hi

xxx

Epilogue: Welcome, Child

Sasuke was bleeding heavily, but he didn't care. Why would he? She was dead. They had only gotten her back, and now her lifeless body lay before him. Shikamaru gently placed a friendly hand on Sasuke's bloody shoulder. Everyone was crying, and nobody seemed to care. Even Sasuke's eyes were damp.

"I'm sorry, Sasuke," Shikamaru muttered, tears falling out of his eyes. "If only…"

The ANBU stared at the two carcasses. Naruto looked like she had pushed Kyuubi, and the sword was brought upon the little girl's back and the fox demon's neck. They were still drenched in their own blood.

The battle had been quick. Sasuke managed to partially break the seal that was on his curse mark, and he finished Juugo and Karin in two easy blasts. The team then hurriedly ran after Suigetsu. Sasuke arrived just in time to see the sword… the sword…

Insects were now feasting on Suigetsu's entrails.

Sasuke was in agony. If only Naruto knew how he had felt about her. If only he had told her… So many regrets.

Sakura suddenly gasped, and blood spat out of her mouth. She didn't seem to notice. "It can't be."

Kiba looked at Sakura, eyes deadened. "We know, he… I mean, she, is dead. There's—"

"She's breathing."

Six heads spun around, and indeed, the little girl's body was – although very faintly – moving up and down.

Neji asked, "How can this be?"

Lee started sobbing harder. "It's a miracle! The miracle of youth! Oh Gai-sensei, if only you're here!"

Sakura wasted no time. "I'm the medical ninja. Everyone, pick her up gently. I think Kyuubi's chakra saved her. We've got to get her to the emergency room now."

Sasuke didn't dare to hope. But his heart felt lighter.

Naruto…

XXX

"That hair… It looks just like Minato's. Won't you agree, Kakashi?"

"I'll say. Even the shade of orange matches Minato-sensei's."

A younger male voice spoke up. "Is this the long lost child of Yondaime?"

"I believe so, Iruka," an old voice said. "That's what we wished for all of these seven years."

Naruto opened her eyes sleepily. Their voices had woken her up. She stared at an old geezer wearing a white and red outfit. His big hat had a word woven on it - fire.

"Wh-where am I?"

The old man smiled kindly. "Your eyes… Child, there's no mistake. Welcome back to Konoha, Naruto. I'm the Third Hokage. Rest, child. Rest."

Sleep prevailed over her once more.

Kakashi smiled. "She's the miniature version of Minato-sensei. I wonder how she got back? She was kidnapped as a baby."

"We'll wait and see, Kakashi. Only time will tell."

Hello everyone. I took some time and edited through this story. For you new readers, the sequel is up; it's called "Don't Say It's Never Too Late." If you enjoyed this fanfic, please leave a comment and spread some love! Thank you.