A/N: Sasuke's real reason for leaving Konoha.
"..To acquire this power, you must kill your best friend!" The voice rang on in Sasuke's memory, and the blood red eyes haunted him.
"So you really are leaving." Her green eyes shone like spotlights in the night. He froze.
I don't know how I can explain this to you. It's not something I can just say…
"Sasuke…" She whispered, staring up at the shinobi a few paces in front of her. He didn't respond.
Naruto saved you, I suppose. Just by being him. But you… You were different.
"Sasuke… You taught me that day, that lonliness is the worst pain someone can have…" She said quietly, breaking eye contact to look at the moon.
And I still believe in that. But I no longer think it is the way to strength.
"So are you going to leave me alone, too!" She yelled, eyes brimming with tears.
It took all I had not to kiss you just then, and assure you everything was alright. I knew I was out for power and would be until I had rid of the cursed seal.
"I'm going to see Orochimaru. It's final." He said firmly, but avoided eyecontact. He turned away and kept walking.
Just then, you almost succeeded in sealing your doom, and stopping me.
The pink haired shinobi ran forward and embraced him. He stopped and shivered. She didn't let go. "Please, Sasuke. I'd die for you."
But you can't. I won't let you. Ever.
"Just stay. In Konoha. With me. I promise I'll make you have the happiest life possibl-!" He shushed her by spinning around and placing his hand over her mouth from behind her.
I had to stop you. You could've stopped me. I couldn't let you suffer from me. I could never forgive myself. Sakura, please forgive my selfishness…
He held her for a moment, then spoke in a voice so cold, it could pierce the heart of even that in love. "I've chosen my path. I am an avenger."
Sakura, I can only hope you understood.
"I love you so much! Why are you choosing to be alone again!" The pink haired shinobi screamed.
If I had stayed, I couldn't have protected you. From me.
"Why… Why are you doing this…?" She asked quietly.
Naruto was able to save you from the fate you would've had. I guess I owe him one for that. And for taking the hits…
"Sakura. Thank you." Said the raven haired ninja, before knocking the kunoichi in front of him unconscious.
I wish I could've told you, but then we'd have grown close.
"I'm sorry…" Sasuke muttered, placing her on the bench. He stared at her for one more second before disappearing into the night.
You were more than just a teammate. You were my love, and more importantly…
"I love you."
You would've easily been my best friend.
Be cool.
R&R.
-AlternateEndings