All Roads Lead Here

Full Summary: The closing of Sasuke and Naruto's final battle comes to a head and nothing will ever be the same again. The alliances between all five villages have broken up and they're all left to adjust to the new status-quo of peace. Sasuke, redeemed but still wayward, struggles to find where his true path is and adjust to life in Konoha while he faces trials from the backlash of his prior choices. Naruto supports Sasuke and comes to terms with some unfinished business of his own while Sakura finally comes to a decision between her romantic entanglements with Naruto and Sasuke. In the very end ... everyone finds where they truly belong.

Main Pairings: This will not be mash-up of random, underdeveloped couples everywhere like in our actual epilogue (pfft ...). I still stand by the fact it was absolutely ridiculous to pair up everyone. The main pairing in this, as it SHOULD have been is NaruSaku and I liked to say it will handled much better than what we got. For some side aspects as a warning: ShikaTema, Anti-SasuSaku (at first one-sided), & Anti-NaruHina while Sasuke remains forever alone (I'm sorry but REAL Sasuke does not work with romance and no matter what BS we got from him in 699-700, I will forever believe that)

Timeline: Complete Chapters 699-700 re-write with some things in between them.

Disclaimer: I'm not Kishimoto and take no credit for any of his work. This story is just entertainment and semi-therapy. For if I had any control whatsoever, Sakura would've NEVER fangirled over Sasuke as he was leaving, NH and SS NEVER would've became canon, and Konoha wouldn't have turned into Konoha York (Srsly? Wtf happened there.)

A/N: I never been more disappointed in an ending of anything than I was with Naruto and it was far past just shipping preferences. It took me a really long time to get over this total betrayal enough to write, but this story is my best bet to get that crap out of my mind and cheer up fellow people who felt the same. Writing this story was almost therapeutic for me. It was as needed for me to write it as it is for you some of you to read it. This story is my closure and my personal headcanon and after I finish this I will personally reject the existence of Chapters 699-700 forever. To me, THESE are the real characters. THIS is what really happened. These are the endings they all truly deserved. I will never forgive Kishimoto for the destruction he gave us of Naruto's themes and all the characters but at least I can help myself get over it by writing it differently.

This story shouldn't be that long. At most five or six chapters plus the epilogue. I hope you enjoy it! :)

Constructive Criticism is always welcome! And please, NH/SS fans, do not mock me or give me flame reviews. You got your canon. Go ahead and enjoy that without being a sore winner laughing at other people's pain. I don't need anymore bullshit.

Team 7

~~Sakura~~

Sakura Haruno was rooted to the ground, still in the same sitting position she had woken up in. Nearby shockwaves flashed through the air, tingling her skin, more raucous and startling than even the fiercest of thunder. The earth around her split and blew over repeatedly from the force, increasingly grating and persistent the longer it went on. The intensity seemed everlasting. Like air and land were ripping itself apart.

But none of the chaos was more piercing than the pain in Sakura's heart. Naruto and Sasuke, her two precious teammates, were fighting to the death just when she almost believed things were looking up again. Her team was getting torn to pieces once more and once again nothing she did helped. She had pleaded and begged her heart out to Sasuke, but all she had did was embarrass herself and put the burden on Naruto once again.

So stupid ... I'm pathetic! I can never, ever reach him ... I can't even help Naruto. Why is that I never amount to anything?! Sakura thought in angry frustration as she stared at the ground, self-loathing seeping through her to the core. It was so humiliating. She didn't feel like a kunoichi or a member of Team 7. She felt like a sniveling, stupid, weak crybaby. Someone who could do nothing but sit here as Naruto and Sasuke were killing each other.

Sakura closed her eyes, overcome with pain and helplessness. Sasuke was so far gone from who she once knew ... so intent on destroying the lives of everyone that ever cared about him. She put her hand over her heart, still remembering the traumatizing agony of Sasuke's chidori piercing her heart in that last genjutsu. It had hurt so much. It had felt so real ... and so degrading.

Sasuke-kun ... doesn't care about my feelings. It doesn't matter if I love him. Nothing I do will ever touch him .. it's all useless. Sakura realized truly for the first time, having never felt more resigned in her life. She hadn't set a goal of being with Sasuke ever since he left the village, but her feelings just couldn't go away. And after all the things Sasuke had done to her and everyone else ... Sakura felt tired. So tired of these feelings that caused her nothing but pain.

A part of Sakura had always known Sasuke would never love her. She knew he would never truly return her feelings, but being her naïve self she had still kept trying. Now, after that final genjutsu, her eyes were finally open. Sasuke was a lost cause romantically ... and she could not waste the rest of her life chasing after that cause. All that mattered now was Team 7.

I'm not the same person I was when Sasuke-kun left the village. I'm getting older now ... it's time to grow up. Sakura reflected sadly. There was lingering sense of regret and what could've been, but Sakura knew there was no room for uncertainty. A part of her would always love Sasuke. She would always, always care for him. But she couldn't deal with all the pain and disappointment anymore. She just couldn't.

Pushing her feelings for Sasuke out of her mind for the last time, Sakura raised her head. The air was still crackling with violence and tension, indicating the battle that raged on between her two teammates. Anxiety and fear washed over the medic. Naruto, Sasuke-kun ... please! Just stop this! She wailed in her thoughts. If she lost those two, she would never be more alone. Why did things have to happen this way?

Distraught, the pink-haired girl turned to Kakashi. The silver-haired jonin was still beside her, crouched down as he watched the volatile activity with serious and strained eyes. He hadn't said a word to her since she woke up. Watching his tense silence now was killing her. Hesitating a second, the medical ninja found what was left of her voice. " ... Kakashi-sensei?"

The silver-haired jonin glanced back at her finally. "Hmm?"

Sakura could not meet his eyes at first, pausing again as she struggled to control the worry and terror she felt. Finally she raised her wide, frightened green eyes at him. "Are they ... they going to kill each other?" The pink-haired girl asked breathlessly, her tone hoarse with fear as her heart constricted at the very thought.

Kakashi just stared, then avoided her eyes. His expression was so unreadable Sakura felt nauseous even trying to interpret it. " ... This is just something Naruto and Sasuke have to settle themselves, no matter how it ends." The jonin remarked meaningfully. As Sakura fought to stave off her increased apprehension, Kakashi looked back. "Don't worry, Sakura. Naruto will save Sasuke. He still remembers his promise." The silver man reassured her with a slight smile.

The medical ninja stared at him, her eyes widening. "What?!" She exclaimed in shock, her heart racing as she rose unsteadily to her feet. "B-But ... but I told him that didn't matter anymore!" Sakura argued with an edge of desperation. She shook her head firmly. "He doesn't ... he doesn't have to worry about that promise. He doesn't have to push himself even more just because-!"

Kakashi stood up, putting his hands on her shoulders. "Sakura." He said steadily, his calmness like a cool blast of air in comparison to Sakura's panic. "Naruto knows what you said. But he also knows that's not how you really felt." The silver-haired jonin answered seriously, sending a bolt of shock through her. "Letting go of the promise wasn't what your heart wanted ... Naruto understands how much it means to you."

Sakura stared in distress, conflict raging inside her at this. There was no question calling off that promise hurt, but it wasn't that simple at all! She didn't want Naruto pushing himself too far just because of her. She truly didn't and to see that Naruto was still holding on to that ... it touched and pained her all at the same time.

The pinkette looked down, too upset to meet his eyes. " ... I don't want to give up on Sasuke-kun. But I don't want Naruto killing himself either just because of that promise." Sakura answered miserably, guilt and concern flooding over her. She closed her eyes. "It's not worth it anymore, Kakashi-sensei." She stated sadly, remembering with clarity Sai's declaration of how much pain that promise had caused Naruto just because he loved her.

Kakashi was quiet, taking his hands off her shoulders and taking a step back. "He's saving Sasuke for himself too, Sakura. Not just you." He reminded her matter-of-factly. The medical ninja raised her head uncertainly. "And maybe you don't think the promise is worth it, but Naruto does. After all, he doesn't go back on his word, right?" Kakashi added more lightly, his eyes crinkling with tired amusement.

Sakura's gaze clouded, overcome with emotion. "Naruto ..." She said to herself sadly. She knew Naruto was like that. He always has been, but it didn't make any less painful. She had swore to never burden or hurt Naruto again and holding this promise to himself just made her feel horrible. She couldn't let Naruto hurt himself anymore because of her. She cared too much for him for that.

The medical ninja lowered her head. Guilt, worry, and fear bombarded Sakura, so strong she could scarcely ignore it. Naruto was taking on Sasuke all by himself, no thanks to her. He was taking the full burden, even though there was chance he could die, and he was doing it all for Sasuke and their team. Whatever happened to him, in his mind, didn't matter as long as he accomplished it. And right now ... right now Naruto and Sasuke might literally kill each other.

Tension inside her built painfully. It occurred to Sakura then that this was the day they were all waiting for. This fight had been inevitable to stop. A part of her had known that all along, ever since that fight on the hospital roof years before. And she was doing the same thing now that she did back then: helplessly watching as her two teammates tear each other apart.

Sakura closed her eyes, clenching her fists tensely at her side as distressed tears started to leak out of her eyes. She had never, ever wanted any of this. Memories flashed vividly through her head and Naruto's voice floated inside her thoughts rapidly, breaking through her terrified and helpless frame of mind:

'Don't worry, Sakura-chan! I'm going to bring Sasuke back! It's a Promise of a Lifetime!'

'I haven't given up! I'm still going to keep my promise! 'Cause after all, I always stand behind what I say!'

'It's not just the promise. I need to personally save Sasuke.'

'If you and me fight, Sasuke, ... then we're both gonna die!'

That final, solemn declaration of Naruto broke through Sakura's grief-invested mind. She opened her eyes determinedly, ignoring the tears that trailed down her face. Naruto ... I know how much you wanna save Sasuke. And I get how seriously you take your promises, but ... The medical ninja thought. But ... I made a promise once too. That we'd do it together! She remembered firmly.

Sakura could not let him do this all alone. And she couldn't ... just couldn't stand the idea of Naruto dying just to bring Sasuke back. The very idea pained and isolated her terribly. No matter what it was she felt for Sasuke or Naruto - romantic, platonic, she didn't know anymore - Naruto could not die for something like this. Sakura, after so many months of confusion on her feelings for Naruto and Sasuke, she knew it now: she'd rather have Sasuke out of the village forever than Naruto dying bringing him back.

" ... Sakura?" Kakashi suddenly prompted quietly, looking at her contrasting tears and facial expression cautiously.

Noticing the look, the medic finally wiped away her tears with one hand. When she looked up at Kakashi, her expression was serious. "Kakashi-sensei ... we have to go to Sasuke-kun and Naruto right away!" The medical ninja demanded.

The silver-haired jonin looked at her blankly, pausing a second. " ... I'm not sure that's the best idea, Sakura." Kakashi began slowly, turning his head in the direction of the far-off fight. "This fight is theirs alone. It's too large-scale for ninja like us. All we'll do now is get in the way." The jonin explained seriously.

There was some unspoken meaning in her sensei's voice and expression. Sakura didn't need him to say what. He was worried she'd get too emotional and throw herself in-between the fight just like she had when she was a genin; and this time he wouldn't be able to save her. A stab of annoyance hit Sakura, but she controlled it. Kakashi had reason to be concerned.

"I know, Kakashi-sensei, but ...!" Sakura shot back impatiently, breaking off in frustration as she tried to word it right. After a beat, her emerald stare hardened determinedly. "We have to go. We need to check up on them. Aren't we part of Team 7 too?" The pink-haired kunoichi argued stubbornly, refusing to back down. She was not leaving Naruto alone. She was not leaving either of them alone.

Kakashi gave her a long, unreadable look. Sakura's determination didn't waver. Finally, after what felt like forever, the silver-haired man spoke. "Where Naruto and Sasuke are ... I have a pretty good idea." He began cryptically, turning his head back in the direction of the fight again. "I might take a little bit of travelling though. Are you up for it?" He said, glancing back at her.

"Of course!" Sakura answered back immediately, buzzing with motivation.

The silver-haired jonin stared at her, a slight smile beginning to show underneath his mask. "That's the spirit. We're all Team 7 after all." Kakashi mentioned more lightly, but underneath it all she sensed pride and respect in his voice. Then he looked away, his expression seeming to darken seriously. "Let's hope ... this time ... I don't show up too late." The jonin said darkly, more to himself.

The medical ninja stood up to her feet, pushing back that part of that was still terrified of what she'd find at Naruto and Sasuke's battlefield and if they really would show up to late. But that wasn't something she was going to think about. All that mattered was that she was at Naruto and Sasuke's side until the very end.

Nodding her head resolutely, the pinkette waited for Kakashi to indicate the right direction. Despite her total exhaustion and overexertion of chakra, she followed after his dash without missing a step. Naruto, Sasuke-kun ... we're coming!

***A Day Later: Valley of the End***

The pink-haired medical ninja more sluggishly through the trees, supporting Kakashi with her shoulders as best she could. Tiredness was seeping into her muscles even more strongly than before. The two of them had travelled a whole day nonstop to the place Kakashi had spoke of and they had doggedly maintained a constant pace. They were utterly exhausted and low on chakra, but Sakura was too stubborn to let it get in the way.

Moving slowly from the forest, Sakura spotted a gigantic, huge gash in the earth. She paused a moment, her emerald-green eyes wide in surprise. Absolutely everything around them was utterly obliterated. Rocks and debris were scattered everywhere as if the ground had literally split apart. The most startling part though was that she saw no signs of the famous statues: the First Hokage and Madara.

This ... this place is the same place they fought back then. Sakura realized uncomfortably, frowning as she recalled Naruto's tellings of the Valley of the End fight when Sasuke had left the village. The statues were gone, but the medic just knew this was the area. Anxiousness rippled through Sakura, but she kept on walking. She needed to see if they were alright.

"So I was right. They did come here, after all ..." Kakashi remarked seriously, his gaze looking over the land critically.

Sakura peered down the scar in the landscape more hesitantly. All she saw at first was more broken debris and boulders. Finally, after a moment, she saw something: two rocks shaped as hands, almost as if they were in a friendship sign. Giving a more intent glance, the pinkette caught sight of more ... two small bodies.

"There!" She said in shocked realization. Apprehension clutched her heart so strongly she swore she wasn't even breathing. Letting go of her sensei, the medical ninja leapt down the cliff with a sudden burst of adrenaline. She landed neatly, right in front of her two teammates. Finally ... as close as she was, she caught a good look at them.

As graphic as Sakura's worried imagination had been, this certainly didn't live up to this.

Naruto and Sasuke were completely bloodied, bruised and beaten to the point Sakura could scarcely believe they could even still be alive. Their clothes were completely ripped and covered with grim and blood. Naruto's jacket had even been entirely destroyed by the looks of it. But the worst of it was ... their own arms were gone. Severed, leaving a trail of red between them.

The medical ninja could only stare a second, overcome with horror. They did this to each other?! She thought in disbelief, distress funneling through her at just how far this had gone. They ... they could've killed each other. Sakura thought more numbly, shocked speechless as she imagined just how close she might've came to losing her precious boys.

"Sakura-chan!" Naruto exclaimed first in surprise, almost looking like was frowning underneath all the blood that covered his face. Sasuke just stared at her unblinkingly, his expression impassive.

Sakura at them forlornly, feeling pained. Sakura wished more than anything there was something she could've done to stop this. As she gazed Naruto's face and saw just how horribly injured he really was - more than even Sasuke - another wave of distress circled inside her. After everything ... his promise to her and obsession saving Sasuke had truly led him to this. More pain followed and Sakura found for a moment nothing mattered to her more than the wish Naruto had never put himself through all this.

Controlling her feelings of grief, the medical ninja kneeled down beside them and with effort channeled her healing chakra into her palms. Closing her eyes a second, the situation sunk in further. There was one burning question in the back of Sakura's mind: had Sasuke truly stopped his evil actions? Was he ready to no longer shut them out? Did Naruto finally get through to him?

Silence passed between them. Just when she was beginning to think neither would say anything at all, a surprising voice jolted through her thoughts. "Sakura ... I ..." Sasuke suddenly spoke up, his tone strangely quiet.

Overcome with emotions she couldn't even identify anymore, Sakura closed her eyes to save herself from looking at him. "Don't. I need to concentrate." She said with more firmness than she thought she was capable of. It was too painful for her to hear Sasuke talk to her right now. All she could think about was everything he did to them, and that genjutsu he had used to pierce her heart.

There was a pause. The pinkette mindlessly kept up her healing chakra. " ... I'm sorry ..." The Uchiha continued with sudden regret, sending a bolt of shock throughout Sakura.

The pink-haired was speechless, her heart constricting from emotion even further. Never had Sakura in a million years ever believed Sasuke would let himself apologize for anything, but she swore she heard it. Is this real? Did Naruto finally ... ? She thought numbly, feeling like it was dream. Finally, after all these years of constant disappointment and sadness .. the relief and happiness hit her. This was real.

Tears started to burst in the pinkette's eyes, making her struggle to hold them back. " ... You better be." She responded tensely, overwhelmed with joy but pain too. She tightened her eye shut as tears slid mercilessly down her cheeks. "You caused us so much trouble ... you jerk." Sakura sobbed out, half in anger and half in grief.

Sasuke had done so many horrible things: to her, to Naruto, to everyone she loved. A part of her still couldn't believe Sasuke felt regret. Still, she felt like a weight she had never known she had was being lifted from her shoulders. She didn't have to worry no one would be there for Sasuke if she gave up. To feel like it was an obligation to love him and keep loving him otherwise he might never be saved. To constantly support Naruto and give him hope Sasuke could come back. Everything her and Naruto did for this moment ... finally paid off.

Realizing this fully with every fiber of her being now, Sakura sobbed harder. Happiness busted in her chest. Sasuke-kun did all those terrible things ... but it's ok. He finally came back to us. She reflected emotionally, her heart suddenly lighter. It didn't matter what she felt for Sasuke: past, present, or future. The three of them were finally together. Team 7 was reborn ... for real this time.

~~Naruto~~

Naruto's hand was clasped against Sasuke's, watching as the Infinite Tsukuyomi cocoons dropped towards the floor and unraveled. Person after person was being released, looking around with confusion and surprise though none of them looked severely harmed. Relief and happiness ignited inside Naruto and he smiled warmly. None of them were zetsufied.

The blonde looked at Sasuke beside him. The Uchiha was watching the people unblinkingly. He looked just like his usual stoic self, but Naruto could tell it was different. There was a slight glint in Sasuke's eyes that looked neither plotting nor malicious ... just pure calm. As if after all these years, his best friend finally let himself be at peace.

Watching him, the blonde-haired ninja smiled wider. Pure joy siphoned through Naruto. I finally did it. Sasuke's finally, finally back! After all of this ... he's really here. The blonde-haired ninja reflected happily. There had been pain, confusion, disappointment. Sometimes Naruto feared he didn't even know Sasuke anymore. And when Sasuke was so determined to be the way he is, Naruto had at one point almost gave up.

But he didn't. No matter what happened, he accomplished that one thing he set out to do: he did save his friend. He will be Hokage now. He will have Team 7 again. He will have everyone he loved with him, Sasuke included. He did kept his promise to Sakura. Now he'll accomplish whatever's next with his friends beside him. Naruto can do absolutely everything he set out to do now with nothing holding back.

Sure. He lost his father again, had the girl he loved confess to Sasuke right in front him, had his favorite jacket destroyed, was short an arm and felt pretty much like his entire body had been pummeled until it was practically boneless. But you know what? It was okay. Sasuke was back and he had kept his promise. That was more than enough for him to be the happiest person on Earth.

Sasuke noticed his staring and glanced back, his expression blank. Then after a moment, the dark-haired Uchiha smiled back. A small smile, but one regardless. Naruto just grinned.

As more and more of the Tsukyomi unraveled and Naruto and pulled their hands away, the blonde caught sight of the Kages. They looked as disoriented as everyone else, but when their eyes saw Naruto and Sasuke they woke up. Tsunade rose slowly to her feet, followed after by A and Gaara. Onnoki and Mei moved with them as well, walking up to Team 7.

"So ... judging by the looks of things, you finally defeated Madara." Tsunade pointed out first, sounding tired. Her amber gaze was dull and she looked so exhausted, Naruto felt himself startled. The blonde woman had always seemed so much younger, but right now he could see every one of her fifty years in her eyes.

Onnoki nodded. "Yes. It looks we no longer have to worry about him." He agreed with his closed eyes, sounding just as exhausted but relieved. "You are all truly heroes." He complimented matter-of-factly.

"Ah, it was nothing ..." Naruto answered sheepishly, scratching is cheek with one finger with his remaining arm. All five of the kages stared at the simple gesture in surprise, Gaara and Tsunade looking closer to some horror. The blonde-haired ninja frowned at them in confusion. Then he remembered what was wrong with him.

"Naruto ... your arm." Gaara said seriously. The blonde ninja looked down at his lopped off attachment uncomfortably. There was a pause and the Kazekage gaze shifted towards Sasuke, who had moved standoffishly away from the kages when they had started walking over here. Gaara narrowed his eyes. "You and Sasuke both, huh?"

Tsunade's surprise towards Naruto's wound slowly dissipated. She sighed heavily. "Well ... at least you came back alive." She remarked resignedly. "Madara was incredibly powerful. It's no wonder he could do something like this to both of you." The blonde-haired Hokage pointed out reasonably.

Yeah ... about that ... Naruto thought uncomfortably, exchanging awkward glances with Kakashi and Sakura. So much had happened when everyone had been out of commission. He wasn't sure how he could even explain the Kaguya thing that happened out of nowhere and he kind of didn't want to on his fight with Sasuke. Should he explain it anyway?

He glanced over towards Sasuke again, who was watching the conversation from a distance with discomfort. Nah ... it's already over, right? The blonde-haired ninja thought a little optimistically, making an effort to brush it off. He wouldn't want to worry the kages. He also wondered if they would even believe the Kaguya story anyway.

Thankfully he was saved from giving a response. Kakashi took the reins for him. "It was a hard battle, for all of us. But it's over now. And at least no more lives had to be taken." The silver-haired jonin answered tactfully. "All Naruto here needs is a some rest."

Tsunade looked at him in acknowledgement. "In any case, once everyone gets their bearings back, we'll check your wounds in the village and get it treated." Tsunade continued explaining, sounding more professional. "Wounds like that can easily get infected."

"So he lost an arm. It's not like it's the end of the world." The Raikage suddenly sniffed, looking unimpressed. Naruto took a closer look at A, noticing how he was short one arm as well.

Sakura was staring at Tsunade, looking worried. "They both lost a lot of blood. They're gonna need a long rest and some hospitalization." The pink-haired medical ninja agreed somewhat anxiously. "I'll help with the treatment. Maybe I can use my medical ninjutsu on it in between ..." She added thoughtfully, glancing at Naruto in concern. "This is pretty serious."

"Ah, come on, Sakura-chan! It's not that bad." Naruto denied flippantly, giving her a bright smile. "It's just a battle wound. All it shows is how awesome and strong a ninja I am-dattebayo!" The blonde-haired ninja stated exuberantly, putting his free hand to his chest. Pain from the normally harmless gesture instantly radiated through him and he winced.

"Idiot! All I see is a hurt ninja!" Sakura snapped in annoyance.

In the face of the medical ninja's worried glare, Naruto grinned awkwardly. "Heh heh ..." The blonde laughed sheepishly despite himself. Okay. So maybe Sasuke's work on him had did more damage on him than he thought.

"Well, aside from that ..." A spoke up, looking bored. The Raikage's gaze drifted, suddenly narrowing. " ... What are we to do about him?" He referenced meaningfully. Naruto realized he was staring at Sasuke. The older ninja turned towards them seriously. "The war is over. We don't need these types of alliances. There must be some punishment for him."

Protest welled up inside Naruto. "But he helped us! Without him, we've never gotten this far!" The blonde-haired ninja protested, completely dismayed. How could these villages hold anything against Sasuke when he had done so much to help them all during this whole war? His friend was different now. He couldn't let them take him away from them again.

A's gaze was severe. "That Uchiha may have helped us in this war, but he's still a criminal in every village. He's caused more trouble than any help!" The Raikage pointed out incredulously. "We must think of a proper punishment for him. This can't just be forgotten so easily." He repeated sternly, looking at his fellow kages for argument.

The blonde-haired stared in dismay. "But he's-"

"Naruto." Kakashi's stern voice cut through, making Naruto look back at him. "This is a matter for the kages. Sasuke's fate isn't something you can have a say in." He stated matter-of-factly, his expression serious.

The young ninja stared at him helplessly. He looked towards Sakura, hoping for some support, but all she did was avoid his eyes with a sad look on her face. Even Sakura-chan ...! He thought in disbelief. They were wrong. There was no way Naruto could this happen to Sasuke. After everything he had done to bring him back, he just couldn't.

"No!" Naruto responded defiantly, turning back to the kages. "Sasuke was just going through stuff! He's different!" he blonde-haired ninja argued fiercely. "He's on our side now! He's not just gonna-"

"Naruto." A level, steady voice stopped the jinchuriki dead in his tracks. Naruto whirled around, seeing Sasuke pick his way calmly towards them. He must've finally decided to be a part of the conversation when he heard his name. The Uchiha paused, pinning the blonde with a serious and meaningful expression.

"Sasuke-kun ..." Sakura addressed, looking at him uncertainly.

"But ... Sasuke ..." Naruto reacted just as uneasily.

The dark Uchiha gave his teammates a hard look before ignoring them completely as he turned towards the suspicous kages. As injured and beaten down as Sasuke was, he still carried himself with every bit of natural confidence and strength he possessed. "I went to Orochimaru and betrayed my village. Then I plotted to destroy it. I killed samurai. I was going to kill all you kages and my own friends just for getting in my way and I never cared one bit." Sasuke said matter-of-factly. He closed his eyes. "You're right. I am a criminal."

Naruto watched his friend anxiously. How was this start going to convince them?

When Sasuke opened his eyes, they were hard with stubbornness. "But I know now I was wrong. I never should've done all of that. The only thing it was good for was a short-term fix." He admitted steadily, looking more intense. His gaze grew defiant. "I will protect Konoha and help these villages. If you can't see past what I did, then get over it." Sasuke said curtly, his tone edged with hostility.

SASUKE! You idiot! Naruto thought in angry panic, appalled that his friend could still be so uncaring about how precarious his situation really was. He had been doing so well at first!

The Raikage's face lighted with fury. "Insolence!" He snapped furiously, pointing to the scowling Uchiha. "And you think you're worth a pardon, you brat? Nonsense!" A ranted in outrage.

Recognizing just how bad the situation was turning, Naruto realized he couldn't leave this up to Sasuke. Stepping in front of his friend instinctively, he faced the kages desperately. "He's trying, damnit! He just said he's wrong!" The blonde cut in defensively.

"You don't speak for me ... Naruto." The dark-haired Uchiha remarked threateningly, giving him an dark glare.

Naruto glanced at him in agitation. "Shut up!" He shot back. He wasn't going to let his friend's pride ruin any hope he could be forgiven. He turned back to the kages more seriously. "You can't just punish him. We're supposed to be past this, aren't we?" Naruto tried to reason. "All punishment will do is make things worse. The cycle of hate ... we can't let that happen again." The blonde appealed. "Sasuke won't go bad again, I swear. And if I does, I'll deal with him myself!" Naruto pleaded, looking at them desperately.

"Naruto ..." Sakura said, looking at him in surprise and sympathy.

The blonde-haired ninja met the kages' eyes, praying over and over they would listen to him. Naruto understood Sasuke had done bad things, but that had only been because of the system that had corrupted him. He just couldn't understand how they could blame him; their own mistakes had helped lead to this. And he was different now ... this time Naruto could feel he was different. Surely him feeling bad was enough?

None of the kages said nothing, doubt or impassiveness reflected in their faces. All kages except Tsunade exchanged skeptical glances.

"Sasuke has caused much trouble for all of us ..." Gaara remarked doubtfully.

"And he's a international criminal, no better than Madara or Tobi. Any normal person can't just let this go so quickly." Onnoki brought up critically, looking back at Sasuke cautiously. "What would happen if we did let Sasuke go? Surely he can't so easily be worthy of trust?" He questioned out loud, narrowing his eyes.

Mei sighed. "This has become such a mess ... " The red-headed woman said exhaustedly, uncertainty shining in her eyes.

"Lady Tsunade ..." Sakura said hesitantly after a long pause, her eyes focused on the one person who hadn't stated her opinion. Naruto followed her gaze, feeling crippled with anxiousness. There's no way Grandma Tsunade's gonna agree with this ... right? Right?! He wondered, half in hope and half in fear. The woman had always been one of his close supporters. Doesn't she see what was wrong with this?

The blonde woman looked at them tiredly. She was still silent. Finally the Hokage sighed heavily. "Sasuke has done deeds. Deeds many would say are unforgivable, regardless of whether or not he's changed." Tsunade pointed out logically. She turned to the Kages. "Sasuke's fate will be decided, but by my answer only. He's a Konoha ninja. I am the one responsible for him." Tsunade said sternly, her expression leaving no room for argument.

The kages exchanged a glance. A and Onnoki still looked suspicious.

"That's fair, Hokage." Mei acknowledged, closing her eyes in respect.

"I agree." Gaara answered solemnly, shooting an unreadable look at Naruto.

"Fine." Onnoki supplied reluctantly, closing his eyes dismissively.

A still didn't look pleased, observing the blonde Hokage with narrowed eyes. "Do as you see fit with the rogue ninja. Let's just hope your decision will be the right one, Hokage." The Raikage agreed grudgingly. "We'll agree to your terms, but if you chose to pardon him and he causes trouble to all our villages again, then this will not be only in your hands, Tsunade." He added more meaningfully.

Tsunade met his stare steadily. "If that will end up the case, then I agree. Action will be taken." The blonde-haired woman relented matter-of-factly. She looked back to Sasuke, who was staring at her with an unreadable expression. "For now, Sasuke, you will be taken into the village and treated. Whatever choice is made for you ... it will come in time." Tsunade told him sternly.

The dark-haired Uchiha said nothing and just met the Hokage's eyes stoically. After a moment, he gave a brief nod.

Naruto observed it with a frown, somewhat concerned. Would their Hokage really end up inflicting a terrible punishment on Sasuke? He just couldn't believe that. No ... she won't do that. She knows how much I did to save Sasuke. She'll definitely pardon him. Naruto told himself with more optimism, making an effort to repress his doubts. Right now he was just going to be glad Tsunade hadn't wanted him killed on the spot. At least, unlike most of them, she seemed conflicted about it.

Slowly the blonde-haired ninja began to feel more relieved. But as the kages started to disperse in the directions to organize their people, Naruto caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye. On the sidelines, not too far away, he saw his classmates. They must've been watching the conversation after they came to their senses.

Uneasiness fell on Naruto like cold water when he saw the looks on their faces.

Scarcely any of them looked happy. Choji, Tenten, and Lee had skeptical frowns on their faces. Only Hinata and Ino looked less unfriendly (though for some reason Hinata was staring at Naruto and looked pretty horrified). The worst parts though were the remaining ones. Kiba was staring at Sasuke with undisguised contempt while Shikamaru was watching with a serious expression. Shino's was unreadable.

The blonde tore his gaze away from his friends, feeling uncomfortable. He knew how strongly they had been against Sasuke surviving as an international criminal. Most of them had even wanted Sasuke dead and hadn't so easily appreciated his help in this war. Naruto should've known they wouldn't forgive Sasuke's choices enough to accept him back home so quick either.

Suddenly Sasuke tensed, getting prepared to walk away. Naruto noticed, glancing at him questioningly. The Uchiha paused, glancing back at him with a serious expression. "The Tailed Beasts." He said simply.

The blonde ninja's eyes widened. "Oh!" He exclaimed, recalling what Sasuke had done to them before the battle. But Sasuke was already walking away, picking his way through the crowd in the direction of the spot where he had trapped the poor creatures. "Hey! Wait up, Sasuke!" Naruto called after him a little impatiently, ignoring his deadweight body to jog after Sasuke.

"Oh, hey! Naruto!" Sakura called after him in surprise, sounding startled.

"I'll be back-dattebayo!" Naruto promised over his shoulder. Within a few moments he caught up to his friend, walking side by side with him the rest of the way in silence. After jumping over some rubble (and ignoring the pain even that small motion caused his body), Naruto and Sasuke finally stood in front of the gigantic boulders containing the bijuu.

Naruto glanced at his friend. Sasuke was staring up at them with an unreadable expression, but then he slowly lifted up his arm and put in his hand in front of him vertically. Realization singed throughout Naruto. "Hey, Sasuke, wait!" The blonde-haired ninja prompted him. The Uchiha stopped. "You shouldn't release them with just the rinnegan power. You're too weak, aren't you?" He pointed out, staring at him urgently.

Sasuke paused, a distant look on his face, then he shook his head. "No. I have to do this." He answered resolutely.

"But it's barely even working right now, not to mention the missing arm!" Naruto argued back more reasonably. Sasuke couldn't summon all the rinnegan power with just one hand sign. At least not in his current condition. And as the Uzumaki had noted, his rinnegan was still barely even visible ever since the aftermath of their fight.

"Shut up, Naruto." The dark-haired Uchiha said in slight annoyance, readying his hand again to summon the Rinnegan power.

As the blonde observed his best friend's familiar stubbornness, affection welled up inside him. He chuckled. "You're still trying to do everything all by yourself ..." Naruto noted in amusement, outstretching his hand towards the surprised looking Uchiha. "Let's do it this way, like with the genjutsu. We'll do it together." He said, giving Sasuke a peaceful smile.

The dark-haired Uchiha looked vaguely reluctant, but the blonde-haired ninja's bright confidence never once dissipated. In a way, he was glad Sasuke was so fixated on doing a simple redeemable thing as freeing the Tailed Beasts by himself. It meant he cared.

After a moment, Sasuke sighed and obligingly outstretched his arm to meet Naruto's palm. The two injured ninja closed their eyes in focus and channeled what remaining power from the Sage they had managed to restore since the battle. Pain ringed through the jinchuriki at the simple task and he was sure Sasuke felt it too, but he ignored it as some chakra started to seep through him.

Rumbling and noise sounded above the two shinobi. Naruto and Sasuke opened their eyes as the earth keeping the creatures trapped fell apart, bursting into rumble. Naruto spotted the other half of Kurama falling to the ground, followed by Son Goku and the Eight-tails along with the other Tailed Beasts. A burst of wind buffeted them from their force of landing, making Naruto shield his eyes.

"So you're finally here." Kurama's gravelly growl sounded. When the wind dissipated, Naruto opened his eyes to see the irritated expression of his favorite Tailed Beast. "It's about time because my legs were getting cramped. The other half of me had it lucky." He grumbled. He looked over to Sasuke, his demonic eyes narrowing. "And you really are helping now, I guess. They may just be hope for you yet, brat." He acknowledged begrudgingly.

A growl rumbled from the depths of Son Goku's chest. "As if it could be that simple, after what he did to us! The back-stabber." The giant monkey snapped angrily, glaring at Sasuke as he barred his huge teeth. "I don't trust this kid one bit." He stated hostilely. Naruto noticed with dismay how wary the other Tailed Beast besides Kurama looked.

Matabi, the Two-tailed cat bijuu, let out a hiss of agreement. "All our lives we've been cooped up, used as weapons for these wretched shinobi nations. And when we have our first chance of freedom, he tries to take it from us. Using us for his own ends I bet just like everyone else has." She growled bitterly, working her chakra claws into the ground.

"No." Sasuke suddenly spoke up, his dark gaze steady. "I was going to kill you so I could end the cycle ... the cycle of you being used by these villages." The Uchiha justified seriously. "I was going to end these twisted system once and for all. You just happened to be part of it." Sasuke elaborated bluntly.

Matabi snarled at him demonically, her claws sinking into the ground. "That's just as bad as making us weapons!"

The Five-tails, Naruto vaguely recalled his name was Kokou, was staring at her disapprovingly. "Put your claws away, Matabi! He just helped free us, didn't he?" Kokou reminded her. "I don't like him either, but it doesn't matter now what he did." He reasoned dismissively. He lashed one of his tails impatiently. "All I care about is going back to my forest."

"And for what reason did he help us? It probably has something in it for him, just like everything he did the last time." Son Goku argued back indignantly, jerking his head back at the Uchiha who was still watching them with unreadable look. "Maybe you can get over what he did, but I won't."

"Neither will I." Matabi growled, her shining eyes glaring pure hatred at Sasuke.

Naruto gazed at them uneasily. "But he just helped you guys. He's not the same person anymore. Really." The blonde-haired ninja insisted. He turned to Kurama, who was just watching with a serious look. "Kurama knows. He saw it all. Tell them, Kurama!" The Uzumaki brought up passionately, looking at him beseechingly.

Kurama stared at him, still just looking just as severe. "That won't make them trust him any more than they do now. Telling them isn't the same as as experiencing it." The Nine-Tails told him cynically. He narrowed his eyes. "Maybe you should just let Sasuke speak for himself." He said meaningfully, an edge in his voice.

Naruto nearly flinched. The blonde looked away from his bijju, avoiding his eyes self-consciously. He was right, but he just couldn't help but leap to the defense of his friend. Naruto couldn't stand it when anyone criticized any of his friends, let alone Sasuke. It was hard to stay out of it.

"He's right, Naruto." Sasuke addressed levelly. Naruto turned to see the adamant and surprisingly stern look in his best friend's eyes. "This is my battle. You can't fight it for me." The dark-haired Uchiha stated straightforwardly.

But I'll always try. Naruto thought earnestly. It took all his willpower to stay quiet as Sasuke turned and stared right in the faces of the angry and wary Tailed Beasts. He hoped with all his might his best friend handled this better than he had with the Kages.

"You have every right to distrust me. I tried to wipe you out. Destroy you because I thought it would solve all this. You were just a means to an end to me." Sasuke acknowledged straightforwardly.

Son Goku barred his teeth. "You're the embodiment of everything I hate about this ninja system." The Four-tails said balefully, his tone thick with years of resentment.

Sasuke went on as if the bijuu had never spoken. "I realized that it wouldn't solve it. The nations are already starting to change ... maybe I don't need to go that far anymore." The dark-haired Uchiha noted, his eyes flicking to Naruto as he spoke. He looked back to the Tailed Beasts, his expression stoic. "Go ahead, hate me. I don't care. But I'm sorry. That's all I have left to say to you." Sasuke finished solemnly.

The Tailed Beasts were silent, staring at the dark-haired Uchiha with equal wariness in his eyes. "How is that enough to prove you're trustworthy?" Isobu, the Three-tails, spoke up for the first time. It's tone wasn't hostile, but rather cautious and matter-of-fact.

The Uchiha's stare suddenly hardened. "I don't care if I am or not. But it's the truth. Take it or leave it." Sasuke retorted candidly, his tone final and uncaring.

A outraged hiss sounded from Matabi again. "You really are something, kid." Kurama responded sarcastically, giving him a contemptuous look. He turned to the other Tailed Beasts. "But it's true. I saw the battle myself through my other half. Naruto got through to him." The Nine-tails confirmed, glancing back at Sasuke with a glare. "Too bad it wasn't enough to get rid of the attitude."

"Are you sure?" Son Goku prompted impatiently. "Give him this brat one bit of trust and next thing you know he'll be doing that to all of us again!" The giant monkey argued heatedly.

The Eight-tails was watching Sasuke intently. "No ... no, he's right." Gyuki spoke up, his tone quiet but matter-of-fact. Naruto looked at him in surprise, noticing the sudden insight shining in the beast's eyes. "This isn't the same Sasuke I helped Bee fight. He's ... different. I can see it all in his eyes." Gyuki stated, sounding certain of it.

Naruto smiled, the support warming his heart as he noticed the gradually easing hostility among the Tailed Beasts. Son Goku and Matabi still looked reluctant, but not nearly as furious as they had been before. It's working ... they're gonna let it go. He reflected in relief. Naruto only wished it could be that easy once Sasuke got to the village.

"Can't we just go home now?" Chomei, the 7-tailed Dragonfly-like bijuu, asked restlessly.

"Yes." Kokou agreed meaningfully. "We don't need to worry about Sasuke coming after us again ... not after what Gyuki and Kurama are saying." The Five-tails elaborated steadily. "Finding a way home is all we have to worry about."

Matabi scoffed, her chakra-coated face filled with contempt. "Fine. The sooner we get away from here the better. Being around him and all these villages is making my fur stand on end." The Two-tails stated impatiently.

"But you don't have any fur, Matabi." Chomei clarified, looking a little confused.

"Shut up, Chomei!" Matabi growled, sending a scorching glare that promptly shut the Seven-tails up for good.

"You're all free to go back home." Naruto said cheerfully. "All the kages and how they used as weapons for so long ... they let it go. Now you guys can go and finally live in peace." The blonde-haired ninja said supportively with a smile. After everything these creatures have been through, not even known by their names, Naruto couldn't be happier for them. He felt like that he really was on the way to accomplishing peace.

Gyuki nodded. "Yes ... it's amazing how far everyone's come, thanks to you." The Eight-tails responded, his expression filled with respect.

Naruto grinned. But as he stared at the Eight-tails, a bolt of shocked realization siphoned through the young shinobi. "WAIT A SECOND! HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO GET YOU AND KURAMA BACK INTO ME AND BEE?!" Naruto shouted in immediate realization, his voice much louder than he intended as he ran his hand in his hair anxiously. What about Bee? Is he even still okay?

"Stop being so loud." Kurama grumbled. "Before the Sage left, he gave me some of his chakra to connect me to you. This half of me doesn't need a seal to put me back inside you." The Nine-tailed fox elaborated briskly. "It won't work if this ever happens again, but it's good this time. Just don't do something stupid."

"And Bee?" The blonde-haired ninja asked worriedly. In everything that had happened in during this long war, he hadn't had the time to think about what would've happened to his friend with the Eight-tails extracted.

"He's fine, Naruto." Gyuki responded, looking amused. "He managed to keep one of my tentacles inside him during the extraction. I'm sure when I can get back to village, we'll find someone to seal me back inside him." The Eight-tails informed. "I know I could be free ... but I've gotten a little too used to being with Bee." He acknowledged sheepishly.

"And Kurama ..." The young Uzumaki began, turning to his bijuu with a meaningful look. "You'll really go back inside me completely?" He asked, still disbelieving that he would be so willing after how violent their past once was.

The Nine-tailed Fox sniffed. "The Sage asked me to arrange our meetings. It's not like a have a choice in the matter." Kurama responded gruffly, looking uncomfortable. Amusement and happiness ringed throughout Naruto because he knew deep down he really wanted to stay inside him and he couldn't help but smile.

"Well ... until our next meeting, I suppose." Saiken, the Six-tailed slug-like Tailed Beast, dismissed cordially. Naruto and Sasuke watched as the Tailed Beasts bid their farewells to each other and split off in different directions. Gyuki decided to go ahead and find Bee, leaving the two ninja behind with Kurama.

By the time all the bijjus had disappeared from sight, Kurama sighed heavily and glared at him half-heartedly. "Come on then. Let's just get this over with already." The Nine-tails brought up uncomfortably, sounding like it was an effort for him to sound grudging about it.

Naruto stared at him curiously. "Sure, but how exactly does it-" The blonde-haired shinobi was cut off as Kurama's form dematerialized, spreading into sparkly crystals that lunged straight toward him. Naruto made a sound of surprise as the aura entered him, filling him with a wave of power and pressure so strong he felt like it would knock him off his feet in his weakened state.

The blonde stumbled, holding his stomach where the seal was as he felt as if a rock had literally dropped in it.

"You alright?" Sasuke asked cautiously, observing him with a wary and intent stare.

The jinchuriki frowned, rubbing his stomach as adjusted to the feeling. He didn't answer for a long moment. " ... Yeah." He reassured, his expression thoughtful. He knew how it felt to get Kurama re-sealed, but something about this was different. It was stronger, more noticable. The weight of both of Kurama's halves were heavier now, though at the same time it was comfortable. Like a missing piece had been filled in ... he was complete.

Looking back up at Sasuke's still questioning look, Naruto grinned in amusement and lowered his arm. "It's just really crowded in there now, that's all!" The blonde-haired ninja told him cheerfully, brushing off the weird feeling of his filled seal.

The Uchiha stared at him impassively, then turned to look towards the horizon with a curious but distant expression on his face. " ... Do you think the villages really will leave them alone?" Sasuke asked after a moment.

"Yeah." Naruto answered determinedly with a smile, brimming with confidence as he raised his hand in a fired up gesture. "It's like what you said. The villages are starting to change now. It's not like how it was when we were little." The jinchuriki identified optimistically. "There's gonna be no more wars and all of us are still going to be working together ... just wait and see-ttebayo!"

Sasuke didn't answer, his eyes on the horizon with a still hard to read to expression. " ... Hn." He responded, sounding amused as a hint of a smirk crossed his face.

Naruto turned around, ignoring his tiredness as he climbed over a deep scar in the ground that had been caused at some point during all the battles. He looked down at Sasuke and outstretched his hand to pull him up. "Now come on. Aren't you ready to go home?" The blonde asked him, a smile on his face.

The dark-haired Uchiha stared at him blankly, then glanced down at Naruto's offered hand. Sasuke watched it for a long moment. Finally there was pressure around Naruto's hand and his friend met his eyes steadily. " ... Yeah."

A/N: Here is the first chapter of my epilogue. I did my absolute best to the stick these character's "true" personalities that Kishimoto so easily disowned and I hope that came across well for some of you. This chapter is shorter than most of them probably will be, but I thought this was the best way to end it. Kishimoto rushed the actual chapter hellah fast and I HATED how Sasuke was suddenly the "hero" of the story by how he narrated it. There was no emotional value and everything was just so, so rushed. Where was the reaction to Sasuke? To their lack of arms? How the Tailed Beasts were free?

I am a NaruSaku fan and this will end in NaruSaku which is what I think made better sense to this type of story, but this isn't just about NS and I want those of you who read this to know that. Kishi didn't tie up any loose ends, contradicted some of his own messages even, and for a such a good series this was once I don't think that's right. Kishi may not give a shit anymore, but I do. And it's the last thing I do, I will do these characters justice and give them the ending they really deserved. 'Cause no one got that. No matter what you ship- NS, NH, SS, others, or none at all- not one character did.

Even with NaruHina and SasuSaku canon, it could've been done in a completely different way that made it have meaning. Instead their canon was rushed and overall deconstructed the entire plot and characters. They could've been great or at least passable canon couples if only they were handled right, but they weren't. And I'm not saying this because I'm a NS fan. I'm saying this because their canon wasn't done in the right way.

Anyway. I chose to portray Sasuke as the jerkish, indifferent guy we all knew and loved in Part 1/Early Part 2, but more serious and with more insight. He isn't going to be that overly nice, sentimental "Sasuke" Kishimoto chose to write at the end for some reason because that's not who Sasuke really is. He will always be a jerk and bit too blunt. You can't change someone THAT much, even with the excuse of redemption. The round-a-about apologies he gives in this I thought matched his characterization better and I think most would agree with me.

I'm trying to explain as much as the loose ends Kishimoto left as much as I can. Sakura's closure will be delved into and so will Sasuke's. I don't believe he should've ever seemed like he got off as easy as he did and I think it should've been explained how he dealt with his old classmates and dealing with the backlash of his crimes. Like I said: this will end in NaruSaku, but if anything it's more of a regular epilogue story. It's a real bitch to tie up everything Kishi neglected, but I'll do my best. :)

NEXT CHAPTER: Team 7 arrives at the village and everything finally seems stable after the long, grueling war. As Naruto and Sasuke are recovering from the fight, the final inner demons of their team are about to come out in the open. Sasuke faces consequences for his actions and contemplates life in the village again while Naruto resolves to solve the one loose end he hasn't yet tied. Meanwhile, Sakura tends to her teammates and begins to realize how she truly feels ...

Please favorite, follow, or review! I love any sort of positive feedback/constructive criticism! ;)