Aishiteru...
Itachi still remembers the day he met her. It was before he became a cold killer, before his hands were painted red with the blood of his targets, back when his heart was still pure and innocent. He and his mother were in town for the Ume festival*, his father as usual was busy with work. Suddenly, as they were enjoying the festival, it started to rain heavily. The people were caught off guard, but they all managed to get into some shops that were at the festival. That was when he saw her, playing with some other kids in the rain. Even at the tender age of five Itachi knew there was something special about that girl. He didn't know if it was her blood red hair or her captivating eyes, all he knew was that he wanted her to be his friend and something more but he ignored the second thing. Boldly he let go of his mother's hand and went up the wet and smiling girl. "My name's Itachi, what's yours?" This caught the girl's attention and she turned around to face him, with a sweet smile she replied "Hi 'Tachi! I'm Ai". Itachi gave a small smile and asked a little unsure "Want to be my friend, Ai?" Ai's eyes widened and smile grew "I'd love to 'Tachi! From now on we're best friends! Ok?" Itachi gave a small smile to this which Ai took as a yes. A little away Mikoto stood surprised by the whole interaction. It was unusual to see Itachi speak with much less want to be friends with anybody. She let a smile grace her face as she saw her older son playing with the girl.
Years passed and Ai became the only constant in Itachi's life. They were still best friends and that didn't change even with Itachi quickly moving up the ninja ranks. His feeling for her remained, not at all decreasing in intensity but increasing rapidly. She made his feel like regular person and not like a trophy he held her in high regard. When the day of the Uchiha Clan massacre came near, Itachi was torn, not only did he have to kill his family and clan but he also had to leave Ai behind. He was a shinobi but that did not change the fact that he was human. After the massacre he went to her house, she was sleeping peacefully, unaware of what he did. Before leaving he told her sleeping form what he had always wanted to say "Aishiteru (I love u) Ai". With that confession the thirteen year old left, leaving behind his love and his heart.
A twenty one year old Itachi stood in front of the love of his life, Ai. She was more beautiful than he remembered. She had become a strong medic over time and now is a threat to the Akatsuki, So Pein decided to eliminate her. Itachi was here to carry out that order. She stared back at him impassively, her face betraying nothing as did his. But, right before he slt her throat he heard her wisher "Aishiteru, 'Tachi Koi." And with that she slumped dead onto his back. Itachi Uchiha, cold blooded killer and murder of his clan finally lost his lifeline and his heart. He was now ready to face his little brother and die by his hands. His life is finally over…..
Naruto & Naruto Shippuuden © Masashi Kishimoto, Shonen Jump, Studio Pierrot, TV Tokyo, & Shueisha. All materials used belong to their rightful owners and I do not profit from this.
*It's a Chinese festival but Kohono celebrates it
Koi- darling (I think)