Because I updated my other story WAY early, I decided to update this one early too. ^_^ You can thank me later. Anyways, at the end of this chapter I've got a question for you, my readers, and it would help me a ton if you gave me your opinions. It'll be at the authors note at the end of this chapter. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Do not Own Naruto, if I did... well, Itachi would be very much alive and There would be such thing as Sakura Uchiha. ^_^

Chapter 4

I explained to him that we would not get any help from the other Gods and Goddesses. I wasn't sure how to bring up the other piece of information... Minions of Daishiro were following us and were possibly going to kill anyone who gets in the way of their plan.

I was sitting under the branch where Itachi was perched. He had moved there to think, strategizing our entry to Konoha. He didn't seem phased by the news, but I had kept the biggest thing a secret. It would be my problem, and my burden. I would protect the Uchiha from Daishiro; it was obvious that he played a role in Daishiro's plans.

What if he knows about Itachi's incredible power?

I remembered the day I first spoke to him. As I watched him spar with Kisame, it was obvious he was holding back, but his power was awe-inspiring. If Daishiro had known about that power, then he must want him to do his dirty work. Shaking my head I stood and walked over to the river.

'Kana. You haven't told me everything, have you.'

It wasn't a question, and I knew I'd been caught. I would need to think of something to say.

You could always tell him the truth?

Oh, yea. That. "Well, Itachi, you're possibly being hunted by one of the most powerful Gods and the most evil. He wants your power and I may not be able to stop him. No big deal." I snorted and pushed the thought aside. I couldn't distract him. And that would most definitely distract him.

'Yes... when this is over, I must return to the heavens. There's a war going on and I'm ranked pretty high in the Mother Goddess' army. So it's important that I get back.'

It wasn't a total lie. It was very true, and not at all concerning to him.

'What were you ranked?'

'I AM ranked Lt. Commander. I am still in the army, however, I was given this mission, and it was far more important than that silly bicker fest. So far it's been constant bad-mouthing, but I suspect that a battle is coming, and we have no way of defending ourselves without the battalion being in tip top shape. My Commander has been gathering all those who are loyal and training them. It's usually my job, but here I am.'

He stiffened when he heard my rank. I snorted at him. What did he expect me to be? Just a small time private?

Oh yea, they'd assign someone as low ranked as a private to this kind of mission. Yep. That's totally what they would do.

I stared at the fish passing by in the river. Carefree little critters, weren't they? They just had to swim, breed and not get caught by fishermen. Lucky them.

"Kisame, pack up. We're leaving. We've got another couple hours before we can rest again. And by tomorrow morning, we'll be in Konoha."

Kisame sighed loudly and put out the fire. Itachi jumped down and put his hat back on.

'You couldn't find a more fashionable piece of headwear, Itachi?'

He glared at me and started running, Kisame right behind him. I easily caught up to them, keeping pace. Barely an hour into our run we came across a small group of ninjas. It looked like there were a couple kids and an adult. We stopped above them on a branch, watching their training.

We must be closer to Konoha than I thought.

'Itachi, I thought you said we'd be there by tomorrow morning. This group is training. Surely they wouldn't send their genins all the way out here to train.'

He looked like he was concentrating pretty hard on something.

"Itachi, can we at least have a little bit of fun with them. I've got to make sure that Samehada is ready for a showdown or two in Konoha." Kisame was whispering, but to me it felt like he was shouting. I was on edge as it was, and to have him talking wasn't very beneficial. I growled low to get his attention.

'Shut him up Itachi, before I kick his ass. He's gonna get us caught.'

Itachi shook his head at Kisame, using his chin to point towards Konoha. We silently left the branch, letting the genin and their sensei train. I was amazed that the junin sensei didn't notice us.

He seems pretty dense. The chakra radiating off these two would be strong enough to knock over a tower.

'What's the plan there, Itachi? We just gonna waltz in and hope they offer us a place to stay? One that isn't a freaking cell? Or crypt?'

'The Chunin Exams should be under way; most of the people will be watching those. So we can get in easy enough. Be aware that we may get separated. Whatever you do, don't get separated from me. It's very likely that Kisame will go off to wreck havoc, but I have a job. And I've got something I need you to do. It's of incredible importance, do you understand?'

My heart made a funny stutter. He didn't want me to get separated from him?

No. No. He might need you to help him track down Sasuke. Remember? Or Danzo. Don't think it's more than what it actually is. Come on, you're on a mission. And you're a Goddess. Not some human.

Right... I forgot about that. Nothing. I snorted, laughing at myself half-heartedly, and letting Itachi know that I understood his order.

I kept my head and eyes down as I walked beside Itachi and Kisame. Before I knew it, we were in Konoha and walking through the neighborhoods. The place seemed to be teeming with life, even though I could see no one.

'Kana, how many forms do you have?'

'Just three. Why?'

'Tell me what they are, and I'll tell you what I want you to do.'

I huffed; annoyed. Can't he do math?! He's seen two of my forms... It can't be that hard to figure out which one I had not worn around him.

'I've got the two you've seen. So my human form and my black wolf form. My last form is a white wolf with gold eyes. Now tell me what you're planning.'

He was silent for a fraction of a second before he looked at me. It was an odd look, almost melancholy. I flattened my ears and stopped walking. I carefully watched him, waiting for him to answer my question.

'I need you to turn into your white wolf form. But not with me around. The people who have seen us, I suspect are already alerting the shinobi of the area. They will report two men with a large, black wolf. I want you to turn into your white wolf form, and then follow me without being seen. When I see my brother, and I will, I want you to attack me. From there I want you to stay with my brother. Help him train, help him get stronger. This is your order from me. With our mental connection you can keep me updated. Keep him out of trouble.'

I was surprised and I had nothing to say. This wasn't what I was supposed to do. I wasn't assigned to babysit his little brother. I was assigned to watch and protect Itachi.

And do whatever he asks of you.

Why? His brothers progress will show when they meet again. No matter how long that is.

But Itachi may not have long. Remember when you first connected to him. The odd feeling in his blood; that may be what's affecting him.

I had completely forgotten about that. Something was wrong, and I couldn't place what it was. Perhaps I was meant to watch Sasuke so he could get stronger faster.

'Very well. But first, tell me what's wrong with your blood? When I felt your blood mix with mine something happened. A burning sensation. What is wrong with you?'

He stiffened a tiny bit before taking a deep breath. HE knew exactly what I was talking about. I growled, wanting him to answer.

'I don't know exactly what it is, however it's a sickness of some kind. But it weakens my body. I've been taking pills and doing everything I can to stay alive so Sasuke can avenge our clan. But my time is running out. I need you with him to make him stronger faster. You understand?'

I understood and felt a pang in my chest. I was sad. Though we had only met a few days ago, he had been a companion to me. I hadn't had many friends growing up. My training and responsibilities came before anything else. Knowing this was the last time I would be able to see him without acting, I walked forward and nudged his leg with my muzzle. I rested my head against his leg, letting him know that I was sorry. For what, I didn't know. But he has been acting like the stand off outcast for a long time. He hadn't been hugged in who knows how long. He probably missed the hugs from his mother, friends, and his brother.

I stepped away and looked up at him. He his jaw was clenched and his brow was furrowed. He kneeled and put his hand on my head. He was tormented, and it only got worse with the sickness. Sniffing I stood and turned. I ran into the city looking for a place to change where no one would see me.

Humans are such weak creatures. Falling ill at a simple prick of the finger. How they've managed to survive for so long is amazing.

Yes. But they had resolve. Determination. Things that Gods lacked. The had emotions and bonds that kept them going. They were both selfish and self-less.

I reached an entirely empty area, a stone bench and a river right beside me. Sniffing the air, I made sure no one was around. I listened for any sounds, and I searched for any movement. Seeing nothing, I felt a tingle go through my body as my fur changed color. My eyes throbbed as they changed color. When everything was no longer in pain I knew I was changed. I sniffed the air and located Itachi's scent. In a dash I ran towards it, knowing something big was going to happen.

There is the fourth chapter, my lovely readers. ^_^

To business! I've got about 11 chapters so far... and I'm curious. Think of this as a poll: Lemon or No Lemon? I'm leaving it up to you! I'm in the middle of writing and all my feels are over flowing, and I can't decide. So I need you to help me! Please! Seriously... I'm stuck.