Summary: They were supposed to win the war. Naruto and Sasuke were supposed to seal the Rabbit Goddess, Kaguya. They were supposed to release everyone from the Infinite Dream Technique. But Black Zetsu interfered before she could be sealed. Bloodied, exhausted, injured, and out of options, the Sage of Six Paths offered a once-in-a-lifetime offer: one member of Team 7 must time travel to prevent or change the outcome of the 4th War. The Sage chose Sakura to be the one. She accepted. Author's Note (A/N): I've been sitting on this Kakashi Hatake x Sakura Haruno (Naruto) fanfic idea since August of 2020. I wrote out an Event Timeline for this story to help me outline key highlights that will occur as the main characters grow from childhood to adulthood. A lot of changes will be made from my Timeline to the drafts as needed. 3/4/21: Shout out and huge thanks for my friend who reviewed this! She helped me catch most of the mistakes I had in the original post. Please let me know what you all think! Feed back is strongly encouraged! Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. Prologue: The Sage of Six Paths sensed something was wrong. He feared for the worst and instructed the Reanimated and the Souls of all of the previous Kages to summon Team 7 back to their dimension. What was brought back shocked all witnesses. Large plumes of smoke appear on the outer rim of the summoning circle to reveal all nine of the Tailed Beasts, free from their hosts. One large cloud of smoke appears in the center of the summoning circle then vanishes to reveal Sakura standing up carrying her teammates: Kakashi is on her back causing her to hunch over slightly; Naruto is in the crook of her right arm; and Sasuke is in the crook of her left arm. All can see how battle-worn they are and can hear her heavy panting. “What? We’re...we’re back?” Sakura blinks then quickly scans her surroundings. Sure enough, it’s the same familiar battleground before Kaguya teleported Team 7 and Obito through multiple dimensions. She exhales loudly as she slowly lowers herself into a kneeling position then gently puts down Naruto and Sasuke on the ground; she carefully eases Kakashi onto the ground behind her. “Sakura Haruno,” She looks over her shoulder to meet an older man with the same features as Kaguya. She sprung up into a battle stance with a kunai in hand. The man raises one hand to appease her, “Fear not. I am not with my mother, Kaguya Otsutsuki.” “Then who the hell are you?” she sneers. “I am Hagoromo Otsutsuki, known as the Sage of Six Paths.” He sees a flash of recognition in her eyes as she slowly lowers her weapon but her stance is still rigid. “You’re the one who gave Naruto and Sasuke the sealing marks.” She states rather than questions. The blonde-haired teammate briefly mentioned he and the black-haired teammate received “gifts” of sorts from the Sage. Now she’s face-to-face with the legendary man. “Yes. It is the same marks my brother, Homura, and I used to seal our mother initially.” His Rinnegan eyes grimly look over to her teammates on the ground. “I sensed something was wrong and brought the souls of all of the previous Kages to summon everyone back to this realm.” He looks into her eyes, “What happened?” Sakura catches movement to see Minato, the 4th Hokage and Naruto’s father, run up to them with deep concern apparent on his face. “Naruto...is he…?” Her green eyes sweep across the other 3 reanimated Hokages then to the ground with a saddened look. “We almost had her.” Then she looks up angered, to stare into Hagoromo’s eyes. “It was the last mission. Obito...he died after saving Naruto from Kaguya’s Ash Killing Bones. Somehow, Kakashi got the Mangekyo Sharingan in both of his eyes to summon a complete Susano ‘O. He attacked Kaguya, then Naruto used a combined Rasengan with the other Tailed Beasts Chakra. “Naruto and Sasuke were just about to seal her and I punched a horn off of her head when she was about to escape. We all thought we’d finish her off but…” She grits her teeth and clenches her fist tighter, “The damn Black Zetsu interfered. I didn’t see it happen but all I saw was Naruto and Sasuke’s arms get cut off and then the damn bitch fled through a portal!” Hot tears stream down her face, “The bitch fled and we have no idea where she is now! Kakashi is unconscious! Both Naruto and Sasuke passed out from blood loss and exhaustion!” She roughly ran a sweaty and bloodied hand through her hair in frustration. “We failed! We lost the damn bloody war!” Those not under the Infinite Dream Technique have a somber sympathetic expression. This war has taken a greater toll on Team 7 more than anyone else involved. Their chance of success was lost. Almost. The First Hokage approaches the crying woman and places a comforting hand on her shoulder. Wet green eyes meet reanimated yet strangely warm brown eyes. “We haven’t lost hope yet. There must be something we can do before Kaguya returns.” She wanted to scream at him that it’s hopeless. What can they do at this point when everyone else is either dead or trapped in the dream world. For one reason or another, she did neither. She closes her eyes while taking a deep breath holding it for a couple of seconds before shakily exhaling and opening her eyes. “Thank you, Lord First.” The man nods and squeezes her shoulder before releasing her. A low groan catches their attention. They look to the three men lying on the ground and see that Kakashi is moving to sit up. Sakura immediately kneels beside him and checks for any more injuries she may have missed. “Did we win?” He asks, looking at her face. Pale skin marred with dirt, dried sweat, shallow cuts, and blood. Once bright eyes are now tired..and sad. “Sakura?” She presses her lips together in a thin line as she shakes her head from side-to-side. “She got away.” she pauses then sniffs, “Naruto and Sasuke lost their arms that had the seals because of Black Zetsu.” He’s beyond shock. The last thing he remembered seeing was his three former students cornering Kaguya before blacking out from exhaustion. When he looks down, he finally notices the two unconscious boys. He can see the small rise and fall of their chests so at least they’re alive. “Kakashi.” He looks up to see the reanimated Fourth Hokage stand beside his sleeping son. “Minato...I’m sorry.” For what? For failing his son, Naruto, as a child, Genin, and now when they were supposed to have won the war? For what happened in the past with Team Minato? “I’m just glad you four are back.” Kakashi nods in agreement though the outcome could have been more ideal. He looks at their surroundings and sees the freed Nine Tailed Beasts somber and uncertain now. Not to mention the souls of the deceased Kages positioned around the outer ring of the summoning circle and finally, the floating elder. He’s wary of the man given his similarity to the goddess they’ve been fighting for who knows how long. “So what do we do now?” He asks a dreaded question. “There are only four of us alive in the entire world I guess.” “You seem to be forgetting us, human.” The Five-Tailed Beast, Kokuo, states. “Right. Sorry.” He’s not. “Four humans, nine freed tailed beasts, four reanimated Hokages, and about twenty spirits. Am I missing someone?” “Kakashi…” Sakura calls out with worry. He briefly glances at her before closing his eyes and sighs. “Sorry.” “It’s okay. I get it. Nearly had a breakdown myself.” she mumbled the last part to herself but he heard it. “But you’re right to ask: What is there we can do now? It’s only a matter of time before she comes back.” The Third Hokage, Hiruzen, steps forward closer to them, “We’ve tried to free some of the others trapped in those cocoons, but the shells would only regenerate as if nothing happened.” “So we’re alone then…” she sighs out then looks at her boys. She stopped the bleeding and healed whatever other damages they endured but they’re too exhausted. She looks at Kakashi, who’s looking at the ground in a daze. He’s exhausted as well as mourning Obito’s real death this time. She checked his chakra levels and they’re dangerously low; the same can be said for her main reserve so she had to rely on the 100 Healing Seal. “We can devise a plan for our next attack in the time that we have now,” The Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, says, gaining attention from everyone. “The Reanimation Technique will be in effect for as long we allow ourselves to stay.” His reanimated red eyes look towards Minato’s armless form. “Even if with the Reanimation, you could still lose the ability to regenerate if you’re hit with one of Kaguya’s truth-seeking orbs.” Kakashi tiredly reminds them, “it’s over if any of us gets hit with the Ash Killing Bones. Plus we only have one medic.” he looks at Sakura. “She can’t heal us continuously. Kaguya will likely take you out first.” “No, she won’t.” A raspy voice states. “Naruto!” Sakura crawls to his right side then checks the condition of his residual limb. “We can still beat Kaguya.” He coughs a little then gets to sit up with Sakura’s assistance. “I’ll kill her before she kills you.” “Bold words coming from you.” Sakura gives a tiny smile while cupping his cheek. His blue eyes still manage to hold determination despite being exhausted and drained. “Damn straight.” He chuckles before coughing a bit. She pats his back gently, wishing she had water but she ran out hours ago. He smiles at her before looking at the Sage, “Hey Gramps, still got any tricks up your sleeves?” Minato balks at his son’s rude behavior. “Manners Naruto.” Though he can’t help but smile when his son, his proud son, beams him a cheeky smile. “There is a way to undo this mess.” The Sage’s words catch everyone’s interest. “Then tell us! How can we set things right?” Naruto demands. “It is a risky and long method but if done correctly, then there will be different results.” He eyes Team 7, “It involves one person time-traveling into the past and changing history as you know it.” “Is that even possible?” Tobirama quickly asks. The concept of time-traveling is a floating hypothetical he’s heard during his lifetime and thought it could be possible if given the right circumstances to allow it to happen. He created the Flying Thunder God Technique that the user manipulates space to cross distances in a short amount of time. “Yes, though it requires much more chakra that an ordinary person does not possess. I will need all of the Kages and the Tailed Beasts to help make certain changes and open a portal to allow someone to enter.” “One person? Who…?” Minato asks, looking at the four living humans left. “I’ll go.” Everyone looks to Sasuke, who is sitting up. “I’ll go back to the past.” “No way! You’d screw up the whole world!” Naruto shouts, leaning over. He would’ve fell on his face had Sakura not been there to hold him back. “I should go! I can save my parents before they die!” Minato winces in guilt. “It is admirable that the two of you volunteer but unfortunately, neither of you are fit for this particular mission.” The Sage admits. “What? What do you mean we’re not fit?!” Naruto demands. “Calm down! You’ll reopen your wounds.” Sakura placates by placing a hand against his chest. “But…!” He trails off upon seeing her determined face. He pouts, “Fine.” She couldn’t help but smile at his childish behavior - it’s refreshing. She ruffles his blonde spikes, earning a smile from him. “If not me or the Dope, then send Kakashi,” Sasuke calls out. “He’s fit enough to not screw it up.” He ignores, or is oblivious of, the frowns he received from the witnesses. Sakura doesn’t even turn to look at him when he says that. It’s as if he doesn’t consider her at all. “As I am aware of Kakashi Hatake’s capabilities, I cannot send him back to the past.” The Sage looks at Sakura, who’s watching in bewilderment. “I am sending Sakura Haruno to complete this mission.” “But…!? Wait, why?” Naruto quickly turns to his female teammate, “Not that you’re not fit or anything - you’ve saved us multiple times and all and -” “Why are you sending her? Sasuke interjects. “She has the capabilities to complete the mission. Out of you three men, she has the highest chances of surviving the journey from the portal because she is a healer.” His Rinnegan eyes focus more on the girl, “You are not from a prestigious clan nor of memorable skills or blood limits. You are a civilian with parents frequently traveling.” “How did - ?” “A civilian person without strong clan ties will be easier to send. The Uchiha's, the Uzumaki’s, and the Hatake’s will grow suspicious if I send any of one of them. They are less likely to survive the journey through the portal as well.” “What about the Tailed Beasts?” she asks, gesturing her arms around them in the Beast’s directions. “We’d get noticed immediately upon arrival. We can’t risk getting caught before we take action.” The Two-Tailed Beast, Matabi, purrs out. “Furthermore, there comes a heavy price you as the traveler must be aware of. Two of the same person cannot co-exist in one timeline for it will create a paradox that will endanger everything. For me to send the current you back to a time long before your birth, I must erase your existence in this timeline.” Chapped lips part in disbelief. Erase my existence? “Wait, I’m sorry, but how can I even exist if you erase my being in this timeline? How far back are you sending me?” This is insane! Time-Travel is a topic with too many clauses in the logic behind it. Not to mention the consequences if she’ll make any changes - hell, her mere existence in the past will cause a ripple effect. “I cannot tell you the date I will send you back in case my mother follows you. I will place a seal onto you to protect your body, mind, memories, and your summon contract with Lady Katsuyu. As I have stated, I will need help to make certain changes in the past to prevent as many paradoxes as possible. Erasing your existence from the moment you were born to now must be one of those changes. Doing so will grant you free reign to move as you see fit.” Well, shit. Sakura thinks about the opportunity if she takes this. She can stop the war from happening, or at the very least change the outcome of the war. She can stop the Pain’s Invasion in Konoha. She could stop Sasuke from leaving the village. She might stop the Uchiha Massacre from happening. She could give her teammates, including Kakashi, the family deserve. However, all of that depends on how far back she’ll be sent to the past. Kakashi observes Sakura mulling over the opportunity while Naruto and Sasuke argue about the mission. He’d rather go to correct the wrongs he’s made and prevent the losses he’s endured. However, the Sage’s words repeat in his head. If the journey through the portal causes damage to their bodies, Sakura does have the highest chance of surviving because she can heal herself with chakra or traditional methods. With her civilian background, she can blend in with the crowd without clans noticing her. He muses that people will still notice her pink hair no matter what. She’s an intelligent girl - no, a young woman. Scoring the highest on exams and knowing so much about medical practices and history and, more importantly, their history. He may have lived longer than her but even he doesn’t remember everything that happened up to this point. She can change everything far better than what he or Naruto or Sasuke could do. “Sakura…” “I’ll do it.” Her bold statement stopped the boys’ argument and gained everyone’s attention. “I’ll do it, so do what needs to be done.” she ignored Naruto and Kakashi calling her name in fear that they might want to talk her out of it. “All I ask is to give me a few minutes to say goodbye.” Hagoromo nods with a prideful smile, “It will take some time to open the portal. Step forward to receive the protective seal.” “Wait just a moment.” She stills then looks to her left to see the reanimated Hiruzen approach her. “I’d like to give you two important things that I know will help you on this mission.” She gasps, “Lord Third, I...you don’t have to…” she trails off when he raises a hand to silence her. “Please allow this old fool to do something right for once.” He offers a soft smile at her. She bites in the inside of her cheek while reluctantly nodding her acceptance. “Whatever gifts she will receive will also be protected with the seal.” The Sage assures, “However, you must ensure that they do not fall into the wrong hands.” “I understand.” The old man smiles at her like a proud grandfather congratulating his granddaughter for accomplishing something great. “You’ve become a fine shinobi. I was right to place you on Team 7. “ She’s uncertain why she chuckled at that statement but she did and gave a little smile, “I’m kinda glad you did, Lord Third.” He nods somberly then gently takes one of her hands in his cold, old ones. He places his free hand on her forehead, “I’ll give you most of my chakra and the knowledge of all the techniques I know.” His palm glowed bright blue that she had to close her eyes before she went blind. She can feel his chakra transferring to her as a separate reserve to her existing ones. It’s much larger than her original reserve but smaller than her 100 Healing Seal. Her mind is flooded with information about all sorts of techniques she may have heard or read about it. She opens her eyes a bit dizzy by the sudden amount. “Oh wow...talk about a headache.” her giggles mixed with his chuckles. “My apologies.” He watches as a second purple rhombus appears to the right side at an angle of her original seal. “The second thing I’ll give you depends on when you’ll appear in the past. If you land in the time I was the village leader, then convince my younger self about the truth so that you can have an ally. There is a crystal ball I use and you now know the technique of how to use it. Much like the Yamanaka Clan Mind Transfer Technique, the crystal ball will show you the memories you have. I don’t doubt that it will be useful.” “Thank you, Lord Third.” she hugs him to which he gratefully returns. They separate and he walks back to his original place on the summoning circle. “Sarutobi has the right idea of giving you additional chakra and knowledge.” She’s startled when Tobirama approaches her. She can feel his power just from being near him even if he is reanimated. She feels so much smaller when his reanimated red eyes peer down at her, “You’ve proven to be a capable kunoichi of Konoha; therefore, I will give you my chakra and knowledge as well.” Her jaw drops as her eyes widen. It’s one thing to receive such gifts from the Third, but to receive the same thing from the Second, the grand uncle to her mentor, Tsunade, is overwhelming! Hashirama bounds next to his young brother with a bright smile, “I will too! I’ve witnessed your strength stronger than Tsuna herself!” He barks laughter that makes her body vibrate. “It’s also an honor to meet another Wood Release User that’s not related to me!” Sakura blushes at the compliment; she’s still in shock to make a word. “Man! Sakura’s getting all the praise and attention!” Naruto groans loudly to snap her out of her stupor, “And she gets more power from the previous Hokages? So not fair!” She scoffs incredulously, “Hey, I didn’t ask for it! They just offered and who am I to refuse the Hokages?” She crosses her arms with an angry pout, “Besides, you have Kurama and you’re the reincarnation of one of the Sage’s sons! The same thing can be said for Sasuke being a damn Uchiha!” The dark-haired teammate grunts with a glare in her direction. The blonde teammate nervously chuckles while scratching the back of his head. “I was just teasing Sakura.” She rolls her eyes, “You call it unfair when I’m the only one from Team 7 who’s clanless with no talent or blood limit to be passed down. Even the Hatake’s have something and Kakashi got the Sharingan.” The said Jounin leader sighs, “Now you’ve done it.” He mumbles towards Naruto. “I didn’t mean anything by it! I swear Sakura! It was just a little joke.” “Naruto, it’s best if you just apologize," Minato advises nervously. He can sense her temper from his position. “I’m really sorry Sakura!" He held up a single-handed prayer gesture. “He has no tact.” Sakura snorts in amusement at Tobirama’s blunt comment. “Come.” He raises his left hand and looks at her with an expectant expression. At her nod, she gently places his hand on her forehead, glowing with blue energy. She closes her eyes again and can feel another separate reserve being added. Additional information about techniques - some of which were the same as what Hiruzen gave her but most are new to her - and theories about chakra and elemental energies were added to her mind. “I’m giving you the location of my lab and library as well. The traps and locks will deactivate upon infusing my chakra to yours.” Tobirama informs as images of his private facilities are shown in her mind. She staggers a little when he removes his hand. She regains her footing then opens her eyes once more. Both the First and the Second watch as a third purple rhombus appears to the left side at an angle of her original seal, opposite to Hiruzen’s. She smiles pity at him, “It’s a shame that not all of your ideas were finalized.” He smirks, “I trust that you’ll finish what I started then.” “You’re giving me too much credit!” He nods his head still with a smirk before he goes back to his original position on the summoning circle. She looked up at Hashirama’s smiling face and couldn’t help but smile back. “May I?” He raises his left hand first. She nods and closes her eyes again just as he slips his hand underneath her bangs, resting it against her skin. Blue energy emits from the hand and causes her pink bangs to float upwards. Another separate reserve is added to her arsenal as well as many techniques, including many Wood Release skills that even Yamato had either trouble with or didn’t know about. By the time he removes his hand, a fourth purple rhombus appears at an angle below the one created by Tobirama. He held his hand out with the palm facing upwards and she watches as a wooden bracelet is woven in the center. When it’s complete, it has a glossy polish. He holds it in between his thumb and forefingers then uses his free hand to gently grasp her right hand. “This bracelet is infused with my Sage Energy. Use it well.” He slips on the bracelet on her wrist and it shrinks until it fits without sliding off. She can remove it as long as she tucks her thumb and pink underneath the rest of her fingers. “I’ve never used Sage Energy before.” She shyly admits. “Thank you, Lord First.” She bows her head in gratitude. “There’s always a first time for everything!” He proudly exclaims. He gives her one last encouraging smile before taking position on the summoning circle. Minato approaches her with an easy-going smile, “I guess I’m the last one then.” “You don’t have to, Lord Fourth. Three is already enough.” she shrugs her shoulder trying to play it off. “That may be so,” he eyes her forehead and chuckles a bit, “But it seems that I need to fill in the spot.” She tilts her head to the side in confusion. “Um, how are you...well, without arms…?” “Forgive me for this but bear with it for a moment.” Before she could rebuttal, she freezes when he invades her personal space and presses his lips on her forehead. “Forgive me for this but bear with it for a moment.” Before she could rebuttal, she freezes when he invades her personal space and presses his lips on her forehead. Naruto gasps and screeches, “DAD! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO SAKURA!?” He starts to march over there but Kakashi loops his arms under the blonde's shoulders. “Calm down, Naruto! It’s the only way he can do the transfer.” “I don’t care! He’s kissing Sakura!” Naruto continues to thrash in Kakashi’s hold but to no avail. Kurama snickers at his host, “Seems like your dad beat you, brat.” He laughs as Naruto continues to struggle and fume. Sasuke closes his eyes in distaste with no comment. Inwardly, he’s furious that he’s not the one being sent to the past. He could change everything! He wouldn’t have to lose his family, his brother! Things would’ve been different for him. Is that why the Sage didn’t entrust him with the mission, among other things? His selfishness to get what he lost and more? “DAD!” Sasuke reopens his eyes to glare at Naruto, “Shut up, dobe.” “Screw you Sasuke!” Sakura ignored the background noise to focus on the sensation of another large reserve being added to her arsenal. She now has a total of seven reserves, six added to her original and four to her totaled three. Eight if she counts the Sage Energy inside the wooden bracelet. Not to mention the amount of information he’s passing into her mind. She even learned the concept of forming the Rasengan! She hopes to experiment with it when she can. Minato steps back and sees the fifth purple rhombus forming between Hiruzen’s and Hashirama’s seal. He’s bemused at the completed seal looking like a five-petaled flower in the center of her forehead. “The last gift is inside my pouch. If you could please get two of the three-pronged kunai with a paper tag wrapped around the hilt.” A rosy hue tinges her cheeks as she excuses herself to do as he instructed. She notices that the items are slightly heavier than the standard-issue kunai and can feel the stored energy humming inside it. “You use these for the Flying Thunder God Technique.” She briefly recalls him throwing several of these items across the battlefield. “Yes. You know the technique originated from Lord Second and I simplified the formula.” “Why are you giving these to me?” “I believe they can help you in a pinch. You might even be the next Konoha Flash!” he chuckles at his joke before donning a serious expression, “If you meet my younger self, try to convince him to be your ally with this.” He juts his chin at the items in her hand. Despite being uncertain of how to gain either him or Hiruzen’s trust as an ally, she nods in understanding. “Thank you, Lord Fourth.” He smiles once more, “You should say goodbye to your team.” She returns the smile then bounds to her three male teammates. He watches them interact amused and sad at the same time. He prays to whatever good deity out there that she’ll succeed and be safe in her journey. Kakashi releases Naruto as she gets closer to them. The latter immediately checks her forehead with concentration. He snickers and pokes her forehead, “You have a flower in the center of your forehead, Sakura!” She swats his hand away with an angry pout and rosy hues staining her cheeks, “Shut up!” Kakashi steps forward then leans forward just enough to see the seals, “He’s right. It’s very fitting for you.” his visible eyes crinkle in what they assume is a smile. Sakura self-consciously touches her seals with downcast eyes. The white-haired man ruffles the top of her hair, “It suits you, Sakura. A flower for a flower child." She scoffs while swatting his hand away. He and Naruto laugh at the terrible joke; she couldn’t help but join in too. Official Seal Artist: Dreamy (aka Me) Digital Art Software: ibisPaint X on phone Date Created: 2.11.21 A/N: Start from the top rhombus - her original Seal- and go clockwise: Hiruzen, Minato, Hashirama, and Tobirama. Her laughter fades and looks at all three of them with glossy eyes, “I wish I could take one of you guys with me. I don’t think I can do this all on my own.” Naruto clasped his left hand on her right shoulder, “You’re never alone, Sakura. Team 7 will always be with you, no matter what. I promise you that!” She stares at his optimist smile and returns the favor. She believes him with all of her heart. “Plus you have Katsuyu to help you,” Kakashi adds. He unclasps the pouch from the back of his waist then opens the latch to inspect what’s left inside of it. There are still plenty of weapons inside such as standard-issued kunai, senbon needles, paper bombs, ninja wire, and some soldier pills. He reaches into the pockets of his vest to place a couple of storage scrolls inside, next to his three prized possessions. He also removes his metal headband that bears the Kanji character for “Shinobi Alliance” to place it inside the pouch. “Kakashi?” Naruto asks in confusion upon his actions. “Naruto, Sasuke, give me your pouches so that I can add them to mine.” He instructs. “Eh? What for?” Naruto asks. “Just do as I say.” he holds out his left hand expectedly. The blonde unclasps his and gives it to him, who puts the entire pack inside the large pouch. He looks at Sasuke, who tosses his pouch at him. The team leader inserts the second smaller pouch inside then closes the latch. “Here. A shinobi should always be armed.” He holds the entire pouch out to her. “Kakashi…” He gives her duo eye crinkles at her soft tone. She sniffs a little as she takes the pouch from him, then clutches it tightly to her chest. “Thank you.” “Ah!” Naruto exclaims upon realization. A smile appears on his whiskered face as he hastily removes his tattered orange jacket from his person; he holds it open for her. “You’re giving me your jacket?” She’s surprised yet touched at the gesture. She knows how special the jacket is to him because it was given to him by Jiraiya, the late Toad Sage. “Mh-mh! That way you have something to remember me by!” “As if I could ever forget you, knucklehead,” She giggles as she slips on the jacket. He helps adjust the shoulders so that it rests easily on her smaller form. He felt some male pride upon seeing his long-time crush wearing a piece of his clothing. She’s smaller than him that the jacket dwarfs her despite the tattered sleeves and hem cutting a few inches off of the original length. He manages to untie his metal headband that bears the Konoha insignia and ties it around her neck. “Never forget that you’re a kunoichi of Konoha.” Tears that gathered in her eyes finally fell down her cheeks. She pulls him into a one-armed hug, mumbling her gratitude in his shoulder. He returns the gesture as tight as he could, smiling in victory that he did something right. Kakashi chuckles at the touching sight with endearment. He curiously peers at Sasuke when he approaches the duo as they separate. Sakura didn’t bother wiping away the tears from her face as she looked nervously at her former long-term crush. “Sasuke…?” One black eye and one Rinnegan stare at her for a brief moment before he raises his right arm out with his sheathed sword in hand. “Take it.” Her lips part open in shock. This boy - now a young man - is giving her his sword, the same one he used in an attempt to kill her. She hesitantly reaches out only to pause in hesitation. She looks into his heterochromia eyes for...what? Betrayal? Deceitfulness? His expression never wavered as she stared at him, not even when she firmly grasped the sheath. He releases his hold and she lets the sword hang by her side. “I’m sorry.” She stiffens upon hearing those two words. The words she’s been longing to hear for so long from the person who’s caused her so much heartache. “Sorry for what?” she asks slowly with narrow eyes. His bi-colored eyes soften just enough to emphasize the meaning of his words, “ ...For everything.” Kakashi and Naruto watch the scene with smiles of their own. She bites the corner of her lips as more tears fall on her cheeks, “It took you four years to apologize to me.” She sniffs, “About time, you idiot!” “And I thought my habit of being late was bad.” Kakashi prides himself on making Sakura chuckle and Naruto laugh; he managed to glimpse a smirk from Sasuke. “Sakura Haruno,” The group looks to the Sage, “We must make haste. The portal will open shortly after I place the protective seal onto you.” She walks forward in time to stand in front of him. The Sage weaves hand signs fast before she could make them out then hovers his right hand above her chest. A white light shines in between the space and Sakura feels warmth washes over her entire body. As the light dims, she feels something is being etched into the skin between her breasts. It’s oddly not painful but more of a needle poking her skin multiple times type of sensation. The Sage retreats his hand when the light fades into nothing. She places her fingers where she felt the mark is etched into her skin, feeling a rough outline through the shirt. She looks up at the Sage, expecting him to say something. “The seal is set. Lady Katsuyu will also bear the mark on her body when you summon her after you arrive. I will begin preparing the portal.” He nods at her before floating near the middle of the summoning circle. He claps his hands together as he and the other Kages concentrate their chakra in the very center. Sparks of energy snap until one white sphere the size of a soccer ball appears and gradually expands. Sakura sighs as she turns to face her team. This will be the last time she’ll see her team, her boys as she knows them. She blinks away the tears that begin to gloss over her eyes. “This is it.” Her voice wavers, overwhelmed with emotions. Naruto embraces her again then says in her ear, “We believe in you so trust in yourself.” She returns his embrace with the arm holding on to Sasuke’s sword. The blonde teammate drags the Uchiha into the group hug; Kakashi amusingly joins in on the group hug. They separate after one last tight squeeze. She smiles longingly at them but rests her eyes on their leader. “I don’t suppose I can ask to see your full face? I mean, I don’t know if I’ll ever see you again.” she half-jokes with a sad double meaning. Kakashi ignores the looks the boys are giving him in favor of looking at her for a second. He notes the energy sphere is much larger now and continues to expand. Soon, she’ll go through and that’ll be the last time Sakura Haruno, the apprentice of Tsunade Senju, one of the best medic ninjas any nation could ask for, will be known. He hooks his index finger inside the hem and tugs it down. All three gape at his full-face now revealed to them after so many years. Her eyes shift to take in his facial features to commit into her memory. A straight nose, high cheekbones, smooth fair skin, a strong jawline, and a defined tanned line just under his eyes and across his nose bridge. Two things that stuck out to her are his lips - neither too plump or too thin- and the mole resting near the left corner of his lips. Sakura, never taking her eyes from his face, shifts the sword from her left hand to her right with the pouch in between her chest and arm, cups the left side of his face. Her thumb caresses his cheek gently. She laughs, “I win the bet! You two owe me so much money!” She gasps when she feels and sees Kakashi smiled amusingly. The man has deep dimples on both corners of his lips! Her eyes squint at the smile and the beauty mole for a second before widening in recognition. “You’re Su--!” She couldn’t finish that sentence because something soft yet a little chapped captures her lips. Her eyes bulge out slightly upon realizing who these lips belong to. Naruto screams in horror while Sasuke’s eyes widen with parted lips. “WH-WH-WH-WHAT A-ARE YOU-YOU…!” The former stammers out with modification. Kakashi finally pulls back with a smirk on full display. He chuckles when her face lights up bright red with a shocked expression. “Let’s keep that a secret, okay?” He winks at her playfully. “GET AWAY FROM SAKURA YOU DAMN PERVERTED TEACHER!” The man easily dodges to the side when the blonde lunges at him. Minato, who watched that exchange, blinks at his former student. The same student who used to be always aloof, cold, distant, followed the rules. The same student who endured many losses in his youth. The same student he thought of as a younger brother. The reanimated man shakes his head with amusement, “Kakashi, you little dog.” Sakura touched her lips, still in shock. Her former teacher, the second most perverted teacher who worships porn, just kissed her. He stole her first kiss! He stole her first kiss on the lips for star's sake! If it’s possible, her blush just got more heated. She doesn't know whether to be mortified by the notion her 14-year superior just stole her first kiss at the sweet age of 16, or be happy she got her first kiss at all before the end - or is it considered the beginning given her approaching task? “LOOK AT HER! YOU MADE HER SPEECHLESS!” She finally snaps out of her daze because of Naruto’s yelling. Her eyes briefly look at Kakashi only to look away just as quickly. Oh man, she can’t look at him the same again! “YOU DAMN PERVERT!” “Oh, calm down Naruto.” A sudden glint in his visible eyes appears, “Unless you want a kiss too before our approaching end?” The blonde stiffens then backs away to hide behind Sasuke, “Get away from me!” “What about you, Sasuke?” he only received a dark glare in return. Kakashi shrugs nonchalantly yet he’s highly entertained. A loud ripping sound echoes in the quiet battlefield, drawing the team’s attention to the center. The energy sphere has grown into an opening the size of a Beast Energy Ball in the ground; white and blue energies spin in a never-ending spiral like a whirlpool in water. “It is time, Sakura Haruno.” The Sage calmly states, looking back at her. The medic swallows a lump caught in her throat then takes the first step. Her slow pace gains speed until she’s running closer to the portal. She ignores the fresh set of tears slipping down her cheeks. She ignores the urge to look back because she’ll likely stay with her team. She jumps at the edge of the portal. The energy pulls her down into the whirlpool of energy. Still, she doesn't look back. She dares not to look back. Although she smiles when she hears Naruto cheering after her. I swear to fix everything. Don’t wait for me because I’ve become a ghost of the person that once existed. A/N: 3/4/21 I've made the proper changes that were necessary. I hope I got them all and I'm so sorry for the previous version! Stars, it was a mess. I should've re-read this before I posted this, but what's done is done.
I hope all of you still like story! I strongly encourage you to comment and/or send in your reviews to let me know what you think of this chapter as well as the upcoming ones!
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1/16/2024 01:42:10 am
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