Under the cover of night, Sasuke packed his things, slung a backpack over his shoulder, and made his way out of the village.
But on the way, he ran into Sakura.
He stopped and asked, "What are you doing here so late?"
"Because there's only one path out of the village," Sakura said, sounding downcast. "Sasuke, are you leaving?"
It was clear she already understood his intentions.
Sasuke glanced at her but didn't bother explaining. He simply said, "Go back to sleep," and walked past her.
Seeing this, tears welled up in Sakura's eyes.
"Why... why don't you ever tell me anything? Why do you always stay silent and shut me out..."
"Why should I tell you everything?"
Sasuke cut her off coldly, his tone distant and icy.
"You're always so self-centered. My matters have nothing to do with you, so stop meddling in my business!"
Hearing this, Sakura lowered her head.
"I always annoy you, Sasuke. Do you remember the day we first became a team of three as Genin? It was right here where I made you so mad during our first moment alone together..."
"I don't remember."
Sasuke didn't look back, his voice emotionless.
"The paths we walk are different, and they'll never intersect again. I've decided to pursue revenge—that's the purpose of my life. I'll never be like you or Naruto."
"Are you really going to isolate yourself again, Sasuke?"
Sakura's tears streamed down her face.
"You taught me how painful loneliness is. Now I truly understand it. I have family and friends, but without you, Sasuke, it feels like I'm completely alone!"
Hearing her heartfelt words, which were no less than a confession, Sasuke still didn't turn around. However, his tone softened slightly.
"We're just taking different paths now. I'm choosing the one that suits me better. Go back."
"I... I love you, Sasuke. I love you so much!"
Staring at his back, Sakura confessed directly.
"If you stay with me, I promise you won't regret it. I'll make you happy every day. We could be so happy together. I'll do anything for you, so please... don't leave!"
Pouring out her feelings in one breath, she added, fearing his rejection:
"I'll even help you get your revenge. I'll find a way! So stay... stay with me. If not, please take me with you!"
As soon as she finished, she couldn't hold back her sobs.
Finally, Sasuke turned to look at her.
But instead of comforting her, his words were even more cutting.
"You really are annoying."
Then he turned away again.
Panicking, Sakura ran after him, shouting desperately:
"Don't go! If you leave, I'll scream!"
*Swish!*
Almost as soon as she said it, Sasuke appeared behind her with a Body Flicker Technique.
"Thank you, Sakura," he said softly.
Then, with a swift chop to her neck, he aimed to knock her unconscious.
However, just as he moved, someone grabbed his wrist, and a voice tinged with exasperation spoke.
"You can't even handle a girl who likes you without resorting to such brute force. Makes me wonder if you're really up to completing this mission."
"...!"
Sasuke froze, looking up to see Shigeo Aburame standing behind him, his face showing mild disapproval.
"You've taken too long already," Shigeo continued. "The target could vanish at any moment. I plan to capture him directly and hand him over to the Interrogation Unit. Ibiki Morino will get me the answers I need. Spider Unit!"
*Swish, swish, swish!*
At his command, four individuals wearing the uniforms of the Konoha Police Force and spider-patterned masks appeared.
Seeing this, Sasuke's eyes widened.
"So this is... the Special Forces? So powerful... Even without engaging, you can feel the strength radiating off them!"
Sakura, too, looked stunned.
"Why is the Konoha Police Force here? And what mission are you talking about? Sasuke, you..."
"Shut up!"
Sasuke glared at her angrily before turning to Shigeo.
"Commander, Orochimaru's loyalists won't crack under interrogation. They'd rather die than betray him. Their target is me—I'll handle this!"
"Hm."
Shigeo frowned, recalling Orochimaru's cunning.
"Fine. You proceed with the mission. We'll follow behind you."
"Understood!"
Sasuke turned back to Sakura, his face filled with frustration.
"Sakura, I'll say this one last time: go home. If you interfere again, don't ever show yourself to me again!"
"Uh..."
Stunned, Sakura quickly wiped her tears and nodded.
"I understand. I'm sorry, Sasuke. I misunderstood. I didn't mean to upset you. Please don't be mad. I'll go home now. Be careful on your journey!"
She glanced nervously at Shigeo before reluctantly retreating, looking back several times as she went.
Watching her leave, Shigeo chuckled.
"Ha, the lengths this girl goes to for love. Alright, Sasuke, let's get moving!"
"Right!"
Sasuke hoisted his pack and headed out of the village.
Waiting outside were Sakon, Ukon, and their comrades, kneeling respectfully on one knee.
Seeing this, Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
"What's this all about?"
Sakon and Ukon ignored the sarcasm in his tone and replied humbly.
"From the moment you left Konoha, Lord Sasuke, you became our leader. Please forgive our earlier rudeness!"
"Hmph. Doesn't matter."
Sasuke walked past them, his tone flat and indifferent.
"Let's go."
"Yes, sir!"
Sakon, Ukon, Jirobo, and Kidomaru stood and followed him toward the Land of Sound.
Two minutes later, Shigeo and a team of twelve arrived at their location.
The team, split into squads named Spider, Hornet, and Dragonfly, bore masks depicting their respective symbols.
"Begin the mission," Shigeo ordered. "Once we reach the destination, I'll handle Sasuke and Orochimaru. Hornet and Dragonfly will eliminate internal threats, and Spider will handle external defense. Any objections?"
"None!" they responded in unison.
"Good!" Shigeo adjusted his sunglasses. "Move out!"
"Yes, sir!"