Sakura.

I know it's been a long time… 3 years… since I last saw you… It's hard to believe what I've become. It's hard to believe what I've done to both you and Naruto. It's hard to believe all that's happened since the last time we called ourselves "team 7".

I can't believe I'm writing this, but I think it's time you knew how I felt about all this… honestly.

I can't change the past. The way I've acted… has been a shield. To hide from you, from Naruto, and from myself… the way I really felt. And I haven't even realized until now. Running away from Konaha, training with Orochimaru, achieving my goal of killing Itachi… it's all been a journey I'll never forget. The path I've put myself on is not what I thought it would be. I thought that by killing Itachi I would receive some kind of solace. Instead I've only found myself tangled up in more problems. If I could go back and erase it all, I would, but it's far too late now.

I understand I can never return to Konaha. I understand things can never be the same. But even so, I need you, Naruto, and Kakashi to know this:

I miss team 7.

I didn't like the times we had together—I loved them.

I wish I had Naruto here just to irk me.

I truly care about you three more than anything, and I will keep those bonds sacrosanct in my heart for eternity.

Naruto was, is, and always will be my best friend.

I regret the path I have chosen.

I think about the 3 of you everyday.

Everytime I complained, it was out of fear I would grow too fond of the time we shared.

I would give away all the power and strength I have gained to find true happiness once again home in Konaha with you.

I couldn't appreciate a good thing when I had it, and now it's gone. And I regretfully accept that.

The reason why I addressed this letter to you, Sakura and not to the three of you is because I have something to tell just to you and I know I should have said this years ago.

I don't think you're annoying.

I never hated you. I never will.

If I had never met you, I wouldn't know who I am today.

You keep me fighting and the thought of you keeps me alive.

Without you I can hardly function.

You mean so much more to me than I let on.

The way you make me feel scares me out of mind.

And you've probably figured it out by now, but this all boils down to one thing, one thing I've been denying since I met you, one thing that I can't keep inside of myself anymore.



… I love you.

Just know this, and be well. I pray you have the life you deserve, without me, and it's a wonderful one.

Love, Sasuke.

Then, with a single tear running down his cheek, Sasuke crumpled up the letter and threw it into the fire.