Prologue: Inhibitions
One last look.
Just one.
But no goodbyes.
Absolutely none.
After all, it would be too painful- all the old memories torn up. Maybe, she decided, maybe they should stay buried- where I can't see them.
As she turned her back on what had been her only home for twenty one years, the village seemed to cry out in anguish. It was only the wind on the leaves. And it was only the village in the leaves, a taboo which no longer took a place in her heart. Neither did the people of the mentally barred place. The blonde ass, the brooding boy, her parents, her friends. All the people she had to forget. But the man? Could she forget him? Of course, she could try to lock his memory away, but the mark he had branded on her heart was permanent. Forever and always.- This was why she was leaving!
Never in her life had she been so distracted. It affected her deeply, too deeply. What had Hokage-sama said?
"A kunoichi must never show her emotions. Never develop precious ties. Your family, friends are always in danger. Especially those closest. I made that mistake once; do not follow in my footsteps."
So she would turn the page, a new, blank start. Her life could be anything she wanted it to. The young woman had heeded Lady Tsunade's advice, as a last deed to her village. No emotional bonds.
Still a little memory niggled in the back of her mind. The reason for her need to leave Konoha. The only thing that held her life in the palm of its hand. A person, a man. A tall lean jounin with silver hair and a mask. Her candle in the night.
But the delicate flame of a candle is easily ceased. They knew it was wrong, they knew it couldn't be. Her fear engulfed her- not of what the villagers would say- but a premonition of the report with his name listed under Fatal Casualties. How would she live on? She needed to remember his face. Keep it in her memories to be treasured. Untarnished and safe from harm in her heart.
When morning broke in Konoha, he would find a small note waiting for him. Only three words would cover its surface:
I love You.
Something tore in her soul as the pink-haired ninja walked on. Away from the hidden village and towards the indifferent wilderness of the outside world.