A/N I am very excited about this Itachi/Sakura story. This is one of my favourite coupples and I am so thrilled to finaly be working on a story for them. I would love to hear opinions so please let me know what you think.
POV-Itachi
I watched from a distance as the other girls picked on her. I couldn't imagine why they would do such a thing, but I had to take into consideration that they were just young children. I'm sure to them it was harmless fun however; it tore at my heart to see the small girl cry. She was sitting on the ground surrounded by the others who were saying something that I couldn't make out. In the past I had made it a point to not get involved with things like this. I had been taught as a young child to be strong and take control of my own problems. I had also made it my mission to teach my younger brother the same concept. However, as I continued to watch the drama unfold I realized that the child had not been taught the same lesson.
"What's going on here" I said as I approached. The other girls looked up to face me but the one continued to sit on the ground and hold her head down. I knelt down beside her and placed my hand on the top of her head. She refused to look at me. I glanced over my shoulder at the others.
"It's not nice to make fun of others" I said, still trying to comfort the crying girl. "Why don't you guys run along and play somewhere else". They looked to each other before leaving. I could hear them laughing as they ran from view.
I shook my head as I watched them make their escape. I turned back to face the girl who I had just protected. She had stopped crying but I could tell she was still upset. I sat on the grass next to her, hoping to gain her trust.
"What's your name"?
"Sakura" she said, still hiding her face from my view. I thought that the name suited her well. Her shorty choppy hair was a unique shade of pink and it reminded me of the cherry blossoms that bloomed every spring.
"That is a pretty name. My name is Itachi. How old are you Sakura"?
"Six"
"You're the same age as my little brother" I said smiling. I placed my hand on her shoulder. "Why won't you look at me Sakura? You don't have to hide anymore. I promise I'm not like those little girls. I'm sure it can't be that bad".
"You will say I am ugly. That is what everyone says". She lifted her head for a moment but quickly put it back down.
"That can't be true" I said as I gently turned her head to face me. I noticed that she had beautiful green eyes as well as pale and flawless skin. I couldn't imagine why anyone would tell this child that she was ugly. I smiled as I wiped a tear from her cheek. She sniffled and gave me a shy smile.
"Why don't I walk you home" I said, takeing her hand and pulling her off the ground. She nodded her head but didn't say anything. She gripped my hand tightly as we began to make our way through the village.
Sakura didn't speak for a long time. I began to feel awkward and uncomfortable. I was a famed ANBU officer, not a babysitter. However, Sakura seemed like she needed someone to look up to. I didn't know why but I felt like there was something very special about her.
We quietly made our way past the small shops and restaurants that were scattered along the street. I wanted to ask Sakura if she wanted something to eat before I took her home but she seemed too lost in thought to have a conversation with me. As we reached the residential district she finally spoke.
"Are you a ninja" she asked. She turned to face me and I found myself stopping in the middle of the street.
"I am" I said, gazing down into her bright green eyes. They seemed to be filled with wonder and disbelief. She smiled and for some reason I could feel my cheeks grow hot. I was not one to blush, but she had caught me off guard.
"I wish I could be a ninja but everyone says I am too little and that I am weak". She sighed and kicked a small pebble away from her. I found myself thinking how unique she really was. I didn't know many six year old girls but I figured most of them didn't think about going off to war as a ninja. I laughed and ran my hand through her hair playfully.
We walked for a few more minutes before we finally arrived in front of her apartment. She smiled and began to pull away from me but I held her back.
"Do you really want to be a ninja Sakura"?
She looked up at me and nodded. I knelt down beside her and looked straight into her eyes. Although she was young I could tell that she had an inner strength. I reached into my bag and pulled out a silver kunai. I watched as her eyes grew wide with shock and excitement. She reached out to touch it but quickly pulled her hand back. I gave a small laugh before takeing her hand and placing the knife into it. I watched as she took her finger and stroked its side.
"A ninja has to deal with many things. They have to go into battle never knowing what to expect". She looked at me with a puzzled look. "Being a ninja is more than being strong. It is about being smart and learning to do what is right". I took the kunai from her and held it up to where she could see her reflection in its surface. "If you work hard you can be a great ninja one day. You have to train every day to become stronger but I'm sure you can do it". I handed the kunai back to her and stood up. She held it for a moment before trying to hand it back to me.
I smiled and shook my head. "I want you to keep it. It will remind you to work hard. You have to remember to work for what you want".
She looked at me for a moment before running to a flower bed nearby. After a few moments she returned with a small, red rose in her hand. She smiled and held it up to me.
"I wanted to give you something too Itachi" she said as I took the rose from her hand. "It isn't as special as a kunai knife but roses are my favorite flower. I want it to remind you of me, like this knife reminds me of you". She held the kunai up in a playful stance. I smiled and playfully grabbed her, tickling her side. She squirmed out of my arms and ran out of my reach, laughing with every step she took.
"Well I should be getting home" I said, pushing a few strands of my dark hair away from my face. She looked disappointed but after a moment she hugged me around my waist. I wrapped my arms around her.
"Thank you Itachi" she said as she pulled away. She ran off with the kunai knife still in her hand. "I promise to practice every day" she yelled back at me as she reached her front door.
"That's my girl" I said as I waved back at her.
I watched as she entered the apartment. She really was a very special little girl. I looked down at the rose in my hand. I held it up to my nose and breathed in its sweet scent.
"You are going to be a great ninja one day Sakura. I know it".
A/N Please remember to review and let me know what you think of the story so far. The next few chapters will jump around in the timeline for a bit but I promise to make it clear to understand.
Forever Yours
SasukeDancer
