A/N: Here goes the continuation of the story. Let's do this and let me hear from you guys! -AERIN

Chapter II

The Winter Begins

So many things have happened to Konoha in a single year. This year's chuunin exam was cancelled because of the Sand's unexpected attack. The Third Hokage died at Orochimaru's hands. Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin replaced him. Sasuke...the last remaining Uchiha in Konoha...left and went to Orochimaru.

Perhaps this was the event that a certain pink haired kunoichi would never forget. Even now, as the first traces of winter manifests through the cool gentle winds, she could not forget the fire she saw in those dark eyes.

"He really never cared about anything at all...Revenge was all that mattered to him after all..."

Sakura thought sadly while gazing out of the window. She was angry at herself. She hated the fact that before, she believed she was important to Sasuke. Yet until this moment, she wanted to hope that he would come back...for her...

The times that passed were not easy, for Sakura and even the whole village. Despite the new allies that the Leaf Country had, Orochimaru, and now, the Akatsuki was posing threats to the country's peace. Naruto promised Sakura that he would bring Sasuke back. As the pink-haired shinobi recalled her friend's promise, she could just smile... Smile because as of this moment, that promise is like a leaf being constantly dragged by a current so strong it seems desperate to try and bring it back.

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At Orochimaru's place

Kabuto watched silently as his master, Orochimaru was teaching Sasuke some techniques...perhaps the best that he could do at his age. The medical-nin smiled at this. This situation was like a teacher-student relationship...except that the student, hates his teacher. That much is apparent. Again, Kabuto smiled and said to himself:

" Why wouldn't you hate somebody who is going to teach you all he knows, and after three years would get what he worked so hard for... Sasuke knows this, and that much hate in his handsome face says it all."

The medical-nin walked away from the ironic sight and went to investigate the whereabouts of the Akatsuki. He believed that as long as they keep Sasuke posted about his brother, Sasuke would stay and take his chances with Orochimaru.

" Sasuke needs Master Orochimaru, that is for sure. This Uchiha is smart, once he learns all he needs, I know, he will leave...But unfortunately for him, that would not happen..." Kabuto told himself.

After training

Sasuke went to a room he specifically requested from Orochimaru. Despite allowing himself to be under this man's power, he still wanted to keep his privacy...and whatever was left of what he called LIFE. He glanced outside the window and felt the cool breeze on his cheek...winter.

" I already knew that when I walked away from her and Konoha, I can never come back. "

Sasuke said,as if convincing himself of the validity of his decision. It has been almost a year...and he has endured all the desire to walk away from this place and let his friends welcome him back. Sasuke smirked at himself. He realized that the desire for revenge has destroyed whatever happiness he could have had.

" It was wrong to even make friends..." Sasuke whispered to himself.

It was long before he got over the images of her, crying and pleading for him to stay. Yet he did not wish to forget that moment. That moment was when Sasuke felt the influence she had over him. He was not used to being influenced by other people. But no matter how he thinks, he cannot deny the fact that he wanted to stay with her...and just simply be happy.

But that word has never been used in his life ever since the day his brother robbed him of his family, his heart. He can never open up to anybody, because he was too tired of being hurt. With a sigh, Sasuke decided that it was better this way. He'd rather be a killing machine rather than let himself feel the pain that haunts even his deepest dreams. He would definitely kill Itachi...that's the only thing certain.

Back to Sakura

" Tsunade-sama, I'm going out for a while...I'll be back before dark..." Sakura told Tsunade.

"Alright, do not stray too far...These are troubled times..." Tsunade answered Sakura.

" I know, that is why I am training to be a good medical ninja... I want to help..." Sakura answered sadly.

The fifth Hokage saw the hurt in Sakura's eyes.She understood how it feels to lose someone so dear to you...someone you love...

She smiled at her and told her, " You are already helping."

" Arigato, Tsunade-sama..." Sakura said, and smiled then continued to the woods.

Orochimaru's Place

" Sasuke, you should master the latest technique I have been teaching you..." Orochimaru told his "successor.

" Yes, Orochimaru-sama..." Sasuke answered obediently.

" You seem to be unwell, Sasuke? What is the matter?" Orochimaru asked.

" I am fine, I just decided to have a walk and get some fresh air, before winter makes the air too cold and painful to breathe..." Sasuke answered.

" Then, go...Sasuke-kun... You would be back... I know..." Orochimaru told Sasuke under his reptilian gaze.

Sasuke clenched his fists angrily. He knew that Orochimaru was right. He would be back here...no matter what happens, the desire for revenge would always burn strongly in his blood.

With a hateful stare at Orochimaru, Sasuke stalked to the woods.

The Woods

Sakura did not intend to walk that far, but she suddenly realized that it was almost dusk and she did not notice the time because she was in deep thought.

" This is foolish... Tsunade-sama would scold me for sure..." Sakura told herself.

Suddenly, she felt chakra just near her place. Her heart throbbing wildly, she came over to the aid of who she thought was an injured shinobi.

Sasuke could not believe his eyes. It was her, standing before him. It was indeed her, Haruno Sakura. Sasuke's mind screamed. He should get away before she gets a chance to come near him. But his body just would not move.

Sakura was stunned. This is certainly nothing she expected.

The dark eyes, the raven hair, the handsome face...

" Sasuke-kun..."

After a year of trying to forget each other's existence, there they were, staring at each other. Unable to speak, Sasuke raised his hand to touch her face.

"It is her alright... " Sasuke said to himself.

Before he could remove his hand, Sakura clasped it on her own.

" You hate me so much huh?" Sakura asked sadly.

Sasuke did not know what to say. Alarmed, he saw his body move on its own...

He took Sakura's face near him, until their foreheads touch and they were staring at each other's eyes...

Then, all of a sudden, Sasuke's reflexes took over. Within the blink of an eye, a kunai was in his hand.

" This is a mistake you know, Sakura... I could kill you..." Sasuke said menacingly.

" If you wanted to, you could have done it earlier..." Sakura answered.

Sasuke was taken aback by her answer. It was true, he could have killed her without her even knowing it was him...But why didn't he do it?

" Then you should go now, while you still can..." Sasuke answered. If he could not conquer this stupid feeling, then what more if it is his brother he is up against?

" I knew you would be like this...unhappy, unsatisfied...I knew you never cared about me..." Sakura said.

She went near Sasuke and suddenly hugged him tight.

" I won't bother you again..." she said.

Forcing a smile, Sakura walked away from Sasuke, the guy she loved so much... perhaps the only guy she will ever love.

Was she ready to leave him forever? Was this even right?

Sasuke froze. He knew that if she comes back to the village, they might search for him again. But there was something in Sakura's voice that told him that perhaps...that was goodbye.

When she was completely gone, Sasuke angrily hurled his Chidori on a tree. What was the matter with him? This is what he wanted? Wasn't it?

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A/N: Like it? Not? Review please! Teehee!