored eyes turned to Kakashi.

“Who gives this woman to this man?” She asked, and smiled when Kakashi said, “Hatake Kakashi, along with Nachito Akumitsa, her senseis, and the Harunos, her parents.”

Nodding, Tsunade watched as Kakashi turned and shook Naruto's hand, before placing Sakura's hand into the future hokage's. He moved away and sat down next to Iruka, and together, they watched as their former students became one.

Tsunade gave a brief speech, mainly about how important commitment and love were, and then quietly said, “Naruto and Sakura have both decided to forgo the usual wedding proclamations. They have, instead, written their own. Naruto, please turn to Sakura and say what you will.”

The blonde turned and smiled down at her. His eyes searched hers and after he cleared his throat, he said, “After all this time, you still make me feel like that twelve year old boy, who doesn't know what to say to you. I have watched you as the years have gone by, and each year, you grow more beautiful than the year before. I never thought that I would be the one standing here with you, but now that I am, I have to wonder if this is a dream, because if it is, don't ever wake me.

We've been through some pretty hard times, and I think that we are stronger, and more stable having experienced the hard times. Sakura, I promise you that I will never give you reason to leave me. I will never put your through heartache, or allow you to be heartbroken. I will be your strength, just as together, we will be Konoha's strength, and I will love you until the day I day, and probably afterward.

I pledge to you, Uzumaki Sakura, that I love you, and want you as my wife. I ask that you take my ring, and wear it, knowing that you are the most important person in my life.”

Sakura watched as he slipped a small ring on her finger, and she smiled up at him through a curtain of tears. His smile faded as he leaned forward, but was stopped by Tsunade.

“Hold on for a few more minutes, Romeo.” Tsunade murmured. “Sakura, say what you will to Naruto.”

She took a deep breath, and said, “When we were kids, I looked at another because I had this idea of what love should be, and who would be the perfect person for me. I couldn't have been more wrong, on both counts.

Love is forgiving. Love is honesty. Love is being there when no one else will stand with you. Love is protecting the one that your heart calls for, no matter the outcome.

You, Uzumaki Naruto, have done all of that and more for me. You've been by my side when my heart broke for the first time. You were the one who promised me at the gates of Konoha to bring back a teammate, and ended up being hurt by that same teammate. You've risked your life for me, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate all that you've done, nor can I explain just how deeply my love for you runs.

I promise you, Naruto, that I will love you, for the rest of my life. I promise to give you the same love that you have freely given to me for all of these years, and I will never let anyone come between us. I promise to never leave you, no matter what.

“I pledge to you, Uzumaki Naruto, that I love you and want you for my husband. I ask that you take my ring and wear it, knowing that you are the most important person in my life.”

She slipped the large band over his finger and smiled. She knew that she would never take off this symbol of the love that they had for each other, and she knew that he felt the same.

Tsunade smiled as she watched the young man, who had been nothing more than a loud-mouthed brat when she first met him, and the young woman, who had been nothing more than a weak little girl, smile at each other, both basking in the knowledge that they were with the one they loved, and were not afraid to show that love in front of other people.

Her mind turned to her own love, Dan, for a moment, before she shook her head and looked out at the guests.

“Naruto and Sakura have both pledged their love to one another. Is there anyone who would object to this union?” She asked, her eyes narrowing in silent challenge.

Gaara allowed a smug smile to cross his face. The one who would have objected was back in Suna, cleaning bathrooms at the academy.

When no one objected, Tsunade smiled and said, “Naruto and Sakura, in front of your friends, and family, you have pledged your love to each other. As hokage of Konoha, I pronounce you man and wife. Ok, Naruto, you can quit glaring at me to hurry up. You may kiss her, now.”

Naruto's narrowed eyes quickly darted to Sakura, and she quickly found herself in his arms, being kissed within an inch of her life.

The cheers and whistles were so loud that Tsunade gave up trying to introduce the new couple. She shook her head and stepped back, content to watch the two she considered as part of her own family bask in their obvious love.

He pulled back from Sakura and gave her a wink. “Are you ready, Sakura?” He asked, his blue eyes twinkling. “It's time we show this village how the Uzumaki's have a good time.”

Laughing, she nodded and allowed him to lead her down the isle, laughing as their friends quickly followed them back to the Hyuuga compound, where their reception would be held.

As they ran, Sakura smiled and closed her eyes. 'Obito, do you see what you have done?' She thought. 'With one act of kindness, you have changed my life in so many different ways. Thank you for being my soul's salvation.'

~!~

As the wedding party disappeared from the field, a small group stood by the headstones, watching with indulgent smiles upon their faces.

“It was a beautiful ceremony.” A young woman said, her honey-colored eyes turning up to her companions.

A gruff snort was heard and the older man said, “It's about damn time. I was wondering if they were ever going to tie the knot.”

A man and woman smiled over at the older man and the woman dreamily said, “I wonder what their children are going to look like. I bet they are going to be beautiful.”

“Of course they are going to be beautiful.” The younger woman said, shaking her head. “Don't you agree, Obito?”

Uchiha Obito did not reply. He had heard Sakura's words, as she and her new husband ran off the field. For the second time in his existence, he had made a difference. The first time being when he saved his teammates from death, and the second by helping Sakura. He couldn't help the satisfied smirk that crossed his lips.

Rin shook her head and said, “Ok, I know that look. You're gloating. So, what has you so happy?”

“Oh, nothing.” He replied, his arm snaking over his eternal love's shoulders as he pulled her closer. “I think that we will be seeing more of those two. And, I'm pretty sure that we'll get all of the details about what went on at the reception from Kakashi, when he comes to visit us, tomorrow.”

A tall, blonde man stood with another elderly man. “He will make a great hokage, husband, and father.” He murmured, his blue eyes turning to look down at the man.

“Indeed, he is following in your footsteps.” The third hokage murmured. “Naruto has finally found what he had been searching for when he was a child. He has found the love, and respect of those around him, and now, he will take his rightful place beside us on the monument. It is a proud day for the hokages.”

“And, a proud day for us.” The woman with long, pink hair said. “In my wildest dreams, I never imagined Sakura would come this far. I am so proud of her.”

The group smiled at each other, and as the sun began to dip down into the horizon, they faded into the night, content that their loved ones were cared for, and were safe.

Before he disappeared completely, Uchiha Obito turned to look at the large house, where he knew that a certain kunoichi was and whispered, “You are welcome, Sakura.”