Finally after so many casualties, the war is finished. All the shinobi were gathered together. Everyone was supporting each other while others were being healed.

"Is it finally over?" Naruto breathed.

"Yes, it is." Kakashi replied.

All the exhausted shinobi cheered out of joy for finally after what felt like years, the war is over. All of the shinobi looked up at the sky praying for their fallen comrades. Naruto was in the middle of the crowd along with Sasuke. Everyone was cheering for them for they were the ones who had defeated Obito and Madara but soon they collapsed from exhaustion.

They were gently put down on their backs for the medics to heal. Mariah needed immediate attention while the boys weren't in that much of a critical condition.

 "We officially declare this war over!" The Raikage shouted for all to hear.

Everyone started cheering and hugging even crying out of joy. All the leaf shinobi looked over the three teens who were laying on their backs unconscious from the battle. It was them who had saved the world from being taken over which everyone was thankful for.

"Mariah needs immediate attention she's injured pretty badly." Kakashi informed Tsunade.

"Let's see what I can do."

She hovered over Mariah's body to see that she was deathly pale and losing blood. Her nerves were shot and muscles were torn. She had broken bones throughout her body and her wounds were starting to get infected. She also had a concussion. While the rest of the Kage were addressing the shinobi, Tsunade was mostly healing Mariah.

Tsunade was surprised when she saw Sasuke and when Kakashi told her that he help both Naruto and Mariah in defeating Obito. There was still reason to believe that Sasuke will plan against the Leaf so she was making sure not to heal him to full health. No one knows what's happening in that brain of his. He could still be after the village and only attacked Madara because he was in his way. Of course she was going to take him back to the leaf to heal him and for Naruto's sake but she wasn't sure on what to do after that.

Soon the shinobi were all following their own Kage back to their home village. Almost all of the shinobi from the leaf were healed except for the three from Team 7. Naruto was being carried by Akamaru and Kiba, Mariah was being carried by Gai, and Sasuke was being carried by Kakashi. Tsunade lead the shinobi back to the Leaf with ANBU closely behind her ready for her to collapse for she was exhausted from healing people.

All of Naruto's friends were mostly traveling together all wondering the same thing. They were all glancing at the three shinobi being carried. They were wondering what would happen once they get back to the village. Mariah went to the Akatsuki becoming an S-ranked criminal, killed many and Sasuke left to Orochimaru, killed Danzo and various ANBU, killed many people, and planned to destroy the village. Both were rouge ninja's in the bingo book with high bounties on their heads.

No one knew what to expect once they returned. Everyone just wanted to go home and rest for a few days. It was surprisingly quiet amongst everyone. Kakashi kept glancing at Sasuke wondering what had changed his mind to help all of them. He knew that Sasuke had to of changed his mind about it because he would've killed Naruto right after killing Madara.

He then glanced in Mariah's direction. He smiled when he looked between them. It had to of been Mariah that changed his mind. He knew that the both of them love each other but Mariah won't admit it. He knows that she does but doesn't want to be with Sasuke because he has hurt her so many times already. Sasuke has a lot of work to do if he wants to be with her well if he even gets a chance since he'll have to pay for his crimes.

Finally they reached the village and all the injured shinobi were sent to the hospital. Mariah was the first one to be worked on. Medics spent a while on her and finally got her to separate from Tadashi and Kurayami who were also being looked after but soon they were fine and were given a room where they would rest. For days the three were in a coma but still got visitors. Of course Sasuke was the first one to wake up.

He frantically looked at his surroundings only to realize that he was in the Leaf village. Looking to his left he saw Naruto in the other bed sleeping soundlessly. He looked down at his hands trying to remember what happened.

"So you're up already?" He heard.

Sasuke's head shot up towards the voice. He looked over at the door to see Kakashi leaning against the doorway.

"How long have I been out?" Sasuke asked staring at his old sensei.

"A few days. I'm not surprised that you woke up so fast. You took the less damage out of the three of you."

"Why am I here?"

"Because we knew that Naruto would throw a fit if we didn't bring you back and we've all missed you."

"Where's Mariah?"

"In the other room, she's stable but her chakra is really low; she almost died."

"Is she okay?!" He asked sitting up.

"She's fine, don't worry. I wouldn't say the same for you though. You have to pay for your crimes....well that's if you stay."

Sasuke was silent not sure what he was going to do.

 "Are you staying in the village and giving up your plan of revenge?"

"Yeah......I'm planning on staying......I'm planning on becoming Hokage." He muttered.

"Oh? And why's that? Is it because of a certain girl?"

"I promised her, something happened when we were fighting Kabuto and she got out of control, to get her back I promised that I'd come back."

"You know that she won't take you back easily,"

"I know,"

Just then Tsunade came into the room.

"So you're finally awake."

"Hn,"

"I'm sorry to say this Sasuke but I've been doing some thinking and you're under arrest for treason."

Sasuke didn't do anything at all. He didn't move a muscle or even blink; he already knew and accepted his fate. Two ANBU appeared and placed chakra cuffs on Sasuke's wrists. They took him out of the hospital then to be interrogated. A few hours Naruto woke up and looked around for Sasuke. Next to his bed he saw Kakashi reading one of his books.

"Kakashi-sensei! Where's Sasuke!"

"Calm down, he's still in the village. Right now he's being interrogated."

"Is he at least staying???!!! He wasn't joking about becoming Hokage right?"

"Yes....calm down.."

"How's Mariah?"

"She's stable, she took the worse of the battle so it'll take longer for her to recover." He said turning a page in his book.

Quickly, Naruto got up and rushed into Mariah's room seeing tubes sticking out of her along with needles, supports on her broken limbs, and bandages wrapped around her body. A huge bag full of blood was just beside her bed going through a tube into a needle which was in her arm. The sight made Naruto want to cry for his comrade. Her hair was a mess still caked in blood while her face was extremely pale. Kakashi came over and place a comforting hand on Naruto's shoulder letting him know that everything will be fine.

"Will Sasuke be put in jail?" Naruto asked.

"Most likely; he has to pay for the crimes that he has committed." Kakashi replied.

"What about Mariah?"

"Well that's a different story, I believe that she'll be off the hook but will be under house arrest for a while. You can't be too sure but I know that Lady Tsunade trusts her."

"How long will Sasuke be locked away?"

"I'm guessing until you become Hokage."

"Until I become...Hokage?"

"Yes, I believe that you're next in line."

"Are you sure Kakashi-sensei! One hundred percent positive!" Naruto shouted in excitement jumping up and down.

"Shhhh Mariah is resting but yes I am."

Naruto was speechless but very excited and happy. He was proud of himself that he made it this far in life. He looked back over at Mariah along with Kakashi.

"She'll be fine Naruto, she's stubborn and wouldn't die." Kakashi said.

"I guess you're right."

"You have to get back in bed before Lady Tsunade finds out. You should be out of here in a few days."

"Okay,"

*Time skip*

It has been two months since the war has ended and the village has been getting back to normal. Naruto has been out helping everyone who was affected by the war being the good citizen he is. Sasuke has been imprisoned in the jail on the outskirts of the village but went without a fight. Sadly Mariah still hasn't woken up which has worried many. Tadashi sat at the edge of the chair next to her bed holding her had awaiting for her to wake up.

Lady Tsunade has done all she could and said that Mariah is in a deep sleep and is lost in her subconscious. She has done all that Medical Ninjutsu could do but she needed a professional of the mind. Ino's relative Santa (real person in Naruto) has been out of the village helping others who were affected but he will return when he can to help. He said that he will be returning soon.

Lady Tsunade waited by the gates waiting for him to return. Finally after hours of waiting he returned and headed straight to the Hospital. While he was taking care of Mariah, all of her friends were waiting outside the room waiting for an answer. They waited for hours.

*Inside Mariah's head*

Santa floated inside the mind of Mariah searching for her everywhere. He looked into her memories but didn't find her there. He then looked where her dreams would be but still nothing. He looked all through her brain but still ended up empty. After many hours of searching he came to a part of the brain that was blocked off by a door.

After ten minutes he finally opened it and went inside and found Mariah standing inside a white room wearing white robes with a young woman about Mariah's age wearing a black robe. The woman had midnight black hair with blood red eyes and had a demonic aura around her. He wasn't noticed so he stayed hidden listening in on their conversation.

"Let me out Mariah......you have nothing more to live for." The young woman said.

"Never," Mariah replied with a broken voice.

"You know you want to,"

"I know I don't want to.....why can't you leave me alone...."

"You're stuck in my cell right now.....you can never escape my dear."

"I've done it before and I can do it again."

"Itachi isn't here to help you this time."

Mariah turned towards the young girl revealing that her arms and legs were burnt and covered in blood. Blood covered her whole front side....she looked stressed and lost.

"Ha you've been trying since you became unconscious! What makes you think you can try now? You're hopeless!"

"Heh......I know that I'll be able to escape today."

"What makes you so sure?"

Quickly, Mariah ran towards the door. The woman grabbed her arm throwing her against the wall but Mariah kicked her away. She ran as fast as she could opening the door and quickly closing it towards her.

"I knew that you would come." She said to Santa hugging him.

"You were in here this whole time?" He questioned.

"Yes......I've been trying to escape since I got in there."

"Come on....everyone is worried for you." He said grabbing her hand.

"How long have I been in there? It felt like three days."

"It's been two months."

Mariah was silent through the rest of the journey. In a blink of an eye Santa was gone and Mariah's eyes were open. She looked around the room to see that she was in the hospital connected to...needles....Slowly she breathed in looking away from it. Her eyes roamed the room but stopped when she saw a certain guy staring at her.

All at once her friends rushed into the room filling it up.

"Mariah!" They all shouted.

"Hey guys," She greeted weakly.

They all started asking her questions at once and telling her what she has missed and how she's a hero.

"Ok everyone give Mariah some room.......she needs her rest." Lady Tsunade said scaring everyone.

"Yes Lady Hokage," They all said.

They shuffled out of the room leaving Mariah and Tsunade alone.

"You're lucky Santa came at last or you would've been stuck in there forever."

"I guess.......Lady Tsunade."

"Yes?"

"When I'm better can I ask something of the Kages?"

"What did you have in mind?"

"Well during the war, I came across a village well more of a country and they really need all of your help."

"What country?"

"The demon country,"

"Mariah! That place is dangerous!" She gasped.

"Not anymore....Kurayami and I landed there by accident and it's actually a nice place, they have the demons under control. They have special seals to keep them away. When we were there a kid took one off so me and Tadashi dealt with it and saved the day."

"Are you sure that it's safe?"

"Yes; they have a girl there who can deal with the demons and keep them at bay. That's how Tadashi was here out of my mind and I want her to get my other demon out."

"Okay....I'll talk it over."

"Thank you Lady Tsunade."

"No problem Mariah; now we have to talk about you staying here."

"I was afraid of that,"

"I personally know that you won't betray the village but the elders just want to be sure. You're being placed under house arrest. You can go anywhere but outside the village. ANBU or Kakashi will be monitoring you day and night watching your every move."

"That's understandable......is Kakashi watching me?"

"Yes.....he should be in a few minutes."

She then turned to leave.

"Oh and Mariah,"

"Yeah?"

"Sasuke's in jail.....just letting you know....."

Mariah's eyes widened but she should've expected him to go to jail. She was surprised Sasuke even agreed to come back to the village. She wasn't sure if he actually returned by his own free will or just because she wanted him to.

"...Ok..." She replied.

"And Kurayami should be in here when Kakashi comes."

"When can I leave?"

"In a week or so."

Tsunade then left leaving her to her thoughts. Kakashi and Tadashi soon stepped into the room.

"Glad to see that you're awake," Kakashi greeted.

Kurayami jumped onto the bed laying next to Mariah while Tadashi sat in the chair next to the bed.

"Glad to be awake."

"I'm just letting you know that Sasuke can have visitors......Naruto and Sakura have been visiting him since they were allowed to see him."

"Kakashi,"

"Yes?"

"What's the date today?"

"July 16th ... why?" (A/N I know in the manga it would be like Dec but go along with it)

"Just wondering....."

*Week later*

Mariah was walking around the village towards her apartment with Kurayami and Tadashi at her side. Kakashi was trailing behind her reading his book not watching her at all. Once she arrived at her apartment she closed the door but soon after, Kakashi entered and went into the living room clearing some space.

"What are you doing?" Kakashi lazily asked.

"Making someone happy." Mariah replied.

"Who would that be?"

"Sasuke,"

"How are you going to make him happy when he's in jail?"

"It's going to make him happy but sad at the same time."

"Why sad?"

"It's a goodbye present."

"Goodbye present?"

"Yeah, I'm moving on with my life and I can't wait around for someone who I can't trust and will break my heart again."

"I guess that will make him sad so how are you going make him happy?"

"Watch,"

Mariah drew a pentagram on the floor with special sand on the floor with candles then a scroll in the middle of it.

"A séance? Isn't that a Kekkai Genkai from a clan?"

"Yup....copied it from them a year ago."

"You do know that this is almost forbidden right?"

"I already talked it over with the Elders and Hokage-sama; they approve."

"If you say so,"

Soon it was silent and Mariah started to do the correct hand signs summoning what was in the scroll to the middle of the circle followed by even more hand signs. She started to perform them so fast that not even Kakashi's Sharingan could keep up. Mariah started to mutter words which no one could hear. Once she stopped it was deathly silent then the circle started to glow blinding everyone.

When she opened her eyes she saw a figure standing in front of her. She smiled and grabbed their hand dragging them out of the house and went towards the jail with Kakashi in toe while Tadashi stayed at the house. Even though she wasn't supposed to leave the village the Hokage gave her permission. Once she reached the jail she asked for Sasuke and the guard told her where to go.

They approached the cell quietly but Sasuke still heard them.

"Who's there?" He questioned.

Mariah reached Sasuke's cell and let go of the breath she was holding. It was hard to face him again but he has hurt her so many times and won't be around anymore since he's in jail. Maybe if he eventually gets out they can start over but she needed to help herself. She's been through so much she had to deal with the losses and emotional torment she had faced throughout the years.

"I have a present for you," Mariah spoke standing in front of the cell.

"I was wondering when you'd show up........I heard that you were in a coma and had to stay in bed for a week." He said turning towards her.

"True story ....so it's July 23rd your birthday and I wanted to give you a present.....one that no one else could get you....but first I want to tell you something."

"What is it?"

"I just wanted to tell you that this will probably be the last time we see each othe, well until you get out of jail but still I don't think that we'll ever be together again...I have a lot of healing to do and I need to do it on my own. Please don't dwell on this for long just enjoy your present."

Sasuke was silent for a few minutes.

"What could have you gotten me that could cheer me up?" He asked sounding hurt by her words.

"Sasuke," A deep voice said.

Sasuke's head shot up and he made his way over to the cell bars as fast as he could.

"Itachi," He breathed.

"Yes it's me Sasuke," Itachi replied.

He couldn't believe it. His brother was standing right in front of him looking alive as ever.

"How?"

"Mariah did it,"

Sasuke looked over at Mariah with a shocked face.

"I should be going.....I'll leave you two alone now."

Mariah turned away but stopped to pull a letter out of her pocket.

"Here Sasuke..........Read it later."

She and Kakashi then left leaving the two Uchiha brothers alone. Mostly they talked the whole time and Sasuke was ecstatic about it until visiting hours were over and Itachi had to leave. Once he was gone Sasuke looked at the letter in his hand and unfolded it then started to read.

Dear Sasuke,

I wrote this letter not knowing how to say what I wanted to but here it goes. I'm so sorry that this has happened like this but we can't be together...... I know that you still love me and to tell you the truth...I love you too............

Maybe we'll see each other in the future but I won't be the same. The guy Tadashi, well he was also in love with me and he's been with me since I was born literally. I still love him and he still loves me. He'll take good care of me I promise. I don't know what will happen but you know I'm a risk taker.

The choice that I'm making is hurting both of us but I can't be with someone who has hurt me more than once and I can't trust you. I still remember all the good times that we had together and I don't plan on forgetting them because they were good times; even when we traveled together with Taka. I hope that you liked your present.

It took a lot of chakra and energy to perform but it was worth it. Now you have someone to look forward to seeing when you get out of jail. I know that you won't want to see anyone once you're out of there but I know that you love everyone in the village especially Naruto. You two have a bond that no one will ever understand. I know that all those years ago at Final Valley, you couldn't kill him because he was your new brother and friend. Try not to be so cold towards him all the time. You're the closest he has had to a brother and literally fought with his life to get you back in his life.

I hope that you'll settle down and find someone else not just focusing on me. There are plenty of woman out there for you. You don't want to be with someone who freaks out over needles, gets paranoid when in closed spaces, is cocky, obnoxious, bipolar, annoying, quick tempered, and has all of these unattractive scars all over their body.

I want you to be happy but I know that will never happen because you still love me. Find someone else who you'll be happy with because for all we know in the next few years I could die from a mission. Even though the war is over and the nations are united it doesn't mean the end of missions since there are still rouges out there.

I want to say that it might be possible that we don't love each other like we think we do. What we could be feeling is just stupid teen love and hormones making us feel this way. We'll grow out of it once we're matured adults. My brain wants that to be true but my heart doesn't. Please just promise me that you'll stay in the village and somehow find happiness.

With love,

Mariah Kira

Sasuke reread the letter about ten times already not believing what he had read. He couldn't believe what he just read; she didn't want to be with him anymore. He felt pain in his chest where his heart was now he knows how Mariah has felt all these years; he didn't like it and can't understand how she dealt with the pain.

He was happy for what she had done for him today, it was actually the best birthday ever despite him being in jail for it. She brought Itachi back to life....just for him. That whole time they were apart she was with someone else.....He's here now and she still loves him. He put the note into his pocket finally tearing it away from his gaze and laid on his bed. He'll just have to try and forget about her.....he has a long time until he sees her again.

Mariah walked back to her house noticing Itachi right behind her.

"Are you sure about this?"

"I can't deal with him hurting me again."

"You know......when you left he was upset at what you told him."

"I know but.....we have to move on..it's for the best."

"Are you sure about that?"

"It's just stupid teen love anyway.........it'll go away soon enough."

"Are you sure it really is?"

"Positive,"

"Are you just believing whatever she says?"

"I've spent a long time with her......In a white room alone with her for months.......I had to listen to her lectures....Tadashi might have destroyed her body but not her soul."

"You'll come to your senses eventually. What are you going to do about Tadashi?"

"That.... I have no idea about.... I can't just leave Sasuke and go out with Tadashi...I just think that I'm not meant to be with someone. I'll just stick with being a ninja for now."

"You say that now,"

"Well I think that Sasuke and Tadashi can do better. I already know someone who would be great for Tadashi."

"And would Tadashi agree to it?"

"Once I tell him that I don't want to be with anyone he will eventually."

With that, Itachi left to his own apartment which he and Sasuke will be living in from now on. Mariah walked along the path, reminiscing all the memories she has had with everyone. When she got back to her apartment, Tadashi was waiting for her.

"Tadashi," She started.

"I know what you're going to say."

"You do?"

"We're connected, remember?"

"But..Akuma.."

"We still have a bond remember? Akuma can't sever that."

"If you know what I'm going to say then why are you still here?"

"Because I'm going to try and talk you out of it."

"You can't change my mind."

"Mariah," He said strolling over, "I love you and nothing is going to change that. You also love me back but also Sasuke. I know you love him more but please don't leave me in the dust. I haven't loved anyone like I love you. You're unsure about your feelings for Sasuke but I'm an exception. I've lived for many years and know how I feel. I love you Mariah Kira. I love you so much that I died for you. Please, give me a chance." He pleaded.

Tadashi got closer to her putting one hand on her cheek and the other on her hip. Mariah looked at him taking in his words. Everything he had said was true but could she really give him a chance? She's been hurt so many times but maybe she won't be again.

"Tadashi,"

"Yes?"

"I'll give you a chance."

"Yes! You won't regret it!" He shouts running out the door.

"Where are you going?"

"Home, I got things to do!"

"Uh, okay?"

With that he is gone leaving Mariah to her thoughts. It was still early so she decided to see what her friends were up to. She walked to the Ramen shop seeing Naruto there as usual.

"Hey Naruto," She greeted.

"Mariah!" He shouted happily.

"What have you been up to?"

"Eh nothing much, training mostly. There haven't been any missions for awhile. Just D ranked ones."

"That must be boring. Not even a C rank?"

"Nope, OH I FOROT TO TELL YOU!"

"What?"

"I've been promoted to Jonin!"

"That's awesome Naruto! Congratulations!" She shouted hugging him.

"What about you? How have you been?"

"Still recovering. I'm not allowed on even D ranked missions and I'm also under house arrest still."

"I don't see anyone watching you."

"There's an ANBU somewhere around here."

"Oh,"

"I'm also going to ask Tsunade a favor."

"And what would that be?"

"I'm going to ask if I can be an ANBU."

"Really?!"

"Yeah, there's really nothing I want to do. I really don't want to train genin."

"Why?"

"Well after our team and the chuunin exams, I'm afraid to see what my team would be like. It still bewilders me on how Kakashi-sensei put up with us."

"Yeah, we were something."

"But we were a good team."

"Yes we were." Sakura agreed as she walked in.

"Hey Sakura,"

"Well I can see that you're actually following orders Mariah. It looks like you're getting better."

"Cause I know that you and Tsunade will kill me if I'm caught training."

"Of course we would," She said with a smile.

"Riiiiight, what brings you here Sakura?"

"Oh rumors,"

"Oh dear."

"So I heard that Tadashi asked you out and you said yes. Is that true?"

Both Naruto and Sakura looked at Mariah waiting for a response.

"Yes, it's true."

"What about Sasuke!" Sakura shouted.

"Sakura, he has hurt me many times. I don't think I can take it anymore. I can't trust him."

"But...you love him."

"I know I do but I have to do what I have to do. I can't focus on him hoping that we'll get back together and everything will be okay. Nothing will ever be the same between us."

"That's what you think Mariah."

"That's what I know, Sakura."

"Mhm yeah sure."

"I have to go guys, I'll see you later."

"Bye Mariah," They said in unison.

Mariah then walked out of the ramen shop towards the Hokage building. Once she was there she knocked on the door hearing a "come in".

"Yes Mariah?"

"I wanted to ask you something. I know it probably won't happen for a while but can I be an ANBU?"

Tsunade stared at Mariah taking in her request thinking it over.

"I don't know Mariah. Personally, I would say yes in a heartbeat and test you like everyone else but it's also up to the elders."

"I understand Lady Tsunade, if you would just consult it with the elders it would be much appreciated."

"I will Mariah, don't worry. I'll fight for you."

"Thank you Lady Tsunade."

Mariah then bowed and headed out the door back to her apartment. A few weeks passed by until she got a reply.

"Mariah Kira, as requested by Lady Hokage and the elders. You will be tested to be an ANBU on August 17th at 8 am sharp."

And that's when her new life began.