There, I tried my best to make my format more reader friendly. To all those who keep on reading thank you very much. Especially those first five reviewers of mine:

TinhThuyVan, Cursed Dragon, YinYangWhite Tiger, Wrath-of the-ebil-pheonix and icygirl2. All of you inspire to finish this story. This chapter is for you!!!

Chapter 4 – Remorse

The wind blew mildly as Sasuke stood rooted on his spot. Sakura walked out on him. He couldn't accept that fact that she on purposely left him. No tears or remorse, she left him just like that. She has set him free. However he had never thought that freedom could be so lonely. He has once again lost another reason to live for aside from vengeance.

Sakura's knees wobbled, the teleportation jutsu was too much for her due to chakra loss. She was a around 20 meters short of her target destination. At this rate the medic nin decided to rest. Her teammates will go looking for her soon. She has enough chakra to be detected. Sakura promised herself she won't cry because of him. Her past lamentations were good for a lifetime. It's time to set herself free from him.

Naruto sighed. He thought after the crazy snake sannin's death things would go back to normal. How wrong he was, the friend he even considered, as a brother is gone. He made a promise of a lifetime whose success faltered just now. Good thing the one whom he has promised seem to not mind the brokenness of it. Starting today he has other things to attend to. It's high time he takes his Hokage dream to the next level. More promising ninjas are popping up everyday. He must no be left behind .In order to free himself from the image of a Jinchuuruki he must be the village's hero. Upon reaching this goal he can obtain full liberty.

Sasuke wanted to walk away but he didn't know were to start. How on earth is he going to find his brother now? True he need alliances to get information, but his former team seven mates are not supposed to be dragged into this mess. It was enough they risked their lives killing Orochimaru. And yes the Akatsuki will be after Naruto again, however not until another 3 years. It's a good thing some unsealing rituals happen in cycles. He will do his best to make sure Itachi isn't one of Akatsuki's popping up again. At least that way he can repay Naruto. He can prove to Kakashi that he is still his best student. And Sakura, his mind went blank after thinking of her. What can he do for Sakura? For all the things she has done for him. Inside of him he silently wished, that she will stay loyal to him. However with the events that just happened earlier. It seems he has no choice but to stay away. A shionobi never backs out from his words. Even if he did want to come near, he has promised to keep distant.

Sakura reflected on her final conversion with Tsunade before they left.

"Sakura I need to get something cleared to you." Sakura eyed her master "What is it sensei?" Tsunade looked at her seriously. "Even if your team successfully beat Orochimaru. It doesn't mean Sasuke will be coming home. And I am not talking about his death. I meant his free will and pride." Sakura nodded. "Sasuke is a proud person. I know that he would reject us even if we do beat that crazy ex-teammate of mine." Sakura looked up the stars afraid of what she'll hear next. 'Sakura, I've thought about this. This is a direct order, when Orochimaru is beaten and Sasuke refuses to comeback, promise me you won't force him." Sakura was shocked with the request. " I don't think I can't promise that Tsunade-sama. I would drag him back here as long as I am able." Tsunade smirked. " I knew it you would answer that way. But listen to me first Sakura…" Sakura nodded. " When Orochimaru is dead, Sasuke is no longer a slave to the curse. Konoha and its secrets are safe. I believe he won't betray us farther than choosing strength over his hometown. When he decides to live on his own and seek his brother allow him to do so."

"But sensei we can't just leave him alone" Tsunade smiled at her. "Sakura our goal is to save him from the curse and heal his external wounds. But we can never heal his internal wounds. He has to heal them all himself. Take it from me."

"Is that the reason why you left Konoha Tsunade-sama. Because of the bitter memories here?" Tsunade nodded. " We we're at war. My fiancée, parents and brother died. Along with it my dreams. I decided to leave to forget since this place is full of memories of them." "But sensei you decided to return and be Hokage." Sakura answered.

"That's because I realized that no matter where I ran Konoha will follow me. And there is no other place for me. That is what Sasuke has to decide on his own. " Sakura's eyes saddened "That's why I have to let him go.."

Sakura expected the decision to hurt and hunt her for the longest time. All she could do is to remain strong and overcome the sadness. She slowly closed her eyes. Her body was demanding rest whose demand she fully surrendered to.

It seems that with age people tend to be emotional. When he thanked her 3 years ago, it was a sign of appreciation. Why he knocked her out was for her own protection. If she came with him, no doubt Orochimaru would have killed her. He never wanted her dead or the least hurt. But he has hurt her millions of times hasn't he? But she found ways to forgive him and set him free.

And now that he is free, his supposed to be jumping for joy. However, not to his surprise, he is just as lost as like in the start. Who would have thought freedom could have a bitter taste to it? No one is going to save him now besides himself. The question that lingers, is he strong enough to do that?

If you feel like it, be flaming or cool I'll gladly accept it.