I don't own Naruto...

The rain was soaking me through. Huh weird.

There's a 'grace' period that you seem to have after you die, a time to watch the world move on without you. Watch your family and friends overcome their grief, it's almost blissful.

You know when that times up, but nothing forces you to move on and if you don't, you simply get a Messenger.

A Messenger is someone who has already moved on. But if you need a Messenger you become one. When you do, you only need to make one more person move on before you can, it's a cycle. Everyone has to move on, some just need more time.

So, I was watching the soul of a man I knew all too well, staring into oblivion. But I found I knew what I had to say to him.

'Do you think you did the right thing?' If he was surprised by my presence, he didn't show it. Not even a flinch. Typical Shinobi.

Silence… Okay, but given the circumstances...

I'll cut to the chase

'Because I know you did.' It was messed up, but it did the job…

He looked at me then. Still not saying anything. I moved closer through the crumbled remains.

'You'll see him again you know, and I don't mean on this side of death.'

'That's impossible.' He mumbled. I ignored him.

'And he'll be strong, stronger than you can imagine because he had to be. Because you made him be. He'll save the world thanks to it.'

'Why are you here?', Did his voice just crack?

Why not who, he knew he was dead. Only so many guesses as to who I was.

I shrugged, 'I dunno, right time, the right place I suppose, maybe I was the only one with the knowledge at the time to do it, to help you move on.'

No reply. 'I made someone else wait, so I'll wait for you. Besides... I think it's time someone did something for you Itachi-san. So, take all the time you need, I don't blame you.'

It's hard to tell with the rain but I think he's crying.

'And neither do they.'

I reach for his hand and take it. He doesn't pull away. We're wet but we're not cold. I may be his messenger but I'm also his solace.

'Your mother wants to see you again.'

Thanks for reading, R&R.