Chapter 1: In Konoha

It has been 3 years since the end of the Naruto series. Konoha is now living in peace and harmony since the defeat of Madara Uchiha, the leader of the Akatsuki. Everything seems to be getting back to normal in the village. After those 3 years, all of Narutos friends were now jonins. Except for Naruto, because he has been gone missing since the defeat of the Akatsuki. And for Sasuke he is unknown to be found. No one knows if they're dead or not, but they miss them a lot.

One night the friends of Naruto decided to have a party for Narutos birthday in remembrance of him, in a barbeque shop where the group mostly hangs out. It was a pleasant night with the crickets croaking, the owls howling, and the strong cold breeze. It was the perfect night to celebrate a remembrance. The group was gathered together in a big dining table with the food served in front of them. Then Sakura said

Sakura: "Thiscelebration is not just a celebration at all, but to remember Naruto who fought together with Sasuke to defeat Akatsuki for good. Friends! May we enjoy this celebration for him!"

Sakura ends her speech and Chouji says.

Chouji: "Let's eat!!!"

The group began eating except for Sakura, who left the table.

Shikamaru: "Sakura where are you going? After a good speech you leave. C'mon and eat you must be hungry."

Sakura: "No thanks I'm not in the mood by now"

Ino: "Oh come on Sakura, I know you want to eat don't be ashamed."

Rock Lee: "Sakura-chan I know you can't resist me come here and sit beside me."

Sakura looking disgusted at Rock lee

Sakura:" Watermelon hair, thicks brows no way. I've got more important things to do."

Then she walks away, While Rock Lee leaning on the table and busy crying

Rock Lee: "Why why why? Does she not like me, why (sob, sob, sob)"

Tenten: "Oh come on Rock Lee, I think she's busy for now. She's not in the mood for you for now."

Rock Lee looks at Tenten with tears covering his face.

Rock Lee: "She's not always in the mood for me"

And the group laughs except for Shikamaru looking at Sakura leaving the restaurant. Then he says something to Ino, who was just seated beside him.

Shikamaru: "Ino could you go follow Sakura. She's does not look happy, ask whats bugging her."

Ino: "You can do it on your own Shikamaru, so why do I have to follow her?"

Shikamaru: "Because you're her friend since childhood and you're a friend who always helps her."

Ino: "Sakura? Friend?!! Were rivals you know, we compete with one another. Don't you know that?"

Shikamaru: Just follow her Ino for once, and ask her what's bothering her. Friend or foe just help her."

Ino: "Fine, I'll help her in her problem."

Ino then leaves the Table to follow Sakura. The group looks at her as she leaves for the door.

Kiba: "Sakura, and now Ino. What's her problem Shikamaru?"

Shikamaru looks at Kiba and lights a cigarette and says.

Shikamaru: "Those two are both busy for now."

Meanwhile Sakura arrives at the 3rd hokages training grounds. She lye's on the grass and looks at the stars, while feeling the cool breeze and the sound of the insects.

Sakura: "Naruto every time I go here I remember our first day with Sasuke as members of team7. I remember many past times we had together with Kakashi-sensei. They were the best times of my life. At first I hated you so much, but I recognized that you too is a friend in my life. Now everything has changed I'm all alone here with no one to be with."

Tears began coming out of Sakura's eyes

Sakura: "You even promised to bring Sasuke back, but you left. You also said that you would become Hokage someday. Konohamaru misses you so much waiting for you to be the Hokage. (sob sob sob!)".

Ino: "Stop your crying Sakura. Naruto won't come back if you just stay here and cry."

Sakura looks at Ino while crying.

Sakura: "Ino what are you doing here? (sob sob sob)"

Ino: "Sakura I followed you here of course"

Ino walks near Sakura and takes a seat beside her. Watching Sakura cry, she placed her warm hand on Sakura's shoulder, to comfort her from her troubles.

Ino: "Look if you want Naruto back with Sasuke, all you have to do is find them.

Sakura looks at Ino and wipes her tears off.

Sakura: "I guess your right to looks for them is for me to find them. If Naruto did it before, then I can do it too."

Ino then smiles at Sakura

Ino: "That's the spirit Sakura. I'll come with in you r journey a friend is always here to help by your side."

Sakura: "Thanks Ino, but that does not stop from being rivals."

Ino laughes and says

Ino: "Of course and if Sasuke is back the competition on him is back."

Then the both of them laugh making the night a happy night. Ino stands up and walks a few distances away from Sakura.

Ino: "Let's get back to the party they're expecting us back there"

Ino said. While looking back at her

Sakura: "Okay let's get back to the party. Sorry for being stupid that I left the party."

Ino: "It's okay"

After a sometime they got back at the barbeque restaurant. When they entered they saw everyone was asleep except for Shikamaru, who was sitted at the table looking at them.

Shikamaru: "So Sakura how are you feeling now?"

Sakura: "You knew I had a problem after all?"

Shikamaru: "It was obvious on me, because of your reactions a while back"

Sakura: "You sure are smart Shikamaru."

Shikamaru then gets up and smiles. Then looks around and then frowns again.

Shikamaru: "Let's get going, never mind them their having a good dream. Let's call it a night for now."

Ino: "Yeah I guess so. Gosh I feel so sleepy already"

Sakura: "I guess we should probably leave them here"

So the three of them walked out silently and left the restaurant, without waking their friends up. The three of them were in the streets of the village, walking on their way home. Shikamaru stopped and said…

Shikamaru: "I'm leaving now, I have work early tomorrow bye."

Then Shikamaru left waving his hand, without looking at them.

Sakura and Ino: "Bye Shikamaru"

So Sakura and Ino continued in their walk until Ino got home. And Sakura went home alone. To think of her plan of getting Naruto and Sasuke back to Konoha.

It was indeed a night of friendship. It was the night of a great bonding of friends.