"Sakura." She stopped in her tracks.
"What are you doing out here so late?"
"…You're leaving the village, isn't it? That back pack…and this route is the only way to leave the village…"
"What if I am?"
"Please, Sakura. You can't leave…can't leave everything behind." Trying to buy time, he started small talk.
"Remember this place? This is where we first had a decent talk…under that Sakura tree. That time I still don't know anything about you…and called you annoying, remember?"
Awkward silence before she spoke.
"No. I don't remember."
It only took these four words to threaten his stability.
"Why? Is it a must? Do you have to leave?"
"I had enough of fooling around with you guys. At this rate I won't make progress—"
"So that's the reason huh? For this unreasonable excuse you are going to betray us? For you own sake only?"
"…looks like after all this time…you are now the annoying one."
That's it. He could not take it anymore. He blurted out his true feelings.
"I love you. Ever since that day…when you hugged me during the Chunnin Exams, I…started to have feelings for you. It hurts me to see that tearful face of yours. And just now too. When Naruto and I are…friendly fighting."
"You could have fooled me. The both of you look so ready to kill each other. That's why it sickens me. I always have to calm the both of you down and when you guys are in a foul mood both of you flared at me. I don't want to be the one taking all the scolding and anger."
"I'll…change for you. I promise I won't bicker with Naruto all the time anymore."
"I don't want just empty promises. I want you to prove it."
"Prove?"
"Only time will tell. But even so you alone can't deter me from leaving. Like I said before I yearn for more power. Orichimaru will definitely be able to fulfill my desires."
The truth dawned on him. "You…said…"
"Yes. How long does it take for you to figure it out? I'm leaving Konoha for him."
"How could you? Betraying Konoha like that. How could I even confess my love to some stupid girl like you—"
"Regretting now isn't it? Then take back your words. Also, I think your friendship with Naruto won't last long." She smirked at her last statement. This seemed to anger him even more.
"I'm definitely taking back my words. Not only that I hate you, but I'll prove you wrong. Naruto's bond with me will never be strained unlike a traitor like you! Hope we never see each other again!" Frustrated, he turned and walked off in a huff. As she stared at his retreating back with angst eyes, she took a deep breath and continued with her route. Yes, Sakura…do not waver. It's for…everyone's sake…
A few hours ago, she had prevented the Sound Five from meeting Sasuke by begging them to let her be Orichimaru's vessel instead. They initially refused, but Sakura said she had something which Orichimaru wants. After showing the said "something" the Sound ninjas agreed to her request. Now, at the stroke of midnight, they appeared again near the front gate of the village.
"I never knew that an innocent girl like you would actually choose power over your so-called friends." Kidomaru taunted her. He obviously looked down on Sakura.
"Shut up. Don't talk like you know a lot, pea brain."
"But he got a point. From your appearances you don't look like a traitor. Why are you so bend on preventing Sasuke to—" Tayuya was cut off mid sentence.
"I already said I don't want to be the weak one anymore. I can't let him look down on me like this. Also, I need to settle scores with a certain someone. And I need Orichimaru for that sole purpose."
"Well, I don't really care, as long as you keep your side of the deal then I guess there shouldn't be a problem." Jirobo said in a bored tone.
"Well then, let's be on our way." Sakura totally ignored them and moved forward without turning back even once.