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Chapter Twenty-Three

[Flashback]

Kakashi was joyful today.

Sayuri grimaced. It's probably because I'm leaving soon, she thought. My graduation is coming up and all he could think of is that I'm leaving for college?

She sighed and sat back in her seat. Her wandering eyes ignored the teacher in the front of the room, giving the class a lecture (which was about about writing their names on the top right corner). Instead, she stared out the window with her ears perking up at the small click of the hands moving on the clock.

Fifteen more days, she thought. And I'm leaving this wretched place--I bet everyone here will be happier without me.

"One day, I'm gonna run away from here...so far away...so that I wouldn't be so much of an embarrassment to everyone. To Kakashi."

She was satisfied with herself for finding a college that was far away from Konoha. Well, actually, not that far--three days away. The college was located in Sunagakure, and was known as one of the best and advanced college in Suna.

I wonder, Sayuri thought. Where Sakura is now. What college is she going to? Is she successful, not like me?

On the day of her graduation, her name was disdainfully called. But, she walked up the stage with a smile on her face even though no one could see it--the graduation was held outside on a small stage, so the blaring sun blocked everyone's view.

The principal gave her a dirty glare but nonetheless handed her the diploma.

Just two more days and they won't have to be so worked up about me anymore.

"Goodbye, Kakashi." She signed, although she knew he never understood sign language. He didn't even know that she learned the language either.

The silver haired man gazed at her as if she were some stranger he met only a few second ago before walking off. She felt her heart clench, the grief spreading, but turned around.

She didn't get the chance to see Kakashi falter in his steps, turn, and watch her with his one visible eye. Guilt was swarming in his eyes, but he didn't want to admit it. Here she goes--maybe she'll find a better place. A better home, better friends, a better brother.

And when Sayuri proudly took those seven steps it took to walk past the red gates of Konoha, she felt freedom embrace her.

I'm finally free.

...---...

I'm back after two, maybe three months! So sorry for leaving you hanging! But I finally straightened out the priorities of my books (both on my main and this account) and finally decided to not leave this unfinished!

Please comment any suggestions, corrections, or even shippings ;] I'm open to any.

Anyways, thanks for reading!