"Do you promise me anything, if I help you find your sister?"

Her stomach lurched at the tone of his voice. For a moment she feared him as he stared intently into her eyes. Fear...of course she should fear him; he was a missing nin who had betrayed the village. He was the one who left for power, power to kill his brother.

Only Uchiha Sasuke could defeat Uchiha Itachi. Only Uchiha Sasuke could help her save her clan members from Uchiha Itachi...

It was for the clan, her family...she would do anything to save them.

Weakly she nodded as she cast her eyes to the floor. The action sparked rade in his being and his pale hand cupped her face. Lifting her chin up he hissed out, "Look at me, Hinata-chan. Look at me in the eyes. It angers me when you don't look at me. Understand?"

Her knees felt weak as the icy chill of his hand seeped into her skin. Holding her breath she nodded, must to his pleasure.

Releasing his hold on her face, he motioned for her to sit. "If I am to help you, you must tell me everything that has happened, Hinata-chan."

Trying to calm her weary nerves, Hinata sat down. Glancing at the Uchiha she froze. His eyes...they were red, blood red, with the swirling tomoe. But just for a moment, she could have sworn his eyes were yellow. It must be her nerves, she thought, her tired mind was just playing tricks on her.

- - -

Eyes closed, Itachi leaned against a cool boulder on the outskirts of Konoha. His eyes were tired, after having to use his technique twice in one night. However, he still could not let his guard down. His foolish brother would make his move soon in response to Itachi's bold action.

A whimper at his feet caused him to open his eyes. His insurance and his shield, bound and blindfolded she would not be much of a threat to him, but he still kept his guard up. She was a Hyuga after all.

"Why..." She whispered out, much to his surprise.

Crouching close to her, he spoke into her ear. "Are you afraid?"

Slowly she nodded, uncertain of what was happening. "Will you kill me?" She asked anxiously.

"For now, no," He said, which did not ease her fear.

"Why..." She asked again.

"Because," he spoke as he grabbed a fist full of her dark hair, "If I have you, she will not look at him…"

- - -

Hinata shuddered as she finished relating the events to Sasuke. Hearing them again, she was overwhelmed by the horror of what was happening to her clan.

Sasuke had an unreadable expression on his face. Was he in shock by what she had told him?

Her eyes strayed to the windows where she assumed Itachi had fled from with her sister. Clasping her hands together, she prayed for the safety of Hanabi.

Red eyes narrowed as he observed her actions. She was too distracted by her concern for her clansmen.

"Hinata-chan," he silkily said. "Why don't you try to get some rest? It's nearly dawn. We can't look for your sister and fight Itachi when we are exhausted, now can we?"

"Ah, I guess you have a point, Sasuke-san. But I should check on Neji first."

Raising his hand to stop her, he spoke, "Go on to bed, he may still be dangerous. I'll check on him for you."

Her pale eyes looked at his with gratitude. "Thank you Sasuke-san."

"Anything for you, Hinata-chan," He said with a twisted smile.

When she had left the office, his red eyes turned back to the golden yellow of the snake as he mouth twisting into a wide grin.

"Kabuto…" he spoke with amusement, "I can see why dear Sasuke desired this weakling. She looks to be quite entertaining." His eyes gleamed as he recalled her pale skin, and wide eyes. 'It seems we have a common goal, ne Sasuke?' He wickedly thought.

"Let us pay a visit to our dear Hyuga prodigy." He grinned as his grey haired attendant emerged from the shadows.

"Hai, Orochimaru-sama."