Silhouettes in the Night
XoXoX
And here's the fourth chaper.
I uploaded two chapters because I have company until the thirty first.
So there will not be any chapters for at least two weeks.
Sorry for the Inconvenience.
And I know this chapter is very jumpy, but pain, fear, and panic can do funny things to people.
On a side note I really need a beta reader for this story so if anyone is willing I would greatly appreciate it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, or any of it's themes or characters.
Chapter 4
Fear is in the Mind
After I handed in both the documents I was to complete and the files from Itachi's interrogation I quickly made my way back to where Ibiki and Sasuke were, fear twitching through me that something had already blown up. I let my mind wander to the blow up i had left back in tsunade's office. I smirked at the memory.
"Oi! Shikamaru!" I had yelled to the lazy ninja leaning in the corner with his eyes closed. "Are you trying to kill me?"
"Troublesome." He muttered before speaking up. "Why would you say that?"
"I almost died out there!" I yelled walking up to him waving my fist.
"Ah, but you didn't." He sighed opening his eyes to look down at me. "And I was right. You were an asset on the mission leading to its success."
"And if you had been wrong!" I shook my fist at him.
"But I wasn't." He countered.
"But you could have been! I could be dead right now all because you decided to test a theory!" I shouted at him. He sighed.
"You women are all the same," He shook his head. "More trouble than your worth."
"I HEARD THAT SHIKAMARU!" Ino yelled from the other room.
I covered my mouth to contain my giggles; Ino would make his life a living hell for that one.
Popping my back I opened the door without knocking, trying to relax after a twelve hour night shift at the hospital only to witness a scene I had expected.
"Great..." I sighed bitterly before moving to the Uchiha's side.
"Sasuke, it's over..." I whispered, my fingers filling with healing chakra and placing it against his face trying to scope out the mental damage. "Itachi only did what he had to. I know that it's hard to see that, but we need you on our side. We need you both on our side." He didn't look at me his eyes clouded. "Let's give him sometime Ibiki." I spoke to the interrogator without looking away from my work. "I will take him back to his cell and we will resume in two days time." My tone left no room for argument, and as head medic what I said when it came to a ninja's welfare, enemy or not, it would have to be followed.
"The idiot tried to convince me that Itachi was lying." Ibiki scoffed from behind me. "I don't know how many times I told him that it wasn't Itachi who disclosed this information."
"It's going to take some time." Nothing else was said, I was just sorry for the whole tragic circumstances between the brothers.
It was again team Kurenai that showed up to help me transport him back to his cell, but as we were making our way there we had a slight altercation.
"Sakura-san! Two Anbu teams have just been brought in!" One of the Jonin hollered while running at me. "There are not enough hands, they need you!"
"Shit." Was all I could say before I broke into a dead run for the hospital.
The emergency rooms were crowded but that was to be expected. I moved to the worst off trying to get him in stable condition. I pushed chakra into the gaping hole in his chest, it had just missed his heart but amazingly he was still alive, if just barely. One collapsed lung, several broken ribs, internal bleeding; I pushed more chakra into his body.
"This one is stabilized." I heard a call from the other side of the room.
"This one is as well." The voices started blending into each other.
"The ones that can be moved move them. We need all the room and all the help we can get." I barked. A chorus of yeses followed my order as I inserted more chakra into the anbu's body. More and more still but nothing was happening, hours past but he wasn't getting better, in fact he was growing slowly but steadily worse. I jerked my head up as the heart monitor drew out into a thin long line, the beeps that matched his heart dragging into a hum.
"Damnit!" This time the chakra went into his heart trying to restart it, but nothing. I wasn't sure how long I had tried to revive the fallen anbu when I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder.
"Sakura-san, he's gone." I recognized Hinatas soft voice; she must have followed when we ran up here to help. I could only nod to her tone of comfort. "The Akatsuki did too much damage. Call it." Well this was a new development; this was the work of that vicious organization. Damn Akatsuki, just what were they up to? It would be too big of a coincidence for the two anbu teams here to both be targeted by them. Which meant the Akatsuki was targeting Konoha now...
I sighed before looking at the clock. "T.O.D. 22:27." I then reached down to remove the mask of the faceless Anbu for the records and spiky brown hair broke free. I recognized the prominent scar on the left hand side of his face immediately. I heard the mask clatter to the floor but I hadn't realized I had let it go. "Oh no... Raidou..." I handed the death certificate to Hinata to fill out, there was something else I had to take care of. "His name is... was Raidou Namiashi..." I whispered before barrelling out the door leaving a shocked Hinata behind me.
Poor Genma was all that occupied my mind. Raidou and him had fought many battles together, and I couldn't save him, the others had stabilized their patients and I couldn't even save mine.
'Useless...'
I pushed myself forward through my chakra depletion, only my determination keeping me on my feet. I pushed open the doors to the containment area, flying by the security.
I ignored the Uchiha's eyes facing Genma cautiously, who suspiciously had his mask already raised.
"Sakura?" Worried he glanced over me.
"Genma... I have some bad news... An ANBU team was brought in at 1300, I did all I could but Raidou didnt make it. I'm so sorry Genma." I pinched the bridge of my nose trying to get my eyes to focus. "Rumour has it they were attacked by the Akastuki."
"Raidou." He closed his eyes in agony, offering only a wavering hand on his shoulder I tried to comfort him.
"Sever Chakra depletion.." I heard quietly from behind me and before I could rationalize what I was doing I was already close to the bars seething in rage.
"You bastard... Did you guys plan this? What the fuck are you playing at?" I stabbed my finger at the Uchiha through the cell bars. Itachi's head tilted at me in curiosity.
My legs gave out, unable to carry the weight of my body any longer through this exhaustion. Luckily Genma grabbed me before the stone floor could catch my knees. I leaned into his support and stared up into his face. "I'm so sorry... I came right when I found out..."
The world spun eerily, vertigo filling my senses.
"She is still concious." If I didnt know any better I would have said Itachi's voice sounded slightly surprised.
"It's okay Sakura; he died an honourable death, fitting of the man I knew." He gave me a reassuring smile but I could see the sadness and loss for his friend shining in his eyes. It made me feel worse that he was comforting me when it should be the other way around.
"I didn't want you to hear it from someone else." I whispered.
"Sakura you did all you could. Some people just aren't meant to be saved. You're the best medic I know, if you couldn't do the job, it couldn't be done." That's what I liked about Genma he could always see underneath the words whenever I said something, and would give me his honest opinion, even if said opinion was insane. "Now let's get you to Tsunade." I think he smiled at me but I couldn't tell through the fog. He picked me up into his arms and went to turn away when the soft masculine voice of Itachi stopped him.
"Genma-san, is this a regular occurrence?" I felt Genma sigh before he answered.
"Yeah, kid tries to hide it behind a mask but she cares to much."
"Emotions lead to weakness." Itachi commented, I wasn't sure whether to feel insulted at the statement or to simply take it at face value.
"For most, yes," Genma answered back. "But you should give her the benefit of the doubt. She may just surprise you." He chuckled softly. I didn't get to hear Itachi's answer as I gave into exhaustion.
I ran. I wasn't sure where I was going or even where I had been. All I knew was that there was no way out, no doors or windows, no beginning or end. I pressed forward using all of my strength, I couldn't fall, couldn't stop, because if I did I would be left for dead.
I felt something grip my shoulders, almost crushing as I was pulled backwards, my organs barely catching up. Fear slowly moved through my system, this was it.
"There are other ways to torture someone then just with my Sharingan, Sakura-san." He spoke as if we were talking over tea, but I could hear the promise underlining his words. "Allow me to show you." I couldn't help but look up and over my shoulder and into his eyes .They glowed in the abyss and I couldn't look away, they were the color of freshly drawn blood, the color that has stained my hands to many times.
If someone screams and no one is around to hear it, do they make a sound?
I bolted upright searching my surroundings. I knew where I would be, after an 'episode' this is where I always woke up.
"Are you okay?" Tsunade asked standing up from her desk, concern lacing her eyebrow. I could feel the sweat dripping down my forehead. I nodded, coughing to loosen my vocal chords.
"What time is it?" I questioned as I wiped the back of my hand across my forehead.
"Seven in the morning, are you feeling better now, Sakura?" I looked over to Tsunade before getting up off the couch in her office.
"Yes, shishou." I nodded at her.
"Be more careful Sakura, don't work yourself so hard." There was no real authority in her voice, or even hope that I would listen, not anymore.
"Yes, shishou." I repeated. She sighed, tired of this repeated conversation.
"I need you to go down to the cells and give both of the Uchiha's a full examination." I coughed down my fear and nodded, I would do the older one last so that maybe by then the terror I felt now would have subsided. She handed me two clipboards and then my lab coat before I headed out of the room.
It didn't take me long to reach Sasuke's cell, my chakra fully restored.
"Sakura-san." I looked up at the call of my name to see a smirking man before me. His charcoal colored hair hung around his face, his dark eyes friendly.
"Ah Tanzou-san. It's nice to see you again." I noticed his Jonin vest and smiled up at him. "I see you have found some team members that follow the rules."
"Those idiots." He sighed. Back when team 7 had first taken the Chunin exams Tanzou and his team had been disqualified because his other two team members had opened they're Heaven scroll against direct orders. We shared a laugh.
"You must be hungry." I smiled at him. "Go get something to eat, I'll be fine here."
"Hey, thanks!" He waved as he walked off. I typed in the number code before pressing my fingers to the scanner.
The cell door opened with a clank and then shut behind me as I stepped in. Sasuke was sitting at the back of his cell, his head leaned against the wall and his eyes closed. I approached him, knowing very well he wasn't asleep. I kneeled down beside him before filling my hands with chakra and pressing them to his exposed chest. My fingers had barely touched his skin when I found my wrists bound in one of his hands, causing me to lean forward closer to him. I kept the surprise off my face.
"What do you think you're doing?" He questioned cracking one obsidian eye open to stare at me.
"Performing an examination under orders of the Hokage," I bit out. "Let go."
"No." He said, opening the other eye as well.
"Very well then. You leave me no choice." I sighed while focusing chakra to my wrists where his fingers gripped and then pushing it away from me. I heard his forefinger and thumb crack before his grip slackened and I pulled away. I could see anger in his eyes that just grew more dominant at the smirk placed on my lips. "Now, behave."
He watched as I put my hands back to his chest, green glowing underneath my palms. I closed my eyes as I searched his body.
"Hmm." I grunted. He could be on a better diet but other than that as healthy as a horse, aside from the broken finger and thumb he now had, which he could keep for a while, the arrogant bastard. I pulled away and picked up his chart and jotted down a few notes. Nodding in satisfaction at a job well done I stood and turned to leave, only Sasuke's voice stopped me.
"How did you do it?" He demanded. I stood with my back facing him.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." I repeated, only to the younger Uchiha this time. I didn't give him a chance to answer as I walked out of the cell seeing that Tanzou had returned.
"See you later." I said walking off.
I knew that even if I wanted to I couldn't put my next visit off. I was just thankful I wouldn't be left alone with him. So taking a deep breath I rounded the corner.
"There you are." The masked Anbu guard called to me as soon as I was in sight. "The shift change was supposed to happen ten minutes ago and I am now late for a meeting. Do you think you can watch him?" Damn, of course Kakashi would be the one taking the shift next, he was the only ninja ranked high enough besides myself that would show up late for guard duty. Perfect time to be late. I rolled my eyes at the sarcasm. I could only nod as the man blurred out of sight. So much for not being alone with him. I sighed, watching the clip board in my hands as I slowly made my way to his cell. I raised my head to search for the number pad only to see his red Sharingan eyes locked on me.
My breathing hitched as I involuntarily took a step back, my mind being pushed back into the fear I felt in my dream. This man was dangerous, he could kill me without a seconds notice and I wouldn't be able to do a thing. And somehow I doubted he would think twice about the matter. He had spared my life once before but that suddenly meant nothing...
This was a man who killed his own mother.
I almost fled with that thought, but I knew I couldn't, I had a job to do. Taking a shaky breath and trying to keep my head together and not letting him see my fear, I moved my eyes away from his and entered my code into the lock system and just like before it opened and then closed behind me. Only this time I felt trapped too. I avoided his eyes as I knelt next to his sitting form. Even with my legs underneath me he was still taller. I tried to will my shaky hands to settle as I put my chakra filled palms to his chest. I squeezed my eyes shut, nervous to take my eyes off the enemy even if it was necessary.
"You're afraid of me." I couldn't tell if it was a statement or a question. I felt as if I would curl up into a ball under his calculating gaze. His hand rested on my collar bone and I tried to pull away. "I was unaware that something had changed." I bit my lip to keep from hissing; I tried to focus on the chakra spreading through his body instead of the overwhelming urge to knock him unconscious. Everything was working excellently except... gasping I threw my head back and looked up into his now dark grey eyes.
"Y-you're almost b-blind." I stuttered I grasped the hand that still rested on my collarbone in case my statement set him off I could incapacitate him with my chakra.
"Yes." He stated simply. So that's why he always has his Sharingan activated when he's focusing on something. It may be deteriorating his eyes more, but it's the only way he can see. I felt a tear slip down my cheek, followed by another on the other side. Itachi's eyebrow furrowed as he traced his thumb across my cheek. Probably to see if the salty smell in the air was actually my tears. I was ashamed that I was crying in front of this renowned killer without even knowing why.
This time I couldn't keep my feet planted. In hurried motions I grabbed the two clipboards and bolted throwing the cage door open and then shut behind me.
I stopped dead as a ninja flash stepped in front of me gripping my arm. A small hiss escaped my lips, irrational fear that somehow the trapped Uchiha had followed me.
"Sakura? What's wrong?" I heard the concern laced voice of Kakashi and almost sighed in relief.
"Nothing." I snapped, but his eyes had already narrowed and looked over my head.
"Alright." He looked back at me his one eye crinkling. "You better go hand those into Tsunade." I nodded, smiling fakly at him.
"Don't worry I won't tell her that you were late." I coughed out a laugh before quickly dashing off.
I filled out the paperwork for Itachi on my way to Tsunade's office. Knocking on the door I waited for her come in before I entered.
"Tsunade-sama, Itachi is almost blind." I said as soon as the door was shut.
"Tch." She scoffed, placing her thumb nail in between her teeth and it was a minute before she spoke. "Sakura you're going to have to heal his eyes." She had made her decision.
"I can't!" I yelled before thinking. "I mean... It's to advanced, and the sharingan I've never worked on it except for studying Kakashi's but he's not full blood..." She cut me off.
"Then what do you suggest?" She barked.
"Why can't you or Shizune-sempai heal him? Both of you are much more capable then me!" I pleaded but I knew it was useless.
"No. Tomorrow after Sasuke's interrogation you will begin healing Itachi's eyes." I knew it was an order, and I knew that there was no way around it.
Apparently not only was Shikamaru trying to kill me, Tsunade was as well.
Oh joy.
There was a slight knock at the door and frowning I moved to take my place at Tsunade's flank.
"Come in." Her voice was curious although not many would have been able to pick up the wavering undertones. The door opened to reveal four guards so on guard you could feel the tension like a thick fog only cut through with the swift calmness of the man standing between them.
"Uchiha Itachi." She doesn't seem surprised quirking an eyebrow at the man. He bowed respectfully, his chakra pushing on me feeling watched without his eyes ever glancing in my direction, I would have cast it off as paranoia if the same instinct hadn't saved my life countless of times.
"Hokage-sama, I request a meeting with my brother." My eyes shot open and then narrowed, immediately suspicious of his intentions.
"Of course."
"Shishou-"
"Haruno!" The tone was like knives with the reprimand, my chest constricted but i stepped back straightening my posture and blanking my face I stared at the wall in front of me."... You will escort them to Uchiha Sasuke."
"As you wish, Hokage-sama." I bowed lowly not looking at anyone as I moved out the door expecting them to follow.
We approached Sasukes cell quietly and I managed to stay completely blank as I opened the door.
"You have five minutes." I pushed him in and shut the door.
"Privacy would be most appreciated." We stared each other down neither of our masks failing, I had the urge to snap at him and would have if the hurtful reprimand wasn't still pulling at my chest.
"This cell is 100% contained, any try at escape and you will be fried to death." I couldn't help but grin tauntingly at him almost begging him to try it.
"I can see that, Sakura." I curled my lip at the use of my name.
"Five minutes thats it." I nodded slightly at the ANBU guards, "Stay close." I would only allow them the illusion of privacy although most ANBU are respectful enough to not listen in.
I turned away stepping around the corner and placing my back against the wall, masking my chakra I knew I was far enough away to fool, them especially with my chakra seals placed all over the cell, but close enough to overhear their conversation.
"Sasuke." I heard his clothing creek and I imagined he was kneeling in front of Sasuke.
"Brother... I don't understand." His voice was frustrated and I frowned in sadness for him finding out second hand the truth about his clan wasn't fair even if it was necessary.
"I know Sasuke, I will explain." His voice was quiet but patient, I listened closer as he went on. "The Uchiha were planning a coup with our father at the lead to over throw the hokage. It would have resulted in a cival war, innocent people would have died-"
"Our clan was innocent!" Sasuke yelled back.
"No they weren't Sasuke, listen to what im telling you. All of konoha would have crumbled and if the Uchiha had succeeded in there coup, thousands of people would have died uselessly only for a misguided power hungry struggle. And if they had managed to rise to power what then Sasuke? You were to young to see it but our clan was not fit for rule, they were cruel and ruthless. It would have been the entire fall of the leaf village."
"How could they make you do that!"
"I chose to do it, I was the only one who could. It was either the village or my clan and I made a chose, I murdered our mother and father, my lover, all for the good of the village." Lover? Eyes widened and breath held I searched the floor for nothing. Itachi had had a lover when he had killed his clan? How sick was that?
"Why doesn't that make your blood boil! How can you stand to be here after everything why wouldn't you want to see it fall!"
"Sasuke!" It was the first time I'd ever heard him raise his voice. "The village cannot be held responsible for the councils doings, and they are dead. What about Naruto or Sakura? Do you think they should die because of something that happened a decade ago?" I frowned at his words listening carefully.
"I failed in my mission Sasuke, it was to kill the entire Uchiha clan and then be cast aside like the pawn I was, but you're still alive Sasuke. I killed everyone but when I faced you, my little brother, I couldn't lift my sword. I made you hate me so that you would come after me for revenge and when you killed me you could be the hero of the leaf. I never wanted you to know the truth, but I never calculated one small kunoichi into my plans."
"Sakura?" Sasuke asked and I gasped at my name.
"Hn."
"How did she defeat you, brother?" His voice was dripping with jealousy my lips tilted in mirth.
"By being born."
Thank you for reading.
-engineFAILURE
