Legacy of A Flower: Naruto (remake)

Chapter Fifty Four: Until the Day I Die

I was in my kitchen, cleaning up some weapons before packing them up. Kunai, shuriken, wire. All the things I may need if a Yoshida tests me one too many times. I had been nervous, knowing I would have to re-adapt to being in the compound. It was a place where people didn't smile or laugh liked they did in the Leaf. I knew I would hate it, more than I did when I was a kid.

Someone landed on my window sill. I didn't even think about it because it should have been obvious who it was.

"Sasuke, use the do-," I turned my head to see Kakashi who dejectedly witnessed my words die into the air. "Oh, hey, Sensei."

"You thought I was him?" he questioned. He was was remorseful, I knew that. We all were. In a way, we all blamed ourselves for not being able to make him stay.

"Sorry," I apologized. "He just... always came through the window."

"He could be very assertive like that," he empathized with my mistake. His eyes travelled to the picture that was attached to my fridge by a frog magnet. Naruto had given it to me as 'get well soon' gift. I would definitely be taking that frog magnet with me.

The picture was one we struggled to take because the boys kept arguing. Kakashi stood behind us, his hands on the boys' heads. He wore his famous close-eyed smile. Naruto and Sasuke were at either side of him. Sasuke had glared away while Naruto had been glaring directly at him.

Sakura and I were in front of them. She stood near Sasuke, her fist close to her face with a cheery smile. I was next to Naruto. I couldn't stop laughing that day because the photographer had been so overwhelmed by us. I had one arm around Sakura.

"Is it bad that I always knew he wasn't going to stay?" I inquired. "Like, I wanted to believe that he'd stay, but I knew he wouldn't."

It was never truly his intentions to be here with us. He did care for us, but his desire for revenge outweighed us. Soon, none of use were enough for him anymore. Sasuke had been destined to leave.

"I don't blame you," he imparted. "You two always shared so much. I think he opened up to you the most about what was on his mind."

"Yeah and I opened up to him," I admitted. "We would sit in my kitchen and he'd always eat my food. We always talked about everything." I shook my head, ridding myself of the incoming sadness, "we're getting him back. I'll kill him and revive him if I have to."

"There's the spirit," he chuckled.

"Also, thanks for backing my up there," I expressed my gratitude. He waved me off, but I continued, "Actually thank you, for everything. I know I can sometimes be a smartass, but I really do appreciate everything you've done for me."

"Lily, I've learned from you aswell," he smiled. "You never failed to amaze me how far you are willing to go for your team. To be frank, I have some really new comebacks up my sleeve that I never thought I needed thanks to you."

I knew it. He enjoyed my sarcasm and clever replies.
I'm more hapyp that he said I taught him some of my ways. Atleast now I know that I am leaving him with something.

"Hey there," Miyuki popped in through the window.
"I heard you were leaving, kid."

"Yeah, I'm packing to get the hell out of here," I confirmed.

"Well, I just wanted to say goodbye. If you ever need anything, I'm always here for Haruka's kids," she said. She pulled me into a hug and whispered, "Also be cautious, kid." My eyes widened by a fraction, but I quickly fixed my face.

"Thanks," I nodded, playing it off. "I wouldn't have been able to fight off some snake minions without you." She taught me Yoshida skills without even being a Yoshida. Even when I do master my Kekkei Genaki, I don't believe I'll ever be compelled to use it often. I trusted her, which is why I will heed her advice.

"And write to me!" Sakura jumped right through my window with Naruto behind her. Great, Sasuke started this trend and now it's madness. "I want an array of letters by the time you come back."

Sakura, I enjoyed how we uplifted one another. We were the girls of the team, we had to be tough. We had to be supportive of one another. I hope she would grow to be confident and strong. Truly, I hoped the best for her. Even when she did annoy me and vice versa, I knew I would do anything for her.

I laughed at her simple, but sweet want, "I will write to you and don't worry, I'll visit when I can. What about you Blondie, any letters?"

"I would, but I'm kind of traveling with Pervy Sage for the next few years," he rubbed the back of his neck sheepisly.

Naruto never ceased to surprise me. He was about go off and train with A Legend Sannin. I always defended him and his dreams. That is because I never had any doubt in my mind that he would see to it. We made a promise to have one another's back for life. A promised bond, unbreakable.

"Of course you are," I rejoiced. "And when you're back, I want to take on the future Sixth Hokage, you got me?"

"You better be prepared, Yoshida," he said, tackling me into a hug. I instantly hugged back, nodding to Sakura to join in. She did, holding onto the both of us.

"Shika, I know your ass is at the window," I exposed the Nara. "Come join the pile, now." I basically ordered and he complied to my wishes.

Shikamaru. He walked me home to and from school. Was the reason I didn't always have to eat dinner alone. He had always taken care of me, befriended me. We admired one another since the very first day we met. I couldn't have asked for a better bestfriend.

"You're gonna wreck havoc in the Mist now," he sighed. "They're going to regret inviting you over."

"Maybe, but don't get too lazy without me here to entertain you," I said. "And write to Temari..."

"No, stop," he let go of the hug. We broke apart, the Blonde's arm still slung over my shoulder. "But also, don't even think about no longer being the Lily you are."

"In that case, stay lazy, Shika," I decided.

"Always," he emphasized.

"So, you two are really leaving?" Sakura held back tears.

"Yeah," I nodded. "But you don't need us here stressing you about out all day. Get strong, okay? Blondie's gonna need someone to keep him check."

"Yeah, maybe you'll release some of that strength on Lily instead," he added nervously. The Blonde then faced me, his eyes filled with both hope and sadness. He voiced the words I always knew the answer to, "until the day I die?"

Engulfing him in yet another hug I said:

"Until the day I die, my dear friend."