Fate

Chapter 1

Naruto held a red rose in his hands. He stumbled upon Sakura's grave. Fake grave that is.

He cried a little. He didn't cry because she died. He cried because Sakura left the village.

Flash back

Naruto couldn't sleep that night. He aroused from his bed and looked out his window… The moon was full, and the stars were all out. He smiled. Sakura would love this night. He then saw a flash of pink. He ignored it at first, then tried to spot it again. He squinted his sky blue eyes for a better look.

Sakura.

What was she doing out this late? Naruto decided to go down there and ask her. he put on some pajama pants and a t-shirt that said: "Ichiraku Ramen." Naruto slipped his orange sneakers on, and headed out.

He ran after Sakura. Sakura didn't notice Naruto at first, but then heard footsteps. She halted, but didn't bother to turn around.

"What do you want, Naruto?" Sakura asked coldly. Naruto was at shock at her words. She never spoke to him that way before…

"Where are you going?" Naruto demanded.

"…"

"Sakura…"

"It's really none of your concern, Naruto,"

"Yes it is. We're best friends. You're supposed to tell me everything."

"I can't tell you this,"

"Why?"

"Naruto, I'm leaving the village,"

Naruto stopped speaking. Why is she leaving? He needed to know.

"I'm leaving to get stronger. To surpass you," Sakura started. "I'm tired of you and Kakashi doing all the work. I can, too. Apparently, you think I'm weak. After this, I'll show you who's weak!"

This time, Sakura was looking straight into Naruto's eyes. Blue met green. Her eyes filled with anger, desperation, pain, sadness, and emptiness. Naruto was at shock.

"Sakura, You-"

"Shut up! I don't want to hear it! Stop your nice boy act, and just admit it! You think I'm weak. Useless. Pathetic. I already know I am! So just say it. Say it to me, at my face, right here. Right now," cried Sakura.

Naruto fidgeted. He had no idea Sakura felt this way.

"Sakura… Fine. You're weak. But not completely. You have power, Sakura. The only thing that makes you weak is how insecure you are. But you have kickass power. Stop thinking so ill of yourself,"

"Let me go, Naruto…"

Naruto hesitated. Why? A tear escaped his eye.

But Sakura needed this. She wants to be stronger. So let her be stronger.

"Fine… What do I do?"

"Tell Tsunade I'm dead. They won't bother looking for me if I'm dead. Heck- Maybe even make a grave for me!"

Sakura took off her head band and handed it to Naruto.

"Take this. Proof of my death. They'll believe you even more with this thing," Sakura suggested. She then turned to walk off. Naruto stopped her.

"Will you ever come back?"

Sakura hesitated to answer.

"Let fate take its course, Naruto…"

Sakura then disappeared in the quiet, star filled night.

End flash back

"Let fate take its course, Naruto…"

The quote echoed in his head.

"I just wish fate could bring you back here sooner, Sakura…"

End of Chapter one