Another birthday without you... Another birthday spent looking for you. The first birthday I will not spend reminiscing in hate... It never really felt right to hate on you during your birthday. And heavens know I've tried anyway.

Maybe you were right all along. My hatred for you was not strong enough.

I've never wanted to hate on anyone... That's just... not what I do.

Or so I thought, until the Third died.

Is hatred about feeling satisfaction when someone dies?

Of course, I felt sad for his grandson. Who wouldn't?

And so I put on a mask and put a flower on the Third's coffin.

But the satisfaction of finally seeing karma at work, after all these years...

It was...

Disgustingly sweet...

I wanted to taste it again.

And so I began to train harder, again. I felt my resolve come back, stronger than ever.

I left my pain aside and let anger tend to my wounds.

It was all new and scary. It is still scary. Sometimes I feel like I might lose myself to this sneering snake if I close my eyes for too long.

And then I remember who I am doing all this for.

And it strengthens my resolve and my heart.

It puts the anger to rest for while... Because I won't let you or the clan be tainted by this disgusting thing that is hatred.

Especially you... You, the one I had tried so hard to hate.

You, the only one I have left... The one I wish were here today. And everyday...

... Happy birthday, Itachi.