Recovering Lost Memories

Here we are, everyone! The very last chapter of this story is ready for reading! I never thought this story would be such a big hit. This story has became my personal fav among my three other stories. It is probably my best I've ever written, but there are more ahead.

I was so happy when I heard you all liked this story. Thank you very much for the feedback and the awesome reviews! They inspired me to do better, and I guess I improved in my writing with this story.

Anyways, who's ready for the final chapter:)

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. If I did, there would be ItaSaku in there!

Chapter 13: Awaiting Future

Ino sat silently, her form still. "Is it over…?" Ino whispered, her focus completely on the building ahead. She had seen green and pink chakra exploded out of the building before disappearing from her sight. Sakura? Was that you?

"…" Shikamaru stared in disbelief at the crumbling building. There wasn't much left of it, and his growing worry for the two most precious teammates of Konoha were still somewhere inside. Shikamaru sighed wearily, his mind racing with all the possibilities of what was happening in the hideout.

Shikamaru's gaze fell on Neji, who was still sleeping despite everything. Shikamaru could see Neji's shallow breathing, which worried him more than necessary. Neji groaned in his sleep, turning his back on Shikamaru. I'm sorry, Neji. I'm sorry I was a horrible leader…again.

Shikamaru's eyes narrowed, his wounds aching again. I guess…I need to train more before I can lead again. Shikamaru sighed again, his gaze drifting back to the ruined hideout. Sakura, Naruto…Get out of there before you both kill yourselves. Shikamaru blinked. And Itachi, you better make sure Sakura doesn't get hurt.

The wind softly blew beside Ino and Shikamaru, bringing leaves across their line of vision. One leaf caught Ino's attention, the leaf blowing across her vision of the building. Ino's hair blew wildly around with the wind as her eyes widened when the leaf passed. A figure stood before them, still and composed.

Shikamaru stood up, evenly with the figure. Ino felt the corners of her lips twitch slightly, resisting the urge to smile. Ino stood as well, standing beside Shikamaru. "Where's Sakura and Naruto, Itachi?" Itachi blinked at them, before his crimson gaze set on Ino.

"Sakura needs healing, and so does Naruto." Itachi stated calmly, his gaze flickered with impatience. He can't just say he needs help… Ino thought before sighing. Ino took a step forward, her hand out reached.

"Take me to them." Ino replied, knowing fully well, there was no time to waste. Without hesitation, Itachi took her hand and formed hand signs with the other.

"Good luck, Ino. Bring Sakura and Naruto back." Shikamaru whispered softly, causing Ino to turn around her head towards him and smile confidently.

Ino's icy blue eyes glowed with determination as leaves revolved around them. "I will, Shikamaru! Please take care of Neji and Kakashi while I'm gone." Shikamaru and Ino exchanged one final glance before the leaves swirled around them too fast to see Ino and Itachi.

Shikamaru put up his hands in front of him, protecting himself from the wind and the blowing leaves. He closed his eyes for only a second before opening them. His hands fell down to his sides as he noticed Ino and Itachi were gone just like the leaves.

Itachi and Ino appeared in the basement, already scanning the area for Sakura and Naruto. Finding Naruto, Ino ran towards him until she slid on her knees near him. Itachi, on the other hand, made his way to where Sakura was unconsciousness near Sasuke's motionless body. Itachi sank to his knees near Sakura, his crimson gaze on his fallen younger brother.

You truly did have hatred, except it wasn't directed completely towards me. You were more foolish than I had ever thought. Itachi's eyes narrowed in silence as he picked up Sakura's unconscious body bridal-style. Your teammates, friends, were your enemies to you only because they were obstacles to defeating me. Itachi stood soundlessly, feeling something close to pity towards his younger brother.

You were too blind to realize your teammates could help you kill me, but in the end, you attempted to destroy them because you thought of them of burdens instead. Itachi bowed his head in silence as memories of their childhood ran through his mind. Itachi remained in silence, knowing he did not have much time to escape left. We will meet again, Sasuke.

Itachi turned around, not looking back once as he began to walk away. In the hell that awaits us both, Sasuke, perhaps, we may possibly reach peace and agreement in the end. Itachi closed his eyes, his face emotionless. Maybe…just maybe…

We can truly be brothers there.

Ino molded her hands with chakra, trying to stop Naruto's left side from bleeding anymore. Her eyes were narrowed in determination, entirely focused on healing Naruto as best as she possibly could. The bleeding was decreasing slowly, Naruto's face returning some color yet still very pale. Naruto…we need a great Hokage, and we can't lose him here.

Ino increased her chakra flow as she continued to stitch his wounds up carefully. After a few minutes, she heard footsteps walking towards her, but didn't look up. This process was too delicate to lose focus. She wouldn't risk Naruto dying now.

"We need to get out of here. This ceiling is going to collapse and the fire has almost covered the whole floor." Ino stopped, bandaging Naruto as best she could. Ino nodded as she grasped Naruto's hand, holding it firmly.

"Let's go." Ino grabbed Itachi's sleeve with her other hand as their forms began to disappear. Ino noticed Sasuke's body, cold and motionless. May you rest in peace, Uchiha Sasuke. Hopefully, Team 7 will live on without you. Ino thought with her head bowed.

Team 7 willlive on.

Even if you don't.

Shikamaru watched several parts of the building explode, some of its pieces landing only a few meters from them. His body stiffened, his eyes searching for Ino or Itachi. No…Don't tell me that they didn't make it! Shikamaru searched frantically, his mind began to panic.

After a few minutes of searching with only his eyes, Shikamaru bolted forward. The building was surrounded by smoke now, as one last explosion took place. His eyes widened as he stopped dead, putting his hands up to shield himself.

Smoke flew past him, forcing him back. He struggled as he fought the wind, resisting the urge to close his eyes. The wind rustled his clothes as he was blown back further. He winced as a sharp edged brick grazed his side, tearing his shirt.

Shikamaru dared to look back, to see Kakashi and Neji still safe and sound. They were both still lying down, asleep. He turned back, as he stepped forward, testing whether he could run forward anymore or not.

The smoke cleared slightly and the wind disappeared after a few minutes as Shikamaru inched his way towards the destroyed hideout. When the smoke cleared around the hideout, his eyes widened. He blinked, not really believing it, but he knew it was true.

Nothing was left of the building, only a huge crater. Shikamaru dropped down into the crater, sliding down into the middle. The sky flashed with lightning, dark clouds beginning to blow in lazily. A raindrop splashed onto Shikamaru's nose, but he ignored it.

Shikamaru searched once more around the crater before jumping out of the crater. All the possibilities ran through his mind, but none seemed anywhere near the truth. He was only trying to convince himself that they were safe and injured, but still alive. Shikamaru bowed his head, his eyelids dropping halfway. We have lost so much. Konoha has lost its best shinobi, trustworthy or not.

Shikamaru silently walked back towards Neji and Kakashi as the rain began to pour on him. He could feel tears threatening to fall, but he simply couldn't cry. His gaze was set on the ground, his mind still trying to find one logical possibility that they were alive. Perhaps, there would never be an explanation. Maybe this would remain an unknown mystery just like other cases in the Leaf Village.

When he reached his other two teammates, they were just beginning to wake up. Kakashi groaned in pain, his eyes searching for some hidden enemy. Neji looked up at Shikamaru, confusion etched across his face. Shikamaru merely shook his head, his head still bowed. There were no words to say. They both knew what Shikamaru couldn't say.

A mismatched pair of eyes dulled, a hint of disbelief and sorrow showing briefly. Shikamaru felt grief grip his heart as he saw Kakashi grow quiet. Kakashi stood up silently, ignoring his aching wounds. He placed the headband over his Sharingan eye, and started to walk away without a word.

I knew Team 7 was doomed from the start…but I was too naïve to let myself believe it. Kakashi thought dully as he walked slowly towards the direction of the Leaf Village. I knew I shouldn't have let any of them leave the village. Team 7 was destined to fail and fall to ruins.

He was hardly aware of his surroundings, barely able to hear Neji and Shikamaru's silently walking behind him. Kakashi could feel darkness setting in as he continued to tread forward. Was it the same darkness his team had witnessed when they experienced their deaths?

Thunder roared across the sky almost as if the sky itself was declaring war. Kakashi simply didn't hear it anymore. He was too focused on the memories of his most precious teammates. Everything seemed to wash over him like an unstoppable raging flood. All the memories played over and over, never stopping. It seemed too real for reality.

Maybe that was what Team 7 was. Too real for reality. Or in other words, just simply,

A myth.

One Week Later

Tsunade sat silently at her desk as she listened to the returned team's report. Shikamaru repeated everything mechanically, his thoughts elsewhere. His voice was emotionless and unusually soft. Tsunade could see the dull looks in each of their eyes, the lifeless, cold gaze.

Kakashi leaned against the wall, his head down in silence. Tsunade couldn't recall the last time he had said a word, or if he had said anything at all. "Uchiha Itachi, Haruno Sakura, Uchiha Sasuke, Yamanaka Ino, and Uzumaki Naruto are most likely dead." Shikamaru continued solemnly, his body rigid.

"In other words, this mission was a massive failure, correct?" Tsunade blinked at him, her eyes slightly duller. Shikamaru listened silently without emotion. Tsunade stood up, and walked towards the door to the hallway. "I want you all to report to the hospital. I can see some of you need healing." Tsunade added to Kakashi as she looked over to him, "There will be no arguments."

Kakashi stood stiffly, following Tsunade and the others slowly. Tsunade could tell he had no motivation anymore, just like many years ago…

In a few minutes, they were inside the hospital, walking down one hallway. Shizune had join them, walking beside Tsunade. Tsunade and Shizune were talking, but the others didn't bother listening. How could they be talking after all that had happened? Was it true what Itachi had said?

"If Tsunade is willing to send shinobi to stop Naruto and Kakashi from saving their teammates, then she must not care about Sakura's safety." Itachi stood silently, his eyes narrowed. He turned around, his gazing sweeping over Kabuto's motionless, dead body. "She sees trouble, and she just wants it to solve itself. Yet, this is not the way to deal with things. Tsunade will have to learn that to be a true Hokage."

Tsunade and Shizune stopped, and opened one of the doors in the hallway before walking in. Kakashi blinked dully while Neji walked in silently with his eyes on the ground. Shikamaru followed behind the rest of them, closing the door behind him quietly.

The room consisted of a few small wooden chairs along closed windows at the far end of the room. Two hospital beds stood along each other with a half drawn white curtain blocking the other side of the room. The windows showed the storming weather outside, with the raindrops streaming down the window. Shikamaru could see Tsunade tense and her hands clench into fists.

Dead silence ensued as they noticed someone else was in the room. Shizune and Tsunade exchanged a glance before Shizune stepped toward the half-drawn curtain soundlessly. Her hand gripped the curtain before drawing it back quickly, revealing someone that left everyone in numbing shock and disbelief. The darkened figure leaned against the window, its on Tsunade.

Shikamaru shoved himself forward, ready to attack with a kunai already in hand. His eyes widened, before a grim smile appeared on his face. "Perhaps the savior wasn't a savior after all." Kakashi bitterly said, his eyes on the figure.

Uchiha Itachi stood before them, as real as can be. Only a week ago, everyone had believed that the infamous s-ranked ninja was killed in the explosion but now that seemed like the distant past. His crimson gaze was locked on Tsunade's. "I thought you were dead, Uchiha…Where are the others? Or…did you save yourself instead of saving the one you supposedly cared for?" Tsunade stepped forward, her voice low.

"You take me as selfish, Tsunade. Perhaps, in your old age, you have become blind." Itachi lifted a hand and pointed towards the two beds beside him. On one of the beds laid a young man wearing an orange jumpsuit with yellow, spiky hair. His breathing was slow and relaxed, his eyes closed to the world.

Several large bandages encircled his waist with a small ointment patch covering his left eye. Despite the injuries, he looked relaxed and well. Shikamaru could only watch in awe as the man began to wake up, his one uncovered cerulean eye blinking dazedly at the ceiling. "Naruto…" Kakashi whispered, his voice slightly alive with awe and shock.

The other bed was closer to Itachi, with a pink haired woman as its occupant. Shikamaru hadn't noticed until now that the sheets were blood stained, hardly any white showing at all. The facial expression on the woman's face was clearly calmness and slightly peaceful. Shikamaru heard Kakashi take a small intake of breath before walking forward to the two injured teammates.

"Sakura…Naruto…" Kakashi stared at Naruto, who was lifting his head to cast a small lopsided grin at him. He forced himself to smile with tears threatening to spill. If he had lived this long without crying, he certainly didn't want to frighten of worry his teammates. "How was the fight, Naruto?" Kakashi asked softly as he placed a hand on Naruto's head and tussled his hair.

"I-It was alright, K-Kakashi-senpai. Too bad you w-weren't there to see it." Naruto answered, his voice low and raspy.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there, Naruto." Kakashi turned to the unconscious woman. "I wish I could've helped, Sakura." From head to toe, Sakura was covered with burn marks and large gashes. He could see several bandages over more severe marks, which worried him slightly. He hadn't noticed before, but one of Sakura's fist was deeply scratched up and still bleeding.

He blinked, his thoughts immediately thinking of Sasuke. Itachi noticed Kakashi's darkened gaze, and bowed his head slightly. "He's dead, Kakashi." Kakashi turned toward him, his uncovered eye widened. Itachi showed no emotions, his crimson gaze analyzing Kakashi's reaction. "Sakura killed him."

Kakashi's head twisted back to Sakura, his eye searching her face for something. Sakura…killed Sasuke? I never thought she was strong…Kakashi stood up, and made his way to exit the door. …but I guess someone has to be for this team. I don't think even I would have the strength to believe in this team anymore.

Right before Kakashi placed a hand on the doorknob, the door opened revealing the last survivor of the explosion at the Akatsuki hideout. Shikamaru and Tsunade turned their heads as they heard a small scream and a crash. The tips of Shikamaru's lips twitched, until they formed a smile. He bent his head, and couldn't help but send a small prayer in gratitude.

Yamanaka Ino blinked up at Kakashi then at the fallen tray beside her. A few pieces of fruit and medicine were scattered near the tray. Ino sighed, and got up. "We made it." Ino said, slightly smiling. Shikamaru heard weary sighs around him, and the tense atmosphere lift. Everyone had survived.

Kakashi stepped aside and allowed Ino in. Shikamaru noticed Kakashi's expression and couldn't help but smile faintly. Ino had seen it too, and sighed in relief. Kakashi swiftly left the room with hands in his pockets, but he walked away with more life. I'm not the only who believes Team 7 will live on… Ino's soft icy blue gaze shifted towards Itachi and Sakura. Perhaps, we have many more things that live on as well…

Three Months Later

Sakura smiled at Naruto who stood proudly in front of the people of Leaf Village on the roof of the Hokage Tower. Naruto grinned down at the people, as they gazed at him in amazement and awe. Many people were cheering, including Sakura, as he placed on the hat of Hokage. The white robes he wore billowed slightly with the wind as people cheered louder and shouted, "Believe it!"

Sakura sighed wearily as a familiar chakra signature revealed itself next to her. She turned her head, with a warm smile on her face. Itachi wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. Sakura leaned against him, feeling her strength draining away already.

Her injuries had taken a major toll on her, but she had recovered quite well. Itachi had taken great care while she was unconscious the first few weeks, the same with Ino and Naruto. Naruto had tried to thank him, but just was simply speechless. Ino smiled and thanked him gratefully, but Itachi only nodded to her. Itachi wouldn't accept Sakura's gratitude since he still believed he had broken part of the promise he had made to her long ago.

Sakura glanced up at Itachi, who was still gazing at Naruto. Itachi still wore his Akatsuki cloak and the slashed headband, which Sakura had made no objection to. The Akatsuki had not been heard of since the hideout had been destroyed. Many people still believed the Leader and several other members had survived, including Sakura and Naruto. Though Naruto had asked Itachi briefly where their whereabouts may be, Itachi merely ignored him.

Sakura knew that Itachi had given up on catching Naruto and extracting the Kyuubi, for secretly fearing Sakura would hate him and try to kill him. She knew she had no chance in killing him, and she hoped it would never come to that. She had lost him once before, and she couldn't bear with it again.

Naruto's gaze swept over Sakura and Itachi with a grateful smile on his face. Naruto gave the thumbs-up pose to everyone, before delivering his speech. "Thank you, everyone. Really, thank you." Naruto started his eyes shining with gratefulness towards the crowd.

"All I can really say is that believe in your dreams…and cherish your memories. Your dreams and your memories are probably the most important things that will always be with you." Naruto bent his down slightly, feeling a memory already appearing in his mind. He looked up, down towards Itachi and Sakura with Kakashi standing behind them.

It seemed too real to be true, but he just smiled at them silently. Even if Itachi did look like Sasuke, Naruto knew deep down they would never be alike one another. Naruto smiled bitterly, as he felt one tear stream down his face.

Sakura could see the tear, even if Naruto was trying to hide it. She stared down at the ground, before feeling Itachi turning her around gently to walk away. Sakura clasped her hand to his before they started down the crowded main street. She was aware of Naruto's gaze on her, Kakashi's too.

Once they were near the gate, they stopped and looked back at Naruto standing on the Hokage Tower. His gaze was still on them, not on the crowd anymore. A silent understanding was exchanged between them before Naruto made his way toward the edge of the building. Kakashi turned around and started towards Itachi and Sakura with a small smile upon his mask covered lips.

Team 7 was shattered once. Many parts were lost, but new ones were found to repair the shattered team. The three original teammates may wish that old parts were found and repaired with them, but they know this is not reality.

Naruto looked up at the sky, then down at the crowd. He jumped without thinking, and landed near Kakashi. The crowd cheered more, many of the people smiling and laughing contently. As they both reached Sakura and Itachi, the crowd turned to face them briefly.

Naruto exchanged knowing glances at each of them, before exiting the village with Kakashi. Sakura and Itachi watched them, their gaze upon the backs of their teammates. Before Sakura could walk after them, one memory surfaced to her thoughts. The day that Itachi had left her seemed to be burned into her memory, but she had tried to forget.

Itachi noticed and turned her around to face him. Sakura's gaze darted away, forcing a smiling onto her features. Without warning, Itachi embraced her and kissed her softly on the lips. Emerald eyes shot open, then closed. She returned the kiss, knowing if he did ever leave her, he would return.

They broke the kiss before exchanging one final glance with each other. Sakura smiled and Itachi smirked before they both exited the gates together. Kakashi and Naruto slowed to walk side by side with them.

Everything is as it should be… Kakashi thought, his mind set on the future. He did not need to dwell on the past as he had for so many years. After all, Team 7 has been reborn.

Sasuke, we won't forget you and you will never be replaced, but I think Itachi will be a greater ally and teammate than you ever would be.Naruto thought, as he looked up at the sky again. Not only an ally and teammate, but perhaps a friend someday…

Team 7 was shattered once. Sakura glanced around at her teammates. However…I have a feeling that won't happen again. I think…We're stronger than before. We're repaired once and for all…

The sun was beginning to set on their world. Not just their world, but also the past. Sakura hadn't dwelled on her memories from long ago. Naruto's words about cherishing your memories and holding them close may be true…but sometimes memories are just meant to be lost. Recovering them may be hard, but they are never truly lost until you forget them completely.

Yes…we need our memories, but there is also the future. The future of the reborn Team 7 was promising. Sakura and Itachi's future relationship also showed great promise…

Ah, yes, the awaited future…

…

…

…

That's something you can look forward to cherishing as a great memory one day.

…It's over!! That took me forever to think up…but I loved it! –at the point of speechlessness- …Did everyone like it? I really hope so…

I thought the ending was a little out there, but I thought it fit in with the story.

I am sorry guys; there will be no sequel with this one. It simply ends here. All we know is Team 7 is finally joined together…and ItaSaku rules!! If there are any Sasuke lovers out there, I am terribly sorry for killing off Sasuke in here. I am a Sasuke fan but well, I just like Itachi more. :)

August 18, 2008 Update: The paragraph above may not apply much longer. A poll is posted in my profile until about October or November that will help give me an idea if most readers would like a sequel to this story or not. Most likely, if the 'yes' votes win, then the next part of this story will probably be a one-shot or if I have a good idea, a full out sequel. Please feel free to participate in the poll.

Anyways, thank you all for reading and reviewing :) You all deserve cookies! –showers readers and reviewers with cookies-

Please review everyone since I really want to know if the ending was alright. Especially if the story was good, bad, etc.

I will start updating my other story, Why Do You Fight For Love? I look forward to seeing how that story turns out as well. I guess we'll see, won't we? By the way, I will probably post my newest story in maybe…a few weeks, I think? Story: A True Cherry Blossom Warrior

For more details, just check my profile. It will explain most of everything.

See ya guys later!

SharinganAnbuSakura