\\..~**~....~**~....~**~..//

              EPILOGUE

\\..~**~....~**~....~**~..//

The rush hour in the hospital was inevitable and never easy.

Nurses and doctors running in the halls because of their multiple tasks and appointments.

Just like for Sakura, her schedule was pretty tight. Appointment here, surgery there, healing everywhere. It was as if she had different patients for every minute that passed by. Fortunately, her shift would soon be over before lunch time due to the preparation of Naruto's ceremony to become the next Hokage.

She panted as she removed the face mask that she was wearing. She was on her last surgery so she could leave after taking care of the medication that her recent patient would need.

Taking a rest at the seating area, Sakura sat comfortably at the soft couch. She stretched her arms before yawning. Just then, the ninja that she healed during the attack in Konoha before passed by. She saw him with his family. It seems that he and his wife just got a baby.

She smiled at what she witnessed. Helping people indeed increased her happiness. By that, she remembered the battle before. It has been a year since that war had occurred and a year since Konoha was back to being in peace.

With that last thought, Sakura propped up and headed towards her assistant.

"Ino-pig, I'll be going out now." She mentioned, taking her laboratory coat off as Ino hung out with Sai outside of her office.

"Sure, we'll be handling the children's clinic project soon. See you later." Ino reminded while Sakura raised a thumbs up as her reply.

Sakura secretly took one last look at Ino and Sai. A teasing grin appeared at Sakura's expression before she walked her way towards her home.

Sai and Ino had been hanging out more ever since the mission started. It seems that their teamwork and friendship bloomed as well ever since that time.

Ino had also improved with her medical skills and is now Sakura's assistant in the hospital.

Throughout the walk, the atmosphere was quiet and tranquil. It frankly made Sakura happy though because she had the time to think and be on her own.

However her silence was interrupted as she passed by the training grounds.

"Sakura-neechan!"

She turned to where she was called before she smiled in exhilaration. "Rina!"

Sakura was greeted by a firm hug along with Shiro, Konohamaru and Rai tailing behind her.

"How are you guys holding up? Any recent missions?"

"We're on a break." Konohamaru replied with a pout as Rai added.

"But we miss the youthful action!"

"Yeah, there isn't any conflict lately." Shiro crossed his arms against his chest and Rina released her grip from her former trainer.

Rina hid her weapon back to her pack as she irritatingly spoke. "So, we've been training to kill time."

"Same, I haven't been on missions as well. Except for my shifts at the hospital." Sakura shared before mentioning. "By the way, Rina, I have good news for you."

"What is it?"

"You've been accepted to join the medical field, according to Tsunade-shishou."

"Holy crap, for real?" Rina jumped in glee and squished the three of her guy friends. "My idiots, I'm gonna be a doctor!"

Sakura giggled delightfully at seeing her new student's reaction.

When Rina had let go of her proud friends, Shiro's look sharpened. "Will she always stay at the hospital?"

"Aww," Konohamaru slung his arm around his best buddy. "Li'l fireboy is worried about his girlfr-"

A loud smack at the head intervened Konohamaru's statement as he whined. "I wasn't even teasing you, Rina!"

"But you mocked my guy."

"Geez," Konohamaru carressed his cheek, causing Rai's laughter.

"Don't worry Shiro, Rina will only have limited time at the hospital since she's just a trainee. You can hang out at the hospital if you want, though. You can join with your Sasuke-nii while waiting." Sakura winked playfully then Konohamaru frantically cheered like a wild animal.

"Nice one, Sakura-chan!"

Now, Shiro was the one that made Konohamaru shut his mouth.

"Well, I'll see you guys later at the celebration then." She bid her goodbye as the four chuunin shinobi returned the favor before taking her leave.

Overall, the four ninja from the new generation astonished Sakura.

The relationship of Shiro and Rina honestly amused her since nothing had changed every since they have dated. Of course, excluding the fact that Shiro got a little protective and the label of their friendship.

Other than Rina getting in the medical field, Shiro also got advanced trainings with Sasuke and Kakashi had mentioned that Shiro could be a part of the ANBU despite his young age.

Konohamaru was obviously an option in being the future Hokage so he trained harder and improved every week. Plus, he got the citizen's attention just like Naruto.

As for Rai, taijutsu was definitely his specialty. He has a part-time job in the dojo to train hand-to-hand combat due to his skills that were acknowledged at the previous attack in Konoha.

All of a sudden in the midst of Sakura's journey back to her home, Kiba emerged from thin air as he stated. "Sakura, Tsunade-sama summoned you." He told with a cocky grin.

"Got it. Thanks Kiba."

"Later." He partly saluted, displaying his signature smirk before vanishing.

Sakura smiled when Kiba went on his own way. It has been nearly a week since she last saw him. He was currently piled up with responsibilities as ANBU captain. Sighing, she shifted her path towards the Hokage tower. Duties never stopped calling.

Just when she was about to move on, she wandered around the scenery and noticed a familiar figure.

"Kaka-sensei?" Sakura noticed a silver-haired man as she walked by the cemetery.

"Sakura," Kakashi smiled behind his mask while Sakura entered the majestic place and stared at the stone to which Kakashi was currently looking before she intruded.

"What are you doing here?"

"Just came by to see old friends." Her previous teacher replied in nostalgia. "Good times."

Sakura nodded as acknowledgement. However her grin had faded when her eyesight landed on her name. Tenten.

It has been a year since her death, her sacrifice and Sakura truly wished that she was at paradise with her loved ones. Because she misses her very much.

"Will you be going to Naruto's celebration night?" Sakura questioned as Kakashi decided that it was the time to go.

"Why else would I miss it?" He responded with a grin, reviving Sakura's cheerful attitude.

"I'll see you later then, Tsunade-shishou is calling for me."

Kakashi chuckled once he heard her response. "I'll guide you there, I bet the Godaime is piled up with sake as we speak.

Kakashi was right.

There she was.

The Fifth Hokage, who was about to retire in a few hours, is wasting her last moments drinking sake.

"Er, you called for me, Tsunade-sama?" Sakura asked hesitantly, careful in facing the half-drunk woman.

"I did, go calm down the next Hokage will you?" Tsunde screeched, chugging another bottle of her favorite beverage.

"Hai." Sakura bowed slightly then left the premises and went her way towards Naruto's temporary room.

"Shizune, get me another bottle of sake!"

She heard her mentor scream when she was walking the halls, making her chuckle.

It was not surprising for Sakura that Tsunade has been acting like that since it was her last hours of being the leader so why not enjoy the rest of it?

After her job as Hokage, she even volunteered to assist Sakura in the Konoha hospital before leaving her apprentice in-charge of everything.

Knocking a few times at the door in front of her, she waited for a permission to go inside.

"Naruto?" She called as she entered the room.

"Sakura-chan, thank Kami-sama you're here!"

Naruto was seated at his chair while his elbow rested at his table with his hair all ruffled up as if he was panicking.

"Why?" Sakura occupied the seat beside Naruto's desk with a worried look towards her friend. "What happened?"

"I can't handle much stress, are you sure that I-"

"Shut up!" Sakura shouted as she slapped Naruto's cheek, sending him off his comfortable seat.

"Itai!" Naruto shrieked due to instincts. "Oi, what was that for Sakura-chan?"

She slapped him again.

"Ouch!"

"You're gonna be hokage, Naruto. That's you're dream ever since you're young! You can't tell me that it would be too much work and stress because all of it would be worth it." Sakura pointed the facts as she helped Naruto to get up.

"I know, it's just that I'm worried for Hinata!" Naruto reasoned as he rubbed his temples in frustration. "With my big responsibility, I may not be with her most of time."

Just by that, Sakura urged to punch him again, but she smacked her palm straight to her forehead instead. "Is that what you're worried about?" She let out a sigh once Naruto nodded. "Hinata couldn't be more than proud of you, Naruto. She would take that risk for you. That's how much she loves you."

That made Naruto smile.

"Good grief, you're her husband for crying out loud! You should think twice before telling me this!" She warned, giving him a strong punch yet again.

Naruto yelped at the hit. "I don't even know how teme could keep up with this." He commented, looking at her. "How are you doing by the way?"

"Good, I guess. Just the usual." She shrugged, the edges of her lips plummeting down.

"Did something happen?"

"Nothing, just been busy with my hospital shifts and you know him, running off to who knows where."

Naruto laughed at Sakura's response. It was true. Both of them had been busy, including Naruto, which decreases their time for social life.

"I missed hanging out like this." Sakura blurted to which Naruto gave his consent. "I know you're still busy." She paused, looking at the pile of paper-works at his desk.

"So I'll take my leave, good luck and see you later at the crowning." Smiling brightly, she exited the room as Naruto waved.

"I don't think you will be seeing me..." He muttered, a mischievous grin sliding up his face.

\\..~**~..//

It was the middle of the event wherein Naruto will soon be officially authorized as the Rokudaime.

Just a little time.

And Naruto will be achieve his dream in being Hokage.

A couple more minutes.

Still, Sasuke was nowhere to be found.

"Dear Kami-sama, where is he?" Sakura had been walking around the front row of the audience since she the event began while worrying about his lost teammate.

Then, Kiba appeared to tell the updates as Sakura widen her eyes, waiting for Kiba's response. "No news." Akamaru frowned approvingly.

Sakura exhaled in frustration once Kiba had dropped those words. She could not leave the venue since she needed to stay for Naruto. So, she requested Kiba to search for him.

"Your boyfriend is one great hide and seek player." Kiba commented playfully which caused Sakura to chuckle despite her stressed demeanor. "What happened anyways, did you guys fight?"

Sakura shook her head in return. "No, he just mentioned that he would be running late. He didn't say where'd he be going."

"If he'll be coming, then he'll come. Just wait." Kiba advised, flashing his jubilant smile as Akamaru barked in agreement.

"Thanks, Kiba."

"Should I continue to search?"

Sakura waved her hand dismissively. "Like what you said, if he'll come then he'll come."

"All right, see you around." Kiba slightly saluted like before then he took his leave as Sakura switched back to her thoughts.

What could have happened?

Was he seeing someone?

Is it a girl?

Nope, Sakura do not even go there.

Sasuke would not even think of doing that.

Because he is going to get his head crushed if he did so.

So what was keeping him late?

A secret mission?

He is too powerful to be a part of the ANBU.

So what was the reason?

"Forehead!"

The noise of her best friend came ringing inside her head as Ino ran hurriedly towards Sakura. Technically, she did not run since she was wearing a strapless lavender gown that showed of her curves elegantly, and to match it up with jet black heels.

"Oh, you look cute in that dress!" Ino complimented as Sakura scanned her attire. She was wearing a simple peach dress that stopped just a few inches below her knees to show off her slender porcelain legs. Her outfit resembled her personality so much, simple yet formal. Her hair was the same, however she put on a little make-up so that her natural look would still be evident.

"Never mind that, have you seen Sasuke-kun?"

"Actually that's what I came here for," Ino began as her expression became dubious. "Sakura, he's in trouble."

"What do you mean?"

"He said to call for you, he's hurt. He's at the bridge near the training grounds. The one above a river!"

Sakura was loss for words. She did not reply. It was as if her world had crumbled. She just sprinted off, despite the inappropriate clothing.

\\..~**~..//

Upon reaching the nostalgic place, Sakura rushed to see a man lying on the ground.

He was wearing a white polo that had its sleeves folded up to his elbow, paired up with pitch-black slacks and dark shoes. With blood visible on his chest area as if he was stung by a sword.

"Sasuke-kun!"

He was on the brink of death based from what Sakura was seeing.

"Wh-Who did this to you?" She managed to say while crouching to his level and warm tears trickle down her eyes. Good thing she did not apply mascara.

"You..." Sasuke replied, staring back at her.

"What?" Sakura's eyebrows furrowed. She was completely flustered.

He touched her hand and placed it above his chest. She could feel his heart beating as cold liquid made contact with her skin. "You stole my heart."

"Sasuke-kun, please, this is not the time for jokes!" She yelled in confusion as she continued to heal him.

Thoughts clouded her mind.

But all in all, she could not accept losing him.

"If I ask you to marry me, will you?"

That caught Sakura off guard. He was dying-in front of her. Yet, he asked.

"Huh?"

He coughed as blood drip from the edges of his mouth. "Just answer." He begged with a glint of plea in his orbs. "Please."

"Yes, of course! But not now, you're practically losing all of your blood!" Sakura replied hysterically, panicking while tears cover her pupils.

Just then, Sasuke wobbly stood up.

"Sasuke-kun!"

But he refused to follow Sakura's arguments as he carried his girlfriend in his arms before hopping off, still ignoring her questions and rants.

((~*PLAY SONG*~))

"Just what the hell happened..." Sakura was able to mutter, causing Sasuke's smug look to appear.

At first, Sakura thought that she was being kidnapped or if it was a trick but she sensed the similar chakra. Though when her head hit Sasuke's chest, she realized the rate of his heart beat. And that was all that she needed as evidence to prove that he was the real Sasuke.

Sakura closed her eyes due to the alarming speed that Sasuke had sprinted. She could even feel the cool breeze clashing against her skin. He brought her down to a cold seat as he whispered. "Open your eyes."

Sakura obeyed and yelped once she revealed her vision.

Cherry blossoms were all lined up at the outline of the pathway ad the candles lit up the dark scenery as crimson rose petals surrounded their place.

That was when Sakura realized that they were at the bench.

The bench where it all started.

The bench where Sasuke had left her.

The bench where she woke up to loneliness.

The bench where she turned over a new leaf.

And now, the bench to where Sasuke had brought her.

"Why are we-"

She gasped in seeing Sasuke kneeling down with a crystal Uchiha crest pendant attached to a necklace, occupying the space in his palm.

"Haruno Sakura, will you marry me?"

This was really happening.

Was it?

Her top dream was coming true, and how sweet it was that Sasuke made her freak out to thinking that she was on the verge of losing him forever.

Making her remind that life was short, is the best way to ask for marriage and Sakura should thank Sasuke for being born a genius.

Tears erupted from Sakura's eyelids once again as she nodded repeatedly. "You bastard," She said while she scooped him into a tight hug. "I thought I would lose you!"

Sasuke returned the favor, snaking his arms around her waist. "Sorry."

"But that was a nice reminder," She sniffed as she scanned Sasuke's orbs. "To answer your question, I would say yes, a million yes." She replied in joy with a pleasant grin plastered on her face.

Her new fiancé smiled at her reply, or to Sakura it was a smile.

"But I hate you." Sakura whined smashing her fist lightly towards Sasuke's chest. "I really thought you were going to die. Was that make-up?" She asked, removing the paint out of Sasuke's mouth.

Sasuke helped Sakura in locking the necklace behind her neck. "You do know that your best friend is an expert in make-up."

"Ino-pig..." Sakura muttered while realization hit her. "Naruto, the new Rokudaime! We gotta go back to the tower fast!" She shouted, snatching Sasuke's hand and was about to make a run for it.

"It's fine. Naruto told me to ask you at the right time."

"I suppose this is the right time?"

Sasuke gave a curt nod in affirmation.

"How do you know-"

Her partner shushed her and told her to look up. Once she did, different colors illuminated from the sky with defeaning blasts. The fireworks had set off, which means Naruto has been crowned as the hokage.

Sakura's worried expression was completely wiped off and it was switched to a glad one as if the view had warmed her heart.

Sasuke stared at the beautiful maiden beside him. He snaked his arm around her waist "Sakura,"

She accepted the touch by looking at him straight in the eye.

"Thank you." Sasuke mentioned, his inner self feeling jubilant than ever.

Two words and that was both the end and the beginning.

The end, wherein it was Sasuke's last words to Sakura before he left. And the words that Sasuke told her for a new start.

Even better than the three words; I love you.

Sakura smiled widely and lifted her weight. She closed their proximity before wrapping her arms with the love of her life, never letting go.

They did not need to contemplate their what their relationship is because their love does not need to be expressed with words, it just needs to be felt. They did not say that they love each other, because they already know. Actions does speak louder than words.

That makes their love so unique, only both of them would unserstand its importance. And sometimes, those are the relationships which are treasured the most.

\\..~**~..//

Meanwhile...

Seeing her friend leaving, Ino sighed in relief as Sai witnessed the whole scene.

"Was it successful?"

Ino gave a curt nod as response. "My acting skills have improved."

"She doesn't have a clue on what's coming." Kiba joined as they all clasped their hands for a high five.

"Did she buy it?" Naruto asked as he popped out with Hinata to which the three had nodded approvingly.

"What was her reaction?" Hinata was happy for the Sasuke and Sakura. She only heard the rumour that Sasuke had planned to ask that certain question to Sakura.

"Speechless." Ino replied, laughing immensely.

"Where's Sasuke and Sakura?" Kakashi had asked as he went to the group talking and shoved his right hand inside his pocket. "I did not see them anywhere."

"I saw Sakura-san leaving a while ago." Shiro joined the conversation and took a sip of his drink.

Rina's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Shouldn't they be here? It is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for you Naruto-san."

Naruto grinned at Rina's remark. He glanced at his beloved wife who smiled in return, knowing Sasuke's plans.

He shook his head in response to Rina's statement, still smiling cheerfully. "They also have a once-in-a-lifetime event for them."

\\..~**~..//

But of course, war does not stop when you live in the ninja world.

A few months later...

\\..~**~..//

Only the sound of his feet clashing with the ground could be heard along the way. He hopped from roof to roof as fast as his legs could drag himself until he reached his office.

"I'm here." He stated professionally, bursting into the doors.

"Finally." The new Mizukage commented in relief, the man with glasses and the assistant of the former Mizukage, as Naruto walked inside and occupied the place next to Sasuke.

"Shall we start discussing?" The new Raikage questioned, or rather Shee Jin asked.

"I agree, I need to go back to my hometown as soon as possible." The daughter of the previous Tsuchikage, who is also the current Tsuchikage as of now, added formally.

"It seems that Uchiha Sasuke has made a discovery." The Kazekage, Gaara, had announced which made all of the people inside the room averted their eyesight towards to Sasuke in suspicion.

With his stoic expression, Sasuke began, "During my joruney before I became an official Konoha citizen, I sensed a new enemy coming-much stronger than Kaguya. And recently, I have felt it again just right after Uzumaki Naruto's coronation."

"So there's still an enemy around us?" Sakura clarified to which Sasuke nodded in return.

"What do you propose?" Shee Jin asked.

"I would like to investigate this case." Sasuke replied with full determination.

"It is only a hypothesis," The Tsuchikage advised. "So, as much as possible let us keep it confidential."

Gaara nodded in agreement. "That's a good idea." He supported.

Naruto stepped up and attempted to join. "I'll go with you."

"No, you're the hokage. You need to stay and protect in the village. I'm the only one who can sense it anyways." Sasuke remarked before facing towards the five representatives. "Please let my movements be set as a secret. Like the Tsuchikage had mentioned, it is only a hypothesis so the less the number of people would know, the less chances of the enemy attacking."

Naruto stayed silent as well as Sakura because they knows that once Sasuke's mind is made up, there is no stopping him.

Next part of this scene? Read Naruto Gaiden ;) But just in case anything else happens in canon because Kishimoto always make our heads spin, Sakura is the biological mother of Sarada in this book.

\\..~**~....~**~....~**~..//

//PUBLISHED.6.16.15//

Wow. I've finished writing it. Just wow.

This is my first time in writing an epilogue so forgive me if it's crappy.

Still wondering on what happened on Princess Bich? Coming right up on the special chapter ;)

Other A/N would be at the end of this book huehue

Did you enjoy?

:)

~TheSketcher