"Maybe it was all a mistake."

Sasuke Uchiha contemplated his actions. What should he have done in the first place? He couldn't just stand there and watch his clan been wiped out by his own brother, but now, he learnt the truth.

"Damn the Konoha. You destroyed my future."

His face remains emotionless. His onyx eyes remained dead. He tried to suppress his feelings deep within himself, but now, he can't. A familiar feeling surged in his chest, the same feeling he had always know, hate. Sasuke let out an outcry. His fists clenched tightly, his nails digging into his flesh. Then slowly creeping out from the depth of his soul, sadness, the emotion he tried so hard to avoid since the day he lost his family.

His mind started to wander back to the years where he still had his brother, Itachi. His hopes and dreams on surpassing his brother who was once the greatest Uchiha at his age. Tears welled up in his eyes, but he refused to let them down. Sasuke refused to feel defeated.

A knowing smile formed on his lips as the air around him stirred, swaying his dark raven hair to show his flawless face. He will avenge his brother. Konoha will pay. He will make sure of it.

A dash of pink was rushing through the corridors of the Hokage's Tower. Sakura Haruno was awfully late for a meeting with Konoha's Fifth Hokage, Tsunade. Panic started to take over her slim and slightly muscular body. Her head playing scenes of her Master making her suffer because of unpunctuality.

"Tsunade-sama will kill me!"

The colour of her face was slowly fading as her steps got faster heading towards the Godaime's office. When she reached the Hokage's desk, she started bowing profusely, apologizing to her superior.

"I'm sorry, Tsunade-sama! I didn't mean to be late! I was ju-"

"Sakura-san."

Tsunade's voice stopped Sakura from her actions and paid full attention to Tsunade.

"Yes, Tsunade-sama?"

There was a pregnant pause in the Hokage's office. This only made Sakura more nervous, afraid that the Hokage may burst into rage. But the atmosphere was serene, only the hazel eyes of her Master gazing deep into the sea foam green of Sakura's.

"Since you are my apprentice and a fellow friend of this certain someone, I believe that you should be one of the firsts to know about this."

A gush of wind filled Tsunade's office, sending chills through her spine. Why am I feeling nervous about this? Her inner-self questioned. The look on Tsunade's face, that tense yet assuring look, it must be very important.

"Our ANBU have received information that Sasuke Uchiha is advancing to invade Konoha."

Sakura couldn't help but let out a gasp as her eyes widen, taking in the news of Sasuke, who now wants to destroy his own home. No, it's not his home anymore. Sakura had to remind herself that.

"I need everyone especially Team Kakashi to get ready for this invasion. Remember, we're dealing with a ninja who single-handedly beaten Orochimaru. A man with a heart of vengeance filled with hatred is a man that has to be stopped."

Tsunade's words echoed in the cherry blossom's mind. A man with a heart of vengeance filled with hatred. It was once filled with faith, hope and maybe even love, but no one was really sure of that. Sasuke was always quiet, too quiet, that no one could really understand him.

"But I did..," Her words came out like a whisper, closing her eyes as she said it.

"Sakura?" Tsunade's voice caught her off guard, awakening her from the thoughts of her past.

"Nothing, Tsunade-sama. I will inform the others about his advancements. We will do our best to protect Konoha," said Sakura in an almost cheery tone, but her eyes did not deceive the Hokage; Tsunade could see that there were waves of emotion in her apprentice, churning right inside of her.

"Good to know, Sakura," Tsunade kept her gaze on Sakura, trying to read her thoughts. With that she excused her while adding, "Be strong. I believe that you are."

Sakura gave her a reassuring smile and nodded. As she opened the door and exited, she heard her mentor continued, "And don't give up. Remember what you are fighting for."

All she could do is to be grateful for having Tsunade to take her as an apprentice, for all God knows, she'll never be as strong as she is now wihout Tsunade.

Her heart thundered against her chest at the thought of getting to see the man she loves. Memories of them together began to unfold, sending deep cuts to her beaten up heart. How much more could she take? She has always loved him. Could she bring herself to kill him again? She can't. That was her weakness. She could only hope to bring him home.

What has happen to Sasuke-kun.. To the Sasuke-kun I used to know..

Tears began stream down her rosy cheeks, the same cheeks which used to blush every time he was with her, now only stained with the same tears she cried every night. That burning sensation in her heart never went away, only getting intense as the days go by, and with that pain, she was determine to finish what she has started. To do that, she was determined to be stronger.

Author's note:

Hi peeps, please review and do comment. Suggest in any way in how to improve. Thanks and hope you guys enjoy!

-LeKochi