Memories of the Blossom Heart

Chapter 37: The Final Vows

The next day occurred when Naruto was announced as the official Hokage, much to everyone's joy and acknowledgement. Hinata gave him a kiss on the cheek, until they both ended up making out in front of them, whereas the other guys howled and cheered for them.

"Congrats, big bro! You did it!" Konohamaru said merrily.

"Congratulations," Moegi greeted.

"Naruto is so cool," Udon grinned.

"He is indeed the best guy," Sai agreed, while wrapping his arm around Ino's waist.

"Yeah, but I'm still going to spar with him and win," Kiba smirked.

"Keep dreaming," Tenten joked lightly.

"Quiet," he said, sweat-dropping.

"Confidence is key, even when you're not," Neji stated, crossing his arms as usual.

"I don't mind joining in because I do admire your confidence and willingness, Kiba," Lee chided in.

"Sure, why not? After all, I'm going to steal those eyebrows of yours and make it into a mustache," Kiba dared.

"What?!" He panicked.

"Kidding! Okay, let's make a bet. If I win, you pay for the lunch meal, but if you win, I'll pay it then," Kiba explained.

"Let's do it," Lee encouraged and shook hands with him.

"Count me in too," Kankuro chided.

"Yes, alright!" The two of them gave each other a high-five.

"Boys," Temari shook her head, yet smiled nonchalantly at their goofiness.

The red-haired Kazekage walked up to Naruto and patted him on the back as he hugged him. "Congratulations. I'm very proud of you."

"Heheh, thanks Gaara. I guess dreams really do come true, after all," he grinned, rubbing the back of his head.

The pink-haired kunoichi hugged him as well, saying. "I knew you could do it, Naruto."

"Thank you for believing in me, you guys," he said appreciatively, along with Hinata standing beside him.

The dark-haired ninja grabbed his cape, which Sakura took a glimpse at him. He then came by and softly reminded them. "I have to leave for my journey again, to continue my atonement."

"Sasuke..." the pink-haired kunoichi murmured with a frown.

"Don't worry, I'm going to be fine as always. You take care of yourselves, okay?"

"Hmm. Of course," she reassured. "It's your job as a Shadow Hokage, isn't it?"

"Yes, and I'll be just right outside if you need anything," Sasuke noted briefly.

"Understood," Gaara said.

A female voice spoke out clearly with her fingers fidgeting in nervousness and asked. "Sakura, can I talk to you for a bit? I mean, if that's okay for you..."

The pink-haired kunoichi glanced around to see the person, who is none other than her rival in astonishment. "Katsumi... Yeah, that's okay. I have time."

Gaara looked at her in the corner of his eyes and gave a nod, initiating her to do so, just when Sakura took this as a sign.

She went over to the side with her as they stood near the railing. They remained silent and waited for her to speak.

"You know, I'm very envious of you..." Katsumi muttered.

"You were...?" Sakura repeated.

"Hmm. I've always been living under your shadow when I was dating Gaara because I felt like I was losing him. The worst part is that I lost myself and I was too clouded by my own selfish desires," The brunette said apologetically.