FicWad

He had loved her once. It seemed like decades ago they had stood side
by side, fighting and laughing, trying to make sense of their silent
and stoic third teammate, dealing with their pervert sensei.

In actuality, it had been only a few years.

Now, in the ruin of the Hidden Sound, they stand face to face, one a
shinobi of the Leaf, the other a traitor.

Even now, he can't help but love her.

He wishes he didn't.

Especially when she activates her curse seal and transforms into
something he can only describe as 'demonic'.

Of all the things that could once be said of her, the one thing she
most definitely is not is 'weak'.

As her skin darkens and her hair fades, he gathers chakra into his hand
and says only one thing.

"Sakura... I'm sorry."


[Title taken from the Eric Clapton song]