Sasuke's POV:

There was a hole in my chest.

I don't know how long I stared at that note in my hand.

I crumpled it up and let it fall to the ground.

This could be a joke. She used to pull those all the time. No.. but..

Silent, hot tears slipped down my face and hit the cold floor.

First, Itachi. Now, Naruko.

I was shaking so hard, I fell to my knees.

I met up at the rendezvous point that Madara told me about. My team was already there. Suigetsu said something to me but I didn't hear him. My ears were ringing.

He kept pestering me and I couldn't take it.

"What!"

A silence fell over them.

"Hey, we don't need the attitude. What happened?"

"It doesn't matter. Leave. I'm going to meet Madara now. I'll tell you what he says."

Suigetsu shrugged and they followed him out.

I was shaking. What has she done to me? I punched the wall and it cracked under my knuckles. I was so sure she'd come with me. She came to me last night. It was so easy to melt into her mouth and kiss her every second. She called out my name as her body tightened around me. Her lips were soft on my shoulder but her nails dug into my skin. I'm sure they left a mark. I remember looking down at her under the fire's glow and thinking how beautiful she looked. She reminded me of the sun. Her eyes were warm against the light and her hair was golden and flowing-

I can't be thinking of this now. She left me.

If she doesn't care, then neither do I. Except Naruko of all people... I can't believe she used me.. she used my feelings against me. I can't let that go.

I've made my decision.

I opened the door and sat down at the other end of the table. Madara was waiting for me.

My chest aches still. There was no point in seeing Naruko. She ruined me.

I was strayed from my path.

"Sasuke, I need to ask you something important. After learning the truth about Itachi's life, there is a chance you will carry out his wishes and protect the Hidden Leaf. So tell me the truth, what are your intentions?" **

I clenched my teeth.

Itachi... the Hidden Leaf... Naruko... they're all connected. Suddenly Naruko's voice popped into my head.

"I don't know. The village is my home. It's where I managed to build new relationships and make bonds. I met...the most important person to me there. I wouldn't want to see it destroyed."

"I've only met Itachi a few times but he seemed like he was always ten steps ahead."

I hate it. I hate it all. Damn it. Itachi and Naruko and the Hidden Leaf... I can't stand this!

"Itachi's life shows how he sacrificed himself to protect the village..."**

—

Stay tuned for the 3 years later epilogue! (Which may or may not have two parts!)

The first ** is referencing to the dubbed episode of Naruto Shippuden. These are the actually words that the character says.

The second ** is Sasuke's answer. That's his "hate speech". Continue watching from 152 onward.

Thanks for reading!