Silhouettes in the Night

XoXoX

Sorry this took me so long.

Huge thanks to those who have reviewed.

CountessHatsue, AmethystGal07, Miyu Maniac, night, Akirasan215, XSilentxAngelX, Madara's Crystal, sins-of-the-innocent

And an extreme special thank you to my Beta Reader DementedPoet

Any mistakes are of my own making.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, or any of it's themes or characters.


Chapter 7

Friends or Enemies?


Bring. Bring. Bring. "Mmm, hello?" My voice was quiet as I pushed through the morning fog.

"Oh Sakura, did I wake you?" Her cheery voice made me smile; even though she had, I lied.

"No mom, of course not. I'm just getting ready for training." Too bad I was already late; I grimaced at the slightly lighter dark blue then that of just before dawn.

"I see, well your fathers out so I wanted to have supper with you and your friends, it's been too long." I knew she meant my Shinobi friends. Father never approved of the Shinobi life, practically shunning me for choosing my own way of life. Mom got to befriend many Shinobi seeing as how I was one of the few Shinobi born from a civilian family, Momoko won over a lot of cold Shinobi hearts with her homemade cooking, even Sasuke at one time. "Not to mention Mai keeps bugging me about when she can see Naruto next." I giggled at the thought, my baby sister, Mayu, idolized that knucklehead.

"Well I'll tell them. See you tonight." I laughed before wishing her well and hanging up.


"Sakura, the sun is up. I believe we were supposed to meet here before dawn." Sasuke spoke condescendingly from his place beside Naruto as I entered into the training grounds.

"Ah, is it so late already?" I asked shielding my eyes from the non-existent sun while glancing around. Apparently Kakashi wasn't present either. "Well you see, Kakashi and I ran into each other on the way here, and we got talking when this cat flies by us." I waved my arm ahead of me, demonstrating the flight. Naruto was staring at me as if the story was a life line. "Turns out Tora, the fire Daimyo's wife's cat, got loose again so we decided to save the poor thing." I shook my head in nostalgia. Naruto's face became confused before it contorted into exasperation.

"Sakura-chan! Don't lie!" He yelled while pointing a finger at me. Sasuke's dark eyes narrowed slightly before sliding towards Naruto. Before I could answer him a distinct popping sound broke through his thoughts.

"Yo." Kakashi raised one hand in greeting.

"You haven't changed much." Sasuke's words cut through the atmosphere, boredom ringing through his tone. "Late as always, what's your story this time?" His eyes shifted away from me to greet the copy cat ninja before sliding back. Kakashi's lone eye crinkled in amusement before shifting to catch my eye.

"I was walking along hoping to get the latest edition of Icha Icha Paradise when I bumped into Sakura, and before we knew it that damn cat ran by. Just like old times huh?" I could see the amusement in his eye as he nodded at me. The sly old dog was eavesdropping. I couldn't help but grin back.

"Ahh!" Naruto cried throwing his hands up in exasperation. "Are we going to train or what?" He demanded, effectively changing the topic.

"Yes." Kakashi spoke.

"Oh that reminds me!" I cut in. "Mother would like for you three to join us for dinner." .

"Always a pleasure, Sakura." Kakashi's lone eye crinkled. "Thank you." I nodded back smiling.

"Count me in Sakura!" Naruto shouted. "I haven't had Ma's cooking in too long." Sasuke nodded in acceptance behind Naruto.

"Good now that that's settled..." Kakashi spoke placing his hands together. "Every Shinobi for themselves." We all nodded understanding the rules. I slid down into a crouch placing one hand on the ground while the other reached into the pouch on my hip, gently pulling out my fan. A smile played across my lips as I flicked it open. I watched as Sasuke's eyes narrowed and then rose in arrogance as I heard Naruto's gasp; I flipped the fan and brought it to my face to cover everything but my eyes as I giggled in excitement.

"Sakura-chan... You did it..." His tone was bewildered as he took in my appearance.

"Of course she did it, you idiot." Silence rocked the training ground as my head snapped toward the familiar voice, my jaw dropping.

"Temari...?" I watched as her four ponytails shook in laughter.

"Who else kid?" She asked before levelling me a look and raising an eyebrow, "You didn't think I'd miss this..." She turned from me to face my team. "Did you?" I shook my head at her smiling. "We'll talk later. I'm just here to watch the show before Tsunade coops me up in her office for the next two days." She said suddenly, laughing before motioning to my teammates,

I turned back looking just in time to see Sasuke's chidori flare up. Hmm, lightning, executing a simple wind Jutsu I brought my fan down from my face in a sharp motion I watched as his Chidori sputter out. His eyes showed the smallest amount of confusion, as he glanced between me and his once sparkling hand. A small shrug lifted his shoulders before his fingers flew through hand signs only to stop at his lips. I felt the fire begin to burn and as a comeback my wrist popped through a few seals.

"Water Style: Water protection Jutsu!" I yelled, as water formed around me in a sphere like shape. I wished that my knowledge of water style was better but there was few in the hidden leaf that are water style, so what I didn't learn from Yamato I had to teach myself. The fire engulfed me; somehow maintaining its intensity around the water globe, the water slowly began to boil, searing my flesh. I held in a whimper as I cancelled the prison and quickly dropped to the ground as the water and fire evaporated.

"Chidori Nagashi." The statement was to calm, to loud, the sound of birds drowning out all else. I had to get away. I somersaulted before pushing myself up onto my hands and flipping to my feet. But he was there waiting for me, his sword sparking as he brought it down to connect with my spine. Quickly I grabbed his wrist, mimicking Sai's moves that day so long ago.

"You are weak," He commented while pushing his stance forward, while pushing me back. I flinched under the weight of both him and his words.

"How have you lasted this long being my brothers' whore." The sentence caught me off guard and I pulled back from him, anger filling every curve as I brought my fist to connect with his jaw. The hit knocked him off his stance and onto his back and I quickly adjusted my gloves as I moved to stand over him. "

"Watch your mouth, or next time, I'll punch you for real." His eyes widened slightly as I repeated the words that I had used to defend this man against his replacement, Sai. He could only watch as my anger spiked. "Where do you get off thinking that I'm your brothers whore?!" I screamed at him pointing an accusing finger in his face.

"You cannot deny the facts, Sakura. His stench is all over you, no matter where you go. Has Kakashi been turning a blind eye to you fucking that criminal in his cell? I see how he looks at you. I should have known you would turn out to be nothing but a cheap slut." The insult threw me back as Sasuke pulled himself to his feet. I felt shell shocked, stunned that the person I thought I would eventually end up with could ever say this to me. I realised then that I had been ignorant. People say it is bliss, they're right; it's the awakening that's the bitch. I refused to let myself be pushed down as I charged Sasuke, arming myself with a kunai.

A battle cry ripped through my vocal cords as I threw kicks and slashes of sharpened metal at him, barely managing to get under his defences. On the plus side I was too close for him to do hand signs. I felt a punch connect with his ribcage before he had both of my hands pinned above my head, my back against a tree.

"Your actions only prove what you are." He ground out quietly into my ear. I felt my heart speed up pain gripping my chest before everything was released. Sasuke disappeared from my vision only to reappear a few feet away, back pinned up against a tree, his throat caught in the assailants' hands.

"That is not how one should go about courting women, foolish little brother." His velvety soft voice rushed over me, his black hair swaying in the wind. Uchiha Itachi had come to my defence.

"I'm not trying to court her, Itachi, that slut needs to learn her place." Sasuke retorted. And, barely noticeable, Itachi's fingers tightened on his neck. Clucking his tongue in disappointment Itachi continued again. I was glad that Naruto and Kakashi seemed to have moved there fight into the trees and weren't present for this.

"You would do well to hold your tongue, surely mother taught you better manners in how to treat women." Sasuke growled at him, struggling in his grasp.

"No, you murdered her before she could." His voice held darkness, and I ran to put myself between them before this could escalade.

"Hey, hey you guys." I laughed quietly trying to lighten the tension. Placing one hand on either brother's chest I pushed them away from each other. "Konoha needs you two to work together; we need you to be a team, because if you can't do that then Konoha might not survive. So stop bickering, both of you, and work it out. The past is past, you can't change that, it had to be done. So instead of bickering about things that can't be changed, strengthen the bond with the blood that's left." Itachi nodded and stepped away and I smiled slightly at him.

Several things happened at once.

Itachi's hand shot out and i flinched away falling backwards. My head smashed into the ground hard,bouncing off the surface. I stared confused as to why Itachi was holding Sasuke's hand.

Had he been about to him me?

I heard Sasuke, a small almost inaudible gasp as Naruto and Kakashi's voices came upon the scene and an obviously furious Temari making her way over to us shouting profanities at Sasuke but she didn't interfere and I guessed that Naruto and Kakashi were holding her back.

"Sasuke stop..." I spoke quietly, to shocked to do anything else. "Hate won't cut it anymore, now you need companionship... and teamwork..." I could taste the blood in my mouth as I pushed myself to my elbows before slowly rising to my feet. I teetered oddly and reached out for stability as I was pulled into a firm chest, hands urging that I rest my head against their shoulder. I looked up expecting the eyes of Naruto, Kakashi, hell even Sasuke, so shock flooded through me as my dazed eyes took in the cool charcoal eyes of... "Itachi?" I choked out in question, frightened by the barely contained fury behind his eyes. I flinched away from him, not wanting that anger to be turned on me. But his next words drew me out of my fright.

"Aa, such wisdom from one so young." He stared at me knowingly as he pulled me closer to his chest. I gripped his shoulder in convenience and rested my head against the dizziness. "As one could expect she is right, Sasuke." He looked away from me then to acknowledge Naruto's and Kakashi's appearance and their cooperation as they held the Sand Kunoichi back as well as Sasuke.

"You murdered my clan." Sasuke bit out, and ever so slightly Itachi's face aged at the comment.

"I did what was necessary." The words were strained as he turned me away from my team and began walking me in the direction of the hospital.

"Naruto," I called out behind us. "Don't forget dinner. Six o'clock, don't be late."

"I'll be there Sakura-chan." His soft voice had an undertone of anger to it but I couldn't worry that it was towards me as I unsteadily followed Itachi.


I must have fallen asleep sometime after reaching the hospital with Itachi, grogginess pulled at my consciousness.

"Open your eyes Sakura." A calm voice commanded. "There we are." Shizune smiled from her position next to me. I took in my surroundings, recognizing immediately a room at the hospital. "That must have been some fall." Tsunade grimaced from the doorway and Itachi eyed me carefully from his place against the wall beside her.

"Ouch." I whispered as the pain in my head broke through the confusion.

"You have a minor concussion." I heard both of them sigh, and I smiled back sheepishly. Another conversation that the two women before me and I had been having way to often lately. "I healed the damage but -" I cut her off before she could finish.

"I'm still gonna be a little wobbly." I nodded and gave her a smile as she helped me off the couch. "I get the drill."

"I thought I taught you to dodge." She grumbled eyes focussed on the farthest wall and I knew she'd been told what had happened.

"You did, Shishou." I commented, annoyed. "It won't happen again." She grunted before grumbling about getting my discharge papers. Probably so she could leave the room, she thought she was good at hiding it, but I could tell she was worried.

"She is letting you go." Itachi stated as we made our way down the hall after Tsunade had returned.

"Hmm?" I questioned not really understanding.

"I have seen the medics heal many concussions and not once was a patient dismissed right after." He slanted a glance down at me. I couldn't help but sigh.

"It just happens a lot." I mumbled.

"Aa, being a heroine has its flaws as well then." I felt my cheeks go read and he smirked.

"I... I push myself harder than I should sometimes." I grumbled crossing my arms defensively. "How else am I supposed to get stronger if I don't push myself as far as I can go?" I smiled at him, suddenly wondering where the fear of him had gone.

"Sakura." I stopped walking as a chill shot up my skin, fear raising my hair. I turned to see Sasuke standing with Kakashi, Naruto and Hinata. Oh, so that's where the fear of Itachi went. I pushed my emotions down and smiled.

"Hey." I waved in response to Naruto. "Can these guys come to Ma's too?" I wasn't sure why all my friends called my mother, Ma, but that's how it's been since the beginning.

"Sure," I grinned, shaking off the unnecessary fear. Hinata glanced at the group and when they slightly nodded she stepped forward.

"Would it be alright for Itachi-san to join us?" My anger suddenly flared.

"Naruto, Kakashi, Sasuke, you three are grown men, don't be so childish! If you dare send Hinata to do something for you again I'll throw you off of the Hokage Mountain!" I yelled before turning back to Hinata and smiling. I knew it was their way of trying to make things right. More than likely Sasuke wanted to apologize to his brother or at least try to get on better ground. It stunk of arrogance and pride.

"But of course, Itachi-san, if you would like to come your welcome." I turned to smile at him. "The more the merrier. But I have got to go find Genma; he'll probably want to go too." I waved as I walked away. "It's quite possible that none of you have had a decent meal for a long time. Naruto and his Ramen." I grumbled just loud enough for them to hear.

"I shall accompany you; I too am looking for Genma-san." I smiled at Itachi and nodded as we moved away.

"Of course." I returned curiously as we began walking toward the Anbu headquarters. Smiling at his good manners, mom was just going to die over him. I rolled my eyes at the thought.

"It is your mother whom we are visiting for dinner?" Itachi asked glancing at me.

"Mhmm, I come from a civilian family, and with my father always gone traveling for work my mother got to know a lot of my Shinobi friends. He never approved but each one of them has touched her heart in some way."

"I see." He commented.

"Well, look at the two of you." Genma's voice drifted from in front of us.

"Hn." Itachi commented stoically as I turned to stare down the man with a senbon in his mouth.

"Well I was going to invite you to moms for dinner but now I'm not." I stuck my tongue out at him and crossed my arms in annoyance.

"Oh yeah?" Genma threatened as he pulled me into a chokehold and rubbed his fist on my head.

"Ah! Genma cut it out!" I cried while swatting at him. "Fine you can come!" With my white flag he pulled away grinning at me.

"That's better." He commented, turning to face Itachi.

"Go chew on a poisoned senbon." I grumbled but he ignored me.

"You going too, Itachi?" He questioned, tilting his head to the side.

"Aa." He inclined his head politely.

"Well I have to go help mom get ready." I grinned as Genma turned to drool at me.

"You're cooking tonight too?" When I nodded he turned to elbow the contemplating Uchiha.

"Eh Itachi, you're in for a treat, her cooking's even better than Ma's!" I shook my head at him before walking away.


I smiled at my mother as she fussed over the meal, her long pink hair pulled back into a braid. She was in the process of finishing the Hin, while I had already completed the Dango, when the bell outside rang, signalling visitors.

"Sakura, dear, could you get that?" I smiled wider as I moved to slide the door open, my black and pink Yukata brushing the floor gently, hair pulled back softly with a black comb.

"Hey Sakura-chan!" Naruto laughed as he went straight for the kitchen where I heard my mother great him excitedly.

"Sakura, you look beautiful." Kakashi commented lightly as he waved, beside him Sasuke nodded and Hinata smiled already moving in to follow her husband.

"Wow Sakura, I would have never known there was a woman behind the ninja if Ma didn't make you dress up all the time." It was true, she was old fashioned, and wouldn't let anyone in unless they were dressed properly for dinner. I frowned at his insult before looking to Itachi, but before I could speak a small four year old with short pink hair ran out of the house bumping into my leg. I reached out to settle her before giggling. Her green eyes shone in anticipation as she stared at me her small Yukata tripping her up.

"Careful Mai, you're going to hurt yourself." I lectured before sighing.

"Where is Naruto-kun?" She demanded before turning to the two guests left.

"Genma-kun!" She cried as she hugged the man who loved her like another sister.

"Hey there kiddo." He ruffled her pink hair. "I think Naruto went into the kitchen already." She giggled at Genma before turning to Itachi.

"I'm going to be Hokage one day." She grinned before running back into the house.

"She really does idolize Naruto; I guess it couldn't be helped." I grumbled as they followed me in to the dining area. Everyone else was already kneeled at the low table and I took the available seat beside Hinata and Itachi sat next to me and across from Genma.

"Oh, Sasuke, it is so good to see you again." My mother smiled as she placed her hand on his shoulder from her place at the head of the table, Sasuke to her right and Naruto to her left.

"Mother," I called successfully drawing her attention. "This is Uchiha Itachi, Sasuke's older brother." She smiled at him, acceptance immediate.

"Of course it is. It's a pleasure to finally see you, Itachi-san." She smiled at him as he bowed his head.

"The pleasure is all mine, Haruno-san." She smirked at him before eyeing me, embarrassed at her assuming that he and I were together, I shook my head slightly.

"Uncle Kakashi?" My little sister turned to question the man beside her. "Will you help me beat the Sharingan too?" Her excitement bubbled over while eyeing the dodgy old fox. I glanced to my mom and narrowed my eyes.

"You told her didn't you?" I sighed; it worried me when Mayu said things like that. I hoped that she never had to face it.

"Hmm, I suppose, but you would be better off asking Sasuke or Itachi." He nodded happy with his reasoning. I growled his name under my breath; I didn't want him giving her any ideas.

"You have the sharingan too?" She gasped while staring at the deadly ninja beside me.

"Aa." He responded glancing at her.

"Can I see it?" She sat up in anticipation and I shook my head at her.

"Eat your food, Mayu." I commanded motherly but Itachi shook his head.

"The child is simply curious." He glanced at me."As you wish young one." I watched as his eyes swirled to the sharingan, before flickering back to the black.

"Wow..." Mayu sighed quietly. "Your sharingan is way cooler then Uncle Kakashi's." Kakashi sighed at the comment.

"But I'm better than them both." Naruto grinned at the child and she grinned back.

"Naruto!" I yelled at him while raising my fist.

"We don't need your input." I could have sworn Itachi smirked but when I glanced at him it was gone.

"Seriously Naruto," Genma glared at him. "They just got the kid to stop saying believe it." I nodded agreeing, before huffing and crossing my arms.

"I had to tell her that if she kept saying it no one would want to be her friend." I grumbled.

"But I said it and I have friends!" He accused angrily.

"And how many of those people actually wanted to be your friend?" I demanded logically. Most of the eyes at the table glanced at Hinata who blushed and looked away.

"Sakura." My mother chided. But I ignored her to continue to my point.

"It's true Naruto, and you know it. You were such a little brat, always pulling stupid stunts." I grinned at him and he timidly smiled back.

"We all had to be your friend; you wouldn't leave any of us alone until we were."

"Hn." Sasuke grunted, acknowledging the fact that he was chased the most.

"It's your determination and undying love that will make you a great Hokage." I knew he understood then what I was trying to say because his eyes widened in shock.

"Here here." Genma said before sipping his Sake.


"Thanks again Ma!" Genma and Naruto shouted from the back of our group that had gathered on the front porch, the majority of us having drunk more than enough Sake.

"Oh, you know my door is always open." She smiled, her face glowing. I knew she thought of each one of us like her own, it had been that way for awhile now.

"It was wonderful, mother." I reached over to give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Goodnight dear." She smiled at me before turning to Itachi.

"Oh and it was nice seeing you again, Itachi." She shut the door before either of us could comment further.

"Itachi... you've met my mother before?" I questioned as we followed the crowd out.

"So it would seem." His face was emotionless for me to read, so I just shrugged it off.

"Well this is my turn guys. See you later." I waved as I headed down a back road to reach the other side of the town. I hiked up the bottom of my kimono and stepped carefully on to the puddle while using chakra to keep myself floating. Giggling I jumped to the other side, enjoying my amusement.

"Well Konan, if these are the types of assignments you get sent on I think I'd like to be your partner more often." I spun as the voice spoke, fear filling me at the two Akatsuki floating on what appeared to be a flying bird.

"Deidara!" I shouted recognizing his blonde hair. This was the man who beat Gaara.

"Ah, so you know me from somewhere Kunoichi?" He took in my appearance concentrating before pointing a finger at me. "Wait you're the girl that killed Sasori-sempai, yeah?" He questioned. I didn't answer, I knew I couldn't fight him like this, I only had the two senbon in my hair and my fan, mother didn't allow weapons in her house. I quickly flipped backwards as a swarm of origami butterflies came flying at me, dodging all of them I dove onto a side road and ran straight to the edge of town, not wanting any of the villagers to get caught in between the fight. I leapt into the tree closest to me on the edge of the forest, turning and gripping my fan.

"Wind release: wind blades!" I flicked my wrist as sickles formed in the wind heading straight for the bird. Cursing filled the air before the sound of shredding. That should slow them.

"That wasn't very nice." My eyes grew wide as I felt the branch dip next to me. I tried to jump away but the blonde caught my arm and pulled me back, letting me crash to the ground. I clutched my arm in pain as my body shook to get up. His foot connected with my stomach and I fell back to the ground as he put a kunai to my throat. I grabbed the blade with my hand feeling it tear through skin as I elbowed him in the stomach spinning under his arm i twisted it behind his back and stabbed him with his own kunai swearing as the body disappeared in a poof. I watched as four small clay birds flew at me and I dove out of the way. But it wasn't far enough, the clay exploded sending a vibration in the air and I punched the ground shielding myself with a wall of earth. He approached me slowly, his grin widening.

"You're a good dodge; let's find out just how good." Clay birds flew at me and I sprang through the forest dodging behind trees Knowing full well it was a trap. He came at me again in taijustu so fast i could barely block. I reached out my fist clipping his jaw as his leg slammed into my side and I fell. He grabbed my throat and hoisted me up before looking me over.

"It is impolite to stare, Deidara-san." The soft voice came from the far left of the freshly made clearing, the man's entrance deadly quiet.

"Itachi?" The Akatsuki questioned incredulously. "We thought you were dead." Deidara laughed before turning back to me. "Guess I shouldn't be surprised, yeah?" He smiled again, but his eyes kept mine. "Such exotic beauty, and strong too, a shame we couldn't have fought this out fairly and seen who won, yeah." He gave me a wicked smile; a shiver ran through my spine at the wish. "But I would rather see your insides decorate this forest then bruises from your infamous fists decorating my body." Before I could gain the strength to hit him Itachi was suddenly right before my eyes as a gasping sound came from the blonde being hosted in the air, effectively dropping me to the ground in the process. Itachi's lips slowly parted whispering into Deidara's ear, so quiet I couldn't even hear him. But years of silent interactions and ninja training I could tell what the placements of his mouth were saying.

'You're mistaken if you think me your ally. You sealed your fate when you harmed the girl.' I watched Deidara's eyes slowly shift to me, fear and confusion swimming in those aqua depths. I could feel incomprehension twisting my face. What girl? What girl had Deidara harmed that would elicit this much anger.

I felt the warm blood splatter me and I watched the light drain from the arrogant blonde's eyes, there direction never shifting off of me. But most of all I saw the sick satisfaction in Itachi's eyes and his Katana sliced through the man's body like a knife through melted butter. I heard the thump of the corpse hitting the ground, but I couldn't look away from Itachi's face as he turned his gaze on me.

As both a medic and a ninja I had killed many other enemy ninja, I have also witnessed many of our own ninja defeated, and saved even more of them. But never had I seen someone take a life with so much... pleasure... I felt the blood that had landed on my cheek start to drip and my stomach flopped as he took a step toward me.

His red eyes glowing in his silhouette as he stood over me, his blade still dripping with his once allies blood, for a moment I was stuck between reality and a dream, fear overwhelmed me and I pushed myself to my feet to run but he grabbed me and crushed me in to his chest and scoping me up in my arms.

"Fleeing me, Sakura, would lead to your own demise. There is still one enemy out there." In that breath I realized that he was here to save me. I gripped onto his shirt, as he turned back towards town but stopped before we could enter. "So the rumours have reached even Akatsuki." He pondered before glancing back around at the blue haired female now beside him. "Instruct Madara that targeting this woman would not be in his best interests, Konan."

"You know he doesn't take kindly to threats and demands."The girl laughed while walking gently forward.

"That is not my concern." He commented before taking to the roof tops. The world spun slowly and I leaned into Itachi to get a better grip. I sighed whispering more to myself then him,

"I really thought you were going to kill me." Before darkness engulfed me completely.


Well there you are.

Hopefully the other chapters will be coming now.

-engineFAILURE