3 WEEKS LATER

MINAKO'S POINT OF VIEW

 "Lady Hokage, you have a visitor." My personal assistant, a young but incredibly intelligent civilian named Yumi smiled at me brightly. She was only about sixteen but she has begged me for a job post the attack from Danzo. Her house was destroyed and she wanted to help her family pay for the construction. Yumi was a very pretty girl. She had light blue eyes, the color of ice. Her hair was a very dark violet, nearly black unless seen in the sunlight. I enjoyed her presence and we got along very well. In fact, she reminded me of Mikoto alot...her attitude tender yet constructive.

"Send them in please Yumi."

"Yes ma'am." She smiled. It must be hard to be a civilian in a the ninja village. Everyone around you can do amazing things with chakra and whatnot...but they can't. I can't imagine how helpless it must feel. My thoughts were broken when I looked up to see Obito had come in. His mask was gone and he was wearing civilian robes.

"Have you decided on my offer?" I offered Obito a deal after my...'awakening'...that if he declared peace with the village and stayed here, we would not treat him as a traitor and go after him. I cared for Obito with all my heart but killing the Hokage isn't exactly a light offense. In theory, he should be put to death without trial or anything of that sort. I would never do that to Obito...I couldn't....but for the sake of the village I have to pretend I would.

"I have and...I accept." My violet eyes went wide and I jumped up, hitting my knee on the desk and yelping softly. 

"W-wait r-really!? Oh I am happy Obito!!" I ran up and hugged him tightly, my new Hokage robes flowed behind me. He sighed into my embrace and hugged me back before pulling away.

"I did this so I can protect you and Shinasui. Not for the village. I hope you understand that." I nodded before a few tears leaked out of my eyes.

"Mina...why are you crying? Are you okay?" I nodded again before wiping the stray tears.

"It's just...you're home now Obito. I've been waiting all this time and now you're home."

"Am I interrupting something?" Kakashi stood next to me with raised eyebrows towards Obito. Obito gave me a sly smirk before jumping on me, hugging me tightly.

"OH MINA I NEVER KNEW YOU FELT THAT WAY~ AWW."  

"Yep the old Obito is back." Kakashi mumbled as he walked away. Obito and I laughed loudly at Kakashi the grouch before separating and really looking at each other.

"Mina...I-" He started before scratching his head.

"If you're going to apologize to me again, forget it ya know."

"No...it's just...after all this time...how could you have forgiven me for everything I have done. You're offering me a place to call home, a job...a reason to exist...and I tried to take all of that from you. How could you still believe in me like that?" I smiled at Obito before poking him on the chest.

"Because you always have and forever will be my first love and my best friend. It might not be the way you want it to be but I love you Obito. I would never give up on you. I can't give up...that's my nindo, my ninja way." Obito gazed at me in silent awe before bowing and leaving. He paused at the doorway and whispered quietly.

"Thank you."

~~

"Gather around everyone. It's time to start our first monthly meeting ya know. Yumi, what files do you have for me?" Yumi made her way over to me with folders, her long violet hair fell down her back. Itachi glanced at her from my side and I watched as his eyes softened.

Finally. 

"Thank you Yumi. Now I quickly would like to go over our newest members on the council. Second in command is Itachi Uchiha." Itachi stood up and bowed slightly to show respect to the others on the council.

"Head of Anbu divisions is Kakashi Hatake." Kakashi did the same. I had Kakashi fill in the spot Danzo had left open for the Anbu division and replaced Danzo's vacancy on the elder council with Hiruzen Sarutobi.  After addressing them and letting the other older members of the divisions an opportunity to know the new members, we began the meeting.

"Status report on the village repairs?" 

"Still work to be done in the commercial district but nearly all residential areas have been cleared and rebuilt." I nodded, pleased with the news. 

"Good. Now any news on potential threats after our fight?" I asked.

"So far nothing." I released a breath. I was most concerned about safety because when a village is at a weak point is when enemies attack.

"Excellent."

"We are most impressed with you Lady Hokage. You defeated Danzo and the revolt without a single casualty on our side. That's nearly unheard of." The older woman on the elder council spoke up. I smiled slightly before shaking my head.

"The brave ninjas I ordered did the work. They are the ones you should thank." She nodded with a pleased look in her eyes, something that eased me greatly considering she was Danzo's closest ally. It seems I have gained her respect. 

"Itachi, do you have anything to add on?" Itachi stood before them, releasing a deep breath.

"Despite this being an internal battle, we now know the strength and capability of our new Hokage. Our primary focus is to be calm and have an era of peace this village has yet to know. The devastation of my clan will be the last time anything of that sort will happen to this village.  By working alongside Lady Hokage, the first era of true peace between Senju blood and the Uchiha has been established." The members of the council all clapped in cheer towards Itachi's words. I smiled at him brightly and he returned it to me. 

"I'm so proud of you Itachi." I whispered to him. He smiled a little further before nodding and sitting down.

This new era of peace will change history forever.

~~

TEN YEARS LATER

On a beautiful Spring afternoon beneath the cliff of the great stone faces, a caucus of the most talented young shinobi had gathered together to celebrate an evening like no other. 

My son's wedding. 

People from villages all over were attending. The ones I spoke to the most included the Fifth Kazekage ( a young man named Gaara who also a jinchuriki) and Killer B, an unlikely friend Naruto has made over the years for his training. Because of Naruto's personality, we have forged bonds with previous enemies and our village was stronger than ever. Business and travel is booming, Konoha is known as the most popular village in the land...and I can't even take full credit for it. Naruto's heartfelt words and easy going personality made him such a good friend to anyone he meets...perhaps that's partly why the Hyuga princess has fallen in love with him. 

I looked around to see the young shinobi of Naruto's graduating class flourishing with strength. Neji, Shikamaru, and Sakura were all important members of the community and my go-to assistants when need be. Sakura was the strongest medical ninja in the village, even surpassing her master. Shikamaru worked well with his father Shikaku and devised anything I needed help with. Neji was my leading team captain at the moment...only two failed missions behind my unbroken record. My son and daughter have made names for themselves within the ninja world. Naruto was my number one ambassador, his strength and humility was praised by many around the world. He became a legend in his own right. Shinasui has not been outshined by her older brother however. Shina is the youngest jonin in the village and has harnessed her prediction capabilities for battles, making her untouchable. As their mother...I couldn't have been prouder. As the fifth Hokage, I couldn't feel more secure in out future.

"Is my dress tied properly? Do I smell okay? Oh god..." Her sweet voice softly worried about minute details. However I totally could understand since I have stood in her spot once before.

"Hinata, you look beautiful. My son will fawn over you." Hinata looked up at me while wearing her beautiful white wedding gown. A surprised smile found a way on her face. 

"You really think so?"

"Of course she does sis now we gotta get going or we'll miss your cue!" Hanabi, Hinata's sister spoke. Yumi took a peak behind the curtain to see me talking with Hinata, her mother and her sister.

"Lady Hokage, it's time for you to find your seat. The ceremony will start shortly." Yumi wore a dress with the Uchiha crest printed boldly on the back, making me smile every time I saw it. 

"Thank you Yumi!" I turned to Hinata quickly and squeezed her shoulder for good luck. I made my way down the aisle to see Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto all talking to each other. Naruto looked so dashing in his traditional wedding attire. Kushina would have been freaking out. I watched as Yumi took a seat next to Itachi, giving him a kiss on the cheek and smiling at him brightly. I walked down to take a seat in the front row next to Kakashi who was helping Shinasui adjust a pin in her hair. Despite her being only fourteen, Naruto made sure that Shinasui had a big roll in his wedding as not only his fiancee's bridesmaid, but also with the design input of the ceremony.

"You did a beautiful job sweetheart. Were the flowers your idea?" Flowers were draped around the garden area with precision and detail. They were white and red hibiscus with lavender accompanying it.

"Yeah. Ino helped me out alot too though. Is Neji here yet?" 

"Right here Lady Shinasui." Shinasui turned around to see Neji dressed up, her partner in walking down the aisle. 

"W-wow Neji. Y-you look so handsome!" He smiled at Shinasui who swooned in his presence.

"Thank you. You look beautiful. We shoul  prepare for our walking down the aisle." Shinasui placed her hand in Neji's and blushed deeply. She must take after her father.

"She gets that from you." I whispered to Kakashi. Kakashi raised an eyebrow at me.

"What do you mean?" I smiled teasingly at him.

"The inevitable swooning." Kakashi scoffed and rolled his eyes before leaning close and kissing my cheek. He pulled his fingers in, intertwining with mine. 

"What? I can't be in love with my beautiful wife?" He whispered in my ear. I blushed furiously before leaning my head onto his strong shoulder. 

"See, she gets it from you." Kakashi whispered. I chuckled before burying my red face into the crook of his neck.

"Shut up." We were interrupted however by the music, showing that we must quiet down so the procession could start.

"I'm so nervous." Naruto whispered. I gave him a thumbs up and a smile.

"You can do this, believe it!" He chuckled quietly before nodding.

"Thanks Mom." He whispered quietly.

"Just remember that if you do this then you can go on your honeymoon. You've read Master Jiraiya's book. Now that's a fun time." Kakashi spoke quietly. Naruto blushed and began to laugh while I hit Kakashi on the arm.

"Not appropriate!" 

"Hey! It's true." We quit our antics to watch as Hanabi Hyuga and Master Jiraiya walked down the aisle...Hinata's Maid of Honor and Naruto's Best Man. If only Naruto knew that his father shared the same experience. The bride's little sister being paired with Master Jiraiya... I smiled fondly at the memory. Next were Sasuke and Sakura. The couple were engaged currently and wanted a much more private ceremony in the Winter. Itachi was so excited for his little brother. Sasuke winked at Sakura before moving to their respected places behind Jiraiya and Hanabi. After them were Shinasui and Neji. I looked at my little girl with tears in my eyes. She was so mature for her age. Her hair was piled high in a beautiful braided bun that Ino and Sakura did up for her. She had an assortment of jewels in her hair to make her silver even more glittery and sleek. Her bright violet eyes were shadowed with charcoal, her lips a deep silky red. My daughter was far more beautiful than any woman I have ever seen. Including myself obviously. She's truly my angel. She looked up at Neji with affection in her eyes, Neji reciprocating the look. I really hope if they get together, Neji at least waits until she's eighteen to actually ask her out. Kakashi doesn't like it very much but gets over it because Shinasui was clearly in love with the boy. 

"You look beautiful baby girl." I whispered to her. She smiled at me before going to her spot behind Sakura. The final two came out, Kurenai Yuhi (her sensei), was walking with Naruto's student, Konohamaru. Konohamaru was the Third Hokage's grandson and Shinasui's rival. The boy was infatuated with Shina but I think she has yet to realize it. Instead they argued and gave each other a hard time...much like how Obito and Kakashi were when they were young. Konohamaru looked at Shinasui who was staring at Neji...

Well this looks a little familiar.

Everyone stood in preparation of Hinata walking in, everyone looking at her except for Kakashi and I. We were looking at my handsome son, my little Naruto. He smiled brightly, looking at his bride with awe and love in his beautiful blue eyes. He dabbed a few stray tears away before looking up at the face of his father on the stone mountain. He wanted Minato to be here with him in spirit and I'm sure he was. Hinata walked gracefully with her father down the aisle, meeting Naruto's hand and standing besides him. The ceremony was short and sweet, Naruto sealing the deal with a slow and passionate kiss to his now wife. I cried the entire time and even noticed Jiraiya was tearing up too. He must have been thinking about Minato. Everyone cheered for the newlywed happy couple as they skirted off together to prepare for the after party. Kakashi took my hand quickly before I could do anything and walked me further away from everyone. He placed a hand on my waist before removing his mask and kissing me softly in one swift motion. His lips were smooth, delicate and always the cause of the butterflies in my chest.

"When I watched Naruto's expression...it reminded me how much I loved you when we married...and much more I love you now. You have given me a beautiful daughter and a family...you are so passionate and endlessly forgiving...you are so affectionate and smart...I am so grateful to have you as my bride...fifteen years later or not...you are still my most prized possession." I melted in Kakashi's embrace.

"I love you so much Kakashi." I cradled his cheeks and kissed him proudly, my amazing husband...and even more amazing father.

~~

After the party and watching Gai and Rock Lee lose a drinkin contest against Tsunade (the first gamble she's ever won), Naruto and Hinata were just about ready to depart on their honeymoon. Before they could leave however, Kakashi and I stopped them. 

"Mind if we take a quick detour before your trip?" Kakashi asked the newly weds. 

"Not at all. Where do you want to go?"

"We need to show you our wedding gift to you." I chimed in.

"Mom you really don't-" I raised my hand, stopping Naruto's words. 

"It's a gift...it's also not just from Kakashi and me...it's from Minato and Kushina as well." Naruto shurt right up, intrigued. We placed a blindfold on the two before walking them a few minutes into town in a quiet, reserved district. Kakahsi and I smiled at each other, me feeling a little emotional after a roller coaster of a day. My little boy is all grown up. We finally found what we were looking for and stopped. 

"Open your hand Naruto." Hinata was nervous but didn't voice her unease. Naruto was excited and immediately opened up his fist. I placed a key in his hands and removed his blindfold at the same time Kakashi did Hinata. They blinked for a moment before becoming completely stunned.

"W-WHAT?!" Naruto exclaimed.

"T-this is f-for us?!" Hinata asked with a open mouth grin on her face. There before us was a large home that Kakashi and I bought together for Naruto to start his family. A place for new beginnings. 

"This is your new home to start your family." I stated proudly to the two. Naruto immediately swarmed me with a teary hug while Hinata did the same to Kakashi.

"MOMMA I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!" Naruto sobbed. Hinata had happy tears in her eyes before excitedly running into the home, Naruto doing the same.

"Minato and Kushina has money saved up for you that I waited to use until this moment. I hope you like it." Naruto looked at me breathlessly.

"Like it? I LOVE IT!" I gave my son a kiss on the forehead and smiled at my daughter in law.

"Now off you go lovebirds. You have your honeymoon to go to." Kakashi ordered. They listened, sharing their first kiss in their brand new home.

"If Kushina and Minato were here, they'd be so proud." I whispered to Kakashi as he held my hand tightly. 

"They would be proud of you too Mina...we did it."

After everything we have gone through...heartbreak, loss, death, hatred...love... together Kakashi and I have overcome it all. Our love transcended even the boundaries of the dead, giving me new life to be with the man my soul is one with. It wasn't easy but we have created the most beautiful love of all. 

"Let's go home." I whispered, sharing a kiss with my husband of fifteen years.

Together, our story of how the silver scarecrow and scarlet savior fell in love will be one to remember.

THE END