#odeko writes

Of course, it took some time, but here is your request. I re-read the fic, and wrote an ending to the letter that Ino had never gotten the chance to finish reading. Forgive me for the added contents, but Sasuke is on a suicidal mission, hence the cause for dramatics, and messy handwriting.

For the uninitiated, the fic is Day 14 by Melpomene Melancholica, From this chapter (8) :

If you’re reading this, then I’m obviously dead.

Yes, dead. I’m not going to use euphemisms. I died for sake of mission, comrades and village. This is our way of life, not a romance novel. So don’t begrudge me of my honorable death. I don’t want you chasing the edge of the earth trying to undo what’s been done, what cannot be done.

Believe me, I’ve tried it before.

Incidentally, mention that to the dead-last who taught me in the first place, just in case the notion has gotten lost in his vapid skull over the years.

I’ve written you at the eve of the final step of our operation because you still annoy me like hell, even here. I can’t stop thinking that last the night that I left you. Our conversations replayed on my mind; a badly-cast genjutsu that barely kept me sane in this godforsaken mission.

I can’t give you what you want, but you were everything I ever needed. If we existed in another lifetime, or even a different path from what I’ve taken…But with our current circumstances, this is the only feasible ending for us.

You asked me, if you provided even a little reason for me to live. I’m selfish enough to say that you were the only reason.

I’m sorry, Sakura.

If you’re wondering why Sasuke never said goodbye in his dead man’s letter, I think it’s because he never had the strength to ever say that to Sakura, even in death.