Epilogue

Sakura knelt silently next to the stone marker that bore her husband's name. Slowly, reverently, she brushed her fingertips over the engraved words, her emerald eyes sad yet dry as they gazed over the similar headstones nearby.

A gentle breeze stirred her pink hair and she didn't look behind her at the figure that walked up silently.

"I can't believe it's been two years." Sakura murmured. "I keep expecting to hear Lee shouting at his students about eternal youth while Tenten tries to knock some sense into him… to have Mimi and Hinata walk into my office, ready to help wherever needed…" She sighed quietly and lowered her head. "…To hear Naruto's voice… telling me everything's going to be okay."

Sasuke rested a hand on Sakura's shoulder. "He kept his promise, didn't he? Konoha is safe. Suna is safe. He stopped Kanaye before more of our friends could die."

"I know." She lifted her head and looked once more at Naruto's headstone. "I know, but still…"

The Uchiha clan leader helped his friend's widow to her feet and faced her. "Sakura, would Naruto want you to keep feeling like this?"

"…No."

"Would he want you to take care of your children and grandchildren as he would if he were here?"

"…Yes."

"Would he want you to keep smiling?"

Sakura lifted her eyes to Sasuke's. She managed a small smile. "Yeah."

He offered her his arm. "Come on, then. We have a wedding to attend."

Sakura's smile brightened a bit. She took his arm and allowed him to escort her away from the stones.

"Sasuke?"

"Hmm?"

"Why… have you been so nice to me? I mean, we were teammates as Genin, but after all the stuff with Orochimaru and Akatsuki and everything… Why would you go out of your way to make sure I'm okay?"

Sasuke looked at her with a gentle smile. "You are still my friend, Sakura. We've been through a lot, you, Naruto, and me." He snorted lightly. "And besides, if I didn't watch out for you, Naruto said he'd come back to kick my ass."

Her eyes grew wide. "…Naruto said that?"

"Yeah. And I'd much rather that dobe stay right where he's at- until the time comes where we meet again. Then I'll kick his ass."

Delicate laughter echoed throughout the trees, easing the hearts of all those who could hear it.

--

"I don't want to be here, Haru."

"Gin, come on. You are part of the wedding party. You must be there."

"No, I don't. We can just go back to Suna where we belong. I know your father doesn't mind watching over the village for you, but I think it would be better if we just left."

Haru chuckled. "My love, we are staying and that is that." His aquamarine eyes grew soft as she stepped out from behind the dressing screen, clad in a simple yet elegant silver kimono, embellished with blue and green embroidery around the hem and sleeves and secured with a dark blue obi.

"You are positively breathtaking," he murmured, walking closer so that he could bestow a kiss on her cheek. "Perhaps we will leave the celebration early, hmmm?"

"Or we could just not go at all?" Gin pleaded, albeit without much hope.

"Denied."

"Mama? Papa?"

Haru and Gin looked down at their three-year-old daughter, who was dressed in a white yukata edged with aquamarine and tied with a matching obi. The trim matched the child's eyes perfectly, which blinked innocently at her parents. "Where 'Nuki?"

Haru knelt down. "Where did you last have him?"

Shirabara put a finger in her mouth and looked thoughtful. "Nap?"

"Did you check your bed, then?"

"No?"

Haru smiled at his precious flower. "Go look under your bed first, then if you still cannot find him, let me know."

"'Kay, Papa."

As the child toddled off, Gin tried once more. "I'm feeling sick, Haru. I really can't go."

"Nice try. I am not falling for your tricks."

"The doctor said I could have morning sickness! I should stay."

Haru stared at her for a moment. "Morning sickness? What disease is this that only occurs in the mornings?"

"It means I'm pregnant again, baka!"

Aquamarine eyes blinked several times. "Pregnant?"

Gin paused, blushing. "Um… yeah."

"You… are pregnant?"

She nodded. "I wanted to tell you before we left Suna, but there… didn't seem to be a right time."

"So you are telling me now?"

She fidgeted. "…Yeah."

"Papa! Papa! 'Bara find 'Nuki!"

Haru turned his attention to his daughter, who entered the room proudly carrying a stuffed raccoon. "See? I told you that you would find him."

"Thank yoo, Papa!"

Gin peeked up at her husband. "…Are you… angry?" she asked hesitantly.

"Angry? Why would I be angry?"

"Because it's another child to provide for. I know you weren't ready to be a father when I first had Shirabara, but you sacrificed so much to let us come live with you, and you even married me, and-!"

Haru interrupted her with a deep kiss, enveloping her in his arms as though he'd never let her go. "Silly woman… I married you because I love you. I had already planned to ask your parents for their permission to marry you after our mission was over. Shirabara or no."

She sniffled. "So… you don't regret having her?"

"Never. Nor am I upset about having another child with you." He grinned. "On the contrary, another child would round our family out nicely. I am certain my mother will be overjoyed for another grandchild to spoil."

Gin squeezed him tightly, her heart suddenly lightened. "So do we still have to go?"

He laughed. "Yes, wife. We still have to go."

"I was afraid you'd say that."

--

All of Konoha had gathered atop the Hokage's main building, giving the citizens an excellent view of the cliff-side which bore the likenesses of the previous Hokages. They stood quietly, with only hushed murmurs of conversation, as they waited for the ceremony to begin.

Sasuke leaned closer to his son. "You sure about this?"

Shourai gave his father a nervous grin. "Completely. How about you?"

"I'm not the one getting married. I'm done with that nonsense."

"Thanks, Dad."

A hush fell over the crowd and the two Uchiha males turned to look at the back of the gathering where a figure in silver stood holding the hand of a small child.

Gin took a deep breath and started forward. She kept her pale eyes locked on her husband, who stood near the front of the assembly, in line next to her Uncle Kiba. Shirabara kept pace with her mother, looking rather forlorn that she hadn't been allowed to bring her stuffed toy.

Kohaku nudged his friend. "This is your last chance, teme. Back out now, before you're shackled, head and heart."

"Says you. Everyone knows you are a complete sap for your wife, so don't go trying to talk me out of getting married."

The orange-haired man shrugged. "Don't say I didn't try."

Shourai straightened as his bride came into view. Dressed in a splendid creation of white, gold, and red, she was escorted through the parted crowd to stand before her groom.

Sasuke cleared his throat. Kohaku snickered. "Welcome, friends and family, to this wondrous occasion. Today, we will witness the turning of another page of life's journey: the joining of one's life to another's." He looked back at the young couple in front of him. "Who gives this young woman to be wed?"

Neji bowed respectfully to Sasuke. "In memory of her mother as well as myself, I do."

Gin bit her lip and looked away. Shirabara blinked curiously up at her grandfather, who glanced at her for a moment before walking away to stand next to Haishen.

Sasuke continued on, speaking of love, honor, and cooperation, and having them recite their vows before finally nodding to his son. "You may kiss your bride."

Shourai grinned, letting out a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding. He pulled his new wife close and kissed her soundly, earning them whoops and hollers from the crowd.

Sasuke smirked. "I am very proud to present to Konoha: Shourai and Kin Uchiha!"

Cheers resounded from the gathering, echoing off the stone cliff and lingering on the air, as if unwilling to let the joy fade away.

--

Gin gave her twin a tight hug. "Congratulations, sis. I told you you'd grab a good one."

Kin beamed. "Can't get much better than the son of the Seventh Hokage, can I?"

Shourai mock-frowned. "Is that the only reason you married me?"

"Well, Aikou had already grabbed Kohaku…" she teased.

"Enough," Kohaku snorted. "Everyone in the village knew you two were hot for each other, long before old man Sasuke became Hokage."

Shourai eyed his long-time friend. "Where is your wife anyway, dobe? I haven't seen her."

Kohaku scratched his cheek, which now sported three whisker-like marks. "She's around somewhere. Probably with my mother, doing bizarre girly things to my poor son."

"Interesting," Haru murmured. "I never pictured my sister as a mother, but she seems to be succeeding regardless." He crossed his arms. "How is my nephew doing, Uzumaki?"

"If you'd come to visit more often, you'd know that, rose-breath."

"Why do you not turn around and observe him for yourself, brother?" Aikou asked from behind Haru's back. The small group turned to look at the petite woman and the infant in her arms.

Shourai shook his head as Haru lifted his tiny nephew into his arms. "Can't believe someone as smart and talented as Aikou ended up with such a dimwit dropout like Uzumaki."

"Opposites attract," Aikou replied without missing a beat. She smiled genuinely at the newlyweds. "Congratulations, you two. You make a fine couple."

"Thank you." "Thanks."

Haru peered at the child in his arms. "However did you have a child with blonde hair, sister?"

Aikou shrugged and leaned against her husband, who happily put an arm around her slender shoulders. "I think Naruto Hokage had something to do with it."

Kohaku coughed. "I think I had more to do with it, wife."

The group laughed. Aikou rationalized her statement. "I meant that I believe that Naruto Hokage's spirit lives on in our son. Somehow, he even inherited the marks on his cheeks that his father and grandfather have."

"And that is why his name is Naru?" Shourai asked with a grin.

Kohaku nodded sagely. "Yup."

Haru handed Naru back to his mother. "Gin and I also have news to share. We are expecting a sibling for Shirabara in about a half-year's time."

Kin let out a squeal and practically glomped her twin as Shourai and Kohaku both shook the young Kazekage's hand. Aikou patted Naru's back almost unconsciously. "Have you told Mother and Father?"

"I just found out today, sister. My wife was being sneaky."

Gin blushed. "I was not! I just… didn't know when to tell you."

Kin released her sister and gazed unemotionally over Gin's shoulder. The gathered friends all turned and looked at the newcomer.

Neji barely glanced at his second daughter. "I have come to offer congratulations, Kin," he said, "and to remind you that there are other guests to speak with."

Kin bristled angrily but Shourai held her back with his hands on her arms. "Don't," he murmured only for her ears.

"I don't care!" she shouted, causing the other guests to stop their conversations and turn towards the commotion. "He has no right to act like this!"

Neji regarded her neutrally. "Act how? Unlike you, apparently, I am capable of acting accordingly in public. Remember you are a Hyuuga and must behave as such."

Kin pulled away from Shourai and stomped up to her father. "I am not a Hyuuga any longer, remember? I'm an Uchiha now- and I will act however I believe I should. And you, Father, are being a complete ass!"

Several guests gasped. Gin took a step backwards closer to Haru. "Kin," she whispered, "don't do this…"

"No," Kin announced, "I must do this, since no one else will." She turned to Neji and shot him a glare so icy it should've froze him on the spot. "You have been a selfish, cold-hearted jackass, Father, and everyone thinks so! You disowned your own flesh and blood because she followed her heart. Well, guess what- I followed my heart too! Are you going to disown meas well?"

"Of course not," Neji replied stoically. "You have not dishonored the Hyuuga name. You have brought great credit to the family by marrying into the Uchiha clan."

"And Gin didn't? She married the Kazekage! In your pompous opinion, that should rank higher than the prestigious Uchiha clan! She almost died from the wounds she got on that damn mission," she reminded everyone listening although her focus was on her father. "If she had died, all you would've had left from her would've been Shirabara. Would you have abandoned your own granddaughter in those circumstances?"

Neji tried to keep his expression calm, but it was clear he was fighting for his composure. "Kin…"

"Gin is married now, Father, and she has a family! Kazekage Haru married her as soon as the Iwa War was over and they're raising their daughter together. You've alienated your own child because of your twisted sense of propriety! You don't even know what's been going on in her life since she left Konoha!"

The room was silent, save for the quiet whispers of the spectators. The soft sound of little shoes echoed through the gathering and all heads turned as a small child ran up to group surrounding the newlyweds.

"Mama! Mama!" Shirabara called, a bright smile on her face. "'Bara found CAKE!"

A few people chuckled at the child's enthusiasm. Gin picked up her daughter and held her close. "Did you, now?" she murmured. "How exciting! Just be patient a little longer, and Aunt Kin and Uncle Shourai will cut it so we can all have a piece, okay?"

"Okay!"

Shirabara peered at her aunt, who was still glaring daggers at her father. "Mama? Aunt Kin mad?"

"No, sweet one. She's just having a… difference of opinion."

"You see?" Kin growled at Neji, pointing at the child in Gin's arms. "Your own granddaughter, your first and only grandchild, doesn't even know you. Are you satisfied with that? Are you satisfied knowing that your next grandchild won't know you either?"

Neji's gaze hardened. "Kin, are you…?"

"No! I'm talking about Gin- she and Haru are having another baby!"

His eyes shifted from his elder twin daughter to his younger. For the first time in almost three years their eyes met.

"You… you are… having another child?"

Gin didn't respond. Haru stepped forward and placed his hands on his wife's shoulders, looking Neji straight in the eye. "Yes, sir. We are." He moved to stand by Gin's side, then surprised everyone by bowing deeply to the head of the Hyuuga clan. "And I humbly apologize, sir."

Neji frowned.

Haru continued speaking even though he remained in his apologetic position. "I apologize for not being able to ask formally for Gin's hand before I married her. I had intended to do so immediately following our mission four years ago, but circumstances prevented me. I never intended to leave her, regardless of the consequences of our actions from that night."

Neji turned and looked at Gin, an unreadable expression on his face. Shirabara chewed on her finger.

"Mama? Who?"

Gin held her breath as her daughter pointed at Neji. Her heart was pounding as she contemplated leaving the room before he could break her heart- and her daughter's- again.

Neji moved closer and took Shirabara out of Gin's arms. The little girl regarded the older man with wide aquamarine eyes.

"I am your grandfather, little one," he told the child.

Shirabara blinked. "Grampa?"

"Hai."

The little girl looked at her parents. "'Bara Grampa?"

Haru nodded and squeezed Gin's shoulder lovingly. "Yes, sweet one. He is Shirabara's Grandpa."

She looked back at Neji and put her little arms around his neck in a big hug. "Grampa!"

Neji turned to his younger daughter and her husband- and bowed, in apology… and in thanks.

Gin took a hesitant step forward. Neji opened his free arm in invitation and she moved to his side, embracing him with three years worth of love. Kin joined her twin on Neji's other side and together hugged their father as he held his girls.

--

In the world unseen, five figures stood silently. One cried copious tears of joy over the passion of youth, while two others, one holding the hand of the fourth, exchanged a glance, their hearts eased as they watched their loved ones repair their broken bonds. The last smiled faintly as he gazed at one young father and his wife as they spoke in hushed voices to their tiny child.

The young man looked up and seemed to stare straight at him, even though he knew he could not be seen with human eyes. It was the Bijuu within him, sensing he was there.

You did well, my son. The future of Konoha… is now in your hands.

With those parting well-wishes of these who had been dearly loved, the five turned and faded away, heading to the world beyond- and leaving this world to the next generation to live, to protect, and to love.

.oOo.oOo.oOo.oOo.oOo.

Naru: "to change, to be of use, to become" or "to sound, to ring, to resound, to echo, to roar," which, to me, sums up Naruto's grandson pretty effectively.

THANK YOUS and HUGE HUGS to everyone who has read and commented on my stories. I appreciate all that you've said, your well-wishes, and your fascination with characters I've created just from the fantastic people Masashi Kishimoto originally brought to life for us to enjoy.

…And they all lived happily ever after. BELIEVE IT! (Sorry, couldn't help myself XD)