After parting with Naruto, Sasuke visited Sakura's and Ino's homes, and the three of them went to Hokage Rock. This was Naruto and Sasuke's favorite spot, because it offered a view of all of Konoha.
Gazing out over Konoha, Sasuke said, "I'm leaving tonight to train with Orochimaru. While I'm gone, you two need to work hard and get stronger too."
Sakura and Ino felt a pang of sadness at his words. They had long known that Sasuke would leave the village, but now that the moment had actually arrived, they couldn't help feeling upset.
Reluctant to let him go, Sakura said, "Sasuke-kun, do you really have to leave? Can't you stay in the village?"
Sasuke said helplessly, "Sakura, it's not that I don't want to stay. I really can't. For the dream Naruto, Shikamaru, and I share, I have to leave. And before long, Naruto will leave the village too, to train with Lord Jiraiya. We decided this a long time ago. I hope you can support me."
Hearing this made Sakura even sadder. Not only was Sasuke leaving the village, but Naruto was leaving too. Although she didn't like Naruto romantically, they had been friends for years. In truth, whether it was Sasuke, Naruto, or any of the other friends she had grown up with, she would have hated to see them leave. Despite her violent streak, she was still kindhearted, and she had never experienced anything truly painful. She simply couldn't understand the ideals Sasuke and Naruto held, and tears of sadness slipped down her face.
Ino took it more calmly. Looking at Sakura, she comforted her. "Don't be sad, Sakura. There's nothing we can do about it. Sasuke can't grow stronger quickly if he stays in the village, and that's the one thing Sasuke-kun can't bear.