Sasuke grabbed Sakura's hand as though clutching at a lifeline and asked, "Sakura, do you believe me?"
With Sasuke taking her hand of his own accord for the first time, Sakura blushed and immediately nodded. "Yes, I believe you."
Sasuke spoke rapidly. "He's a fake, a fraud, someone trying to steal the Uchiha Clan's power. I'm going to expose him for what he really is."
Seeing Sasuke get up to leave, Sakura threw her arms around him from behind and pleaded, "No, you can't go."
"Why? Was your saying you believed me a lie too?" Sasuke's heart grew cold.
Sakura shook her head. "No, I believe you, but the Hokage has already acknowledged his identity. Even if he's a fake, going there won't change anything. Besides, with our teacher's strength..."
Back in the carriage, Sasuke had provoked Anyo and nearly been killed in an instant. If he went to cause trouble again, Sakura was truly worried he would suffer badly.
Sasuke nearly ground his teeth to pieces, his hands clenched tightly into fists as towering rage surged in his heart. Fake. It's all fake. The Hokage, Konoha-they're all scum.
That's right. Only strength is real. I have to grow stronger. Sasuke had never craved power as much as he did now.
Standing silently in place, Sasuke unclenched his fists and relaxed. He said to the person behind him, "Sakura, let go. I understand."
A smile finally appeared on Sakura's worried face.
But before her smile could fade, Sasuke struck her nerves, leaving her swaying on her feet.
Sasuke caught Sakura in his arms and laid her on the hospital bed, bidding her a quiet farewell. "Sakura, thank you. I'm setting out on a new path."
Before losing consciousness, Sakura struggled to stay awake, tears streaming down her face as she