A True Cherry Blossom Warrior
Yay for the completion of the 6th chapter! I have a special treat for the NejiSaku fans and maybe some for the ItaSaku fans as well…You'll see soon enough. :)
Chapter 6 – Acceptance
The sound of a frustrated sigh tore through the once peaceful hospital recovery room. "Hokage-sama, why didn't you listen to me?" Sarutobi kept his gaze on the pink-haired kunoichi sleeping quietly, ignoring the nurse's scolding. "It could have been worse than this! We are fortunate that she did nothing more than pass out."
The Third Hokage said nothing. As he observed Sakura's motionless figure, he resisted the urge to shake his head at her condition. I don't know what's been going on with you, Haruno Sakura, but I can only hope that your efforts will improve after this unnecessary incident.
His thoughtful glance drifted to Uchiha Mikoto, who was sitting at Sakura's bedside. The worried woman had never left her spot ever since Sakura had been found in the dining room. Her hand was intertwined with Sakura's limp one, holding onto it, desperately hoping the young girl was still alive even though she had received the good news of Sakura's quick recovery. Sarutobi sighed softly, a ghost of a smile barely noticeable upon his lips. He had to admire her for her commitment and infinite care.
"Mikoto, she will be alright." Fugaku's deep voice, softened enough to actually sound comforting and reassuring, floated through the room. It truly was a rare part of the Uchiha Clan leader—kindness. If it was the impact of Haruno Sakura or his wife's own condition, Sarutobi honestly didn't know, but he knew this was for the best in this situation.
Fugaku placed a comforting hand on Mikoto's shoulder as he kneeled near her. Mikoto glanced down at him through tear-filled eyes, and displayed the best possible grateful smile she could.
"Thank you…" She whispered, her voice still softened after her soundless crying session. Her husband merely nodded before standing up once again, his hand slipping away from her shoulder. He glanced at Itachi, noticing his eyes closed to the world in silence as he bowed his head, before glancing at Sasuke.
Sasuke sat against the wall facing the window, gazing outside through half-lidded eyes. He hadn't said a single word since they left the Uchiha estate. The small boy didn't even know this girl, but he still came despite his father's orders to stay home. Fugaku blinked in realization.
Maybe…Sakura might be a great addition to our clan.
He sighed, shaking his head tiredly as he exited the room for some fresh air.
Besides, my family seems to have grown attached to her in ways I can't begin to understand.
Fugaku tried to fight the ridiculously humorous smile that threatened to surface, but failed as it graced his features.
Hell, they probably would kill me before letting this girl go.
Emerald eyes fluttered open when the spell of sleep had finally broken. Blurry figures filled her vision as she tried to clear her head from the unconscious state. Several murmurs reached her ears, but each of them were too indistinct.
Sakura's eyes slowly drifted from one unrecognizable figure to the next, her thoughts completely muddled together. Trying her best, she tried to clearly understand one sound, and finally awakened when it could be heard. It seemed like a whisper, close enough for her to hear, yet so far away. Sakura knew it was meant for her alone, for her to hear and no one else.
"Sakura, your mission awaits you." The foggy state seemed to break within that instant. Sakura sat up suddenly as everything came into focus. Itachi's impassive face came into view along with Mikoto's soft, relieved smile. Sarutobi stood in front of her bed, his ancient eyes locking with hers.
"Sakura!" Mikoto's hand squeezed hers once before she was embraced in a hug. "Are you alright?" Sakura slowly nodded, rubbing an eye with her free hand. She turned towards the woman with a sheepish smile.
"I should've gotten more sleep or rest, but I'm okay now."
"I would agree with that." A familiar voice answered, a hint of annoyance in their voice. Sakura glanced up, seeing her old caretaker. The nurse let out a sigh, shaking her head as if she couldn't believe the pink-haired girl's statement. "…But I'm glad to see you're not severely injured like the first days I had you."
Sakura murmured an agreement, her eyes beginning to drift across the room. Itachi's midnight eyes met hers instantly, as she lingered on him for a few moments. Her mind ran over the last few minutes playing before she had fallen unconscious. His gaze…Itachi's gaze had held concern, but why?
Before she could think anything else, Sarutobi's voice broke into her thought process. "Haruno Sakura will be joining the Uchiha Clan in a few hours." Even though it seemed like an announcement, she knew it was directed towards the nurse. Sakura's gaze broke away from Itachi just as the nurse folded her arms in disagreement.
"She needs more rest." She paused, noticing the displeased look in the Hokage's eyes. "Would you like Sakura to pass out again, and maybe even end up worse?" A frown was quickly surfaced as the nurse continued. "You even said she would be out for one day."
"I also remember giving notice of Sakura's new home." The nurse opened her mouth to speak, but the Hokage silenced her with his grave gaze. Sakura raised an eyebrow in Sarutobi's sudden change of attitude. His eyes hardened slightly, and a frown was already showing. "There will be no more room for argument."
The nurse's eyes widened slightly before she nodded quickly and exited the room. Sakura glanced at him, silently questioning him. His gaze rested on her for a short moment before he promptly excused himself. "Excuse me, everyone. I believe I have important business matters to attend to in a few minutes."
Mikoto raised an eyebrow in wonder and confusion, before her gaze lowered on the slumped, sleeping figure of Sasuke. Mikoto's hand let go of Sakura's as she walked over to the young boy. "I will see you later tonight, Sakura-chan, Itachi-kun. I think Sasuke-kun needs rest. After all, it's been an extremely long night."
Sakura noticed Mikoto's lingering gaze on the two shinobi she was leaving behind before she turned to Itachi. "You will be in charge of bringing Sakura back. Your father and I will be waiting at home for your return." She picked up Sasuke in her arms, seemingly cradling him. "I believe everyone needs a rest for all these…interesting events."
The pause in her voice was enough to draw their attention. Her gaze lowered on Sasuke, as she softly sighed. With that, Mikoto left with Sasuke, leaving Sakura and Itachi alone in the cold, uncomfortable recovery room.
Sakura threw off the covers as she swung her feet over the bed and onto the floor. Her eyes swept over her neatly folded clothes on the white dresser close by. The pink-haired kunoichi resisted the urge to sigh, knowing Itachi's gaze was intensely focused on her. "I'm leaving." She murmured, picking up her specialized chakra controlling gloves.
"What are you expecting to accomplish?" Itachi replied, folding his arms calmly across his chest. His monotonous tone slightly annoyed her, but she ignored it. There was no time to waste now. Sakura pulled on her gloves, glancing towards him with an impassive gaze.
"How do you expect me to answer?" Sakura turned away from him, picking up the pile of clothes. Itachi didn't respond, but she suddenly felt his chakra signature right behind her. Silence suddenly seemed to fall upon them.
"I expect nothing from you." Itachi's soft, muted voice sounded. Sakura's gaze was downcast, listening to his barely audible tone. Those words seemed to stronger than she originally anticipated.
Tsunade's bronze tinted eyes scanned over the shinobi in front of her. "I honestly don't know how to start…" She whispered softly, though her voice still seemed to reach her audience. Several of the members shifted uncomfortably, nodding slightly at her statement.
The moon shone upon them, dimly illuminating the valley they occupied. The cool night air blew gently past them all, rustling the grass surrounding them.
Tsunade intertwined her hands behind her back, bowing her head in thoughtfulness. A soft sigh was heard after a few minutes. She glanced up at the shinobi, varying of different villages and ranks, knowing fully well this wasn't something anyone had imagined would happen. Her calculating gaze could see tears glittering in the moonlight as they fell onto the ground.
"None of us know how to start, Tsunade…" Gaara stepped up from behind her, his jade gaze sweeping over the shinobi below. Naruto, from his position in the front row, stood up to speak to Gaara and the rest of the audience.
"Then we should be finding a way to end it." A large amount of murmurs of agreement was heard from behind him. "We know fully well what has happened to our villages and who has attacked us." His voice softened as he continued, but his cerulean eyes shone determinedly.
"Naruto-san is correct." Neji spoke from his meditating position next to Sakura. His eyes were closed to the world, but he had been listening to the entire conversation. Though his expression seemed peaceful, Naruto could see the strain of all the tragic events that had been occurring.
"Perhaps…" Sakura nodded slightly, staring into nothingness through half-lidded eyes. "Even if we know the facts, it will not help us solve this situation." Neji's lavender eyes opened, focusing on the pink-haired kunoichi.
"What are you suggesting?" Tsunade turned towards Sakura, her gaze set on her former apprentice below. Sakura's emerald eyes were impassive, revealing nothing. She finally glanced up at the village leaders, her soft sigh barely audible.
"Nothing." Sakura stood up slowly, not bothering to smooth her clothes. "There is nothing to do but plan." Naruto exchanged a concerned glance with Neji. Sakura's indifference was beginning to infuriate some of the shinobi in the audience. How could she act as if nothing had happened?
Neji lightly placed a hand on her shoulder firmly. It was meant to keep her from leaving the meeting despite several of the members' disapproval. "Sakura…" Neji's soothing voice drifted towards her, attempting to calm her.
Sakura glanced towards him, before nonchalantly brushing away his hand. "Neji-san, I have no need for your assistance."
"Sakura…" Naruto murmured softly, his eyes widening in shock. She merely ignored him.
Neji's eyes narrowed slightly as he faced her evenly. "If you treat your teammates like this, what do expect from us when you do need our help?" Naruto noticed Neji's eyes flicker slightly with subdued shock. Unfortunately, he couldn't see what Sakura's expression was from his position, but the tone of her voice was enough to send shivers down his spine.
"Why should I expect any support from any of you?" Gaara appeared before them in a split-second, entering into the intense atmosphere.
"That's enough, Haruno Sakura." Sakura continued to stare past the Kazekage, locking gazes with Neji.
"We are your teammates." Naruto whispered from behind, stepping towards Sakura. "The ones you have known all your life, the ones you have grown with!" The hurt in Naruto's voice seemed to embed itself into her heart.
Sakura still hadn't acknowledged Gaara or Naruto. The restless shinobi could feel the deadly aura surrounding Neji and Sakura. It was stronger than they could have ever imagined. The urge to stop it was greater than before.
Suddenly, everything seemed to stop. The deadly aura seemed to dissipate among Sakura as she composed herself. She merely blinked at Gaara and Neji blankly before starting to walk away, seemingly having no more quarrel with the Hyuga Clan leader.
Neji watched her, resisting the frustrated sigh that threatened to be released. His own aura seemed to fade away though it was still present.
Naruto took one step towards Sakura, indecision flickering across his worried gaze, but Neji held up a hand in front of the Kyuubi container. Naruto blinked in surprise, turning towards Neji. "I have to-"
"No, Naruto." Neji interrupted him abruptly, leaving the spiky blond haired man no chance to speak. A strange emotion was glowing dimly in Neji's eyes, but Naruto could not identify it. Neji bowed his head slightly, his gaze drifting towards Sakura's retreating figure. "We must compromise and work out a solution."
Naruto could see TenTen's curious, yet envious gaze from behind Neji. Whatever Neji had in mind, TenTen did not trust it at all despite their long years spent in Team Gai. Even though it was against Naruto's wishes and best interest, he nodded slightly. "I'll fill you in on the rest of the meeting." Neji returned the nod, a ghost of a smile barely visible on his lips.
Neji turned towards Sakura, starting towards her direction. Naruto's lingering gaze remained on Sakura, unsure of his decision, but he merely sat down. "Let's continue, Tsunade-sama, Gaara."
- - - - -
Once Neji had caught up with the pink-haired kunoichi, they had entered into the deeper part of the forest surrounding the valley. Through the darkness, he could make out her figure, her every move.
"Neji, I would appreciate it if you had no more interaction with me for tonight." Sakura inclined her head as she leaned against a tree. Her position seemed casual, but he could sense the tenseness of her body underneath the appearance. Neji remained a few feet away, carefully keeping a safe distance. He knew fully well that this kunoichi wasn't to be messed with, but he remained anyways.
"I will leave…after I apologize for my rudeness." At his statement, Sakura cocked her head slightly. Subdued curiousity and slight surprise showed in her eyes.
"Why apologize to me?" Sakura murmured softly despite their isolated state —a habit created by experience in her few years in ANBU. It wasn't in Sakura's nature to ask for forgiveness, but sometimes, in a rare moment, it would happen. Clearly, this wasn't those kind of moments.
"I just explained it to you." Neji replied blandly, his impassive gaze settled on hers. Sakura didn't respond; instead merely shrugging and moving farther into the forest. Neji sighed at her reluctance, but continued following.
After a few minutes, Sakura finally stopped. He halted at a safe distance once again, raising an eyebrow in question. Though her back was still facing him, she spoke.
"I don't need another Naruto, Neji." Neji remained quiet, carefully planning his answer. Her abrupt statement didn't surprise him. With his own special eyes, Neji could see things that most normal, average shinobi couldn't see. Yet, Haruno Sakura was a completely different subject altogether. Even with his Byakugan, Haruno Sakura was mostly, and utterly, unreadable.
He merely offered softly, "I know."
Sakura turned her head slightly, glancing at him through narrowed eyes. Though her voice was soft, he could sense the coldness dwelling within it. "You are inaccurate." She paused briefly; ignoring Neji's questioning gaze set on her. "You know nothing about me, Neji-san. You merely assume that you comprehend things about me that only I can comprehend."
"Now as I said before, I would appreciate if you leave me alone." Neji's lavender eyes observed Sakura's dull emerald ones. Despite the impassive barrier surrounding her hidden emotions, he could scarcely glimpse a small glowing ember of reluctance and regret. In that tiny, yet significant instant, the Hyuga Clan leader knew that he been able to read her. Not only that, but possibly, make a bond as well.
Neji bowed his head slightly in thoughtfulness. Closing his eyes, he could feel a ghost of a smile tug at his lips. "…Thank you for correcting me." The sincerity in his voice surprised her, but she merely concealed it as soon as she sensed it arise. "I will respect your wishes, Sakura-san." He paused, before turning his back to her.
He began walking away, knowing fully well of her intense gaze on him. His words had reached her somehow, and she had shown him that willingly. Unlike most of the shinobi that knew Sakura, he could take pride in the fact that she had opened up to him, even if it had barely scratching the surface.
He heard a small laugh, composed and short. "What do you expect out of me now, Neji-san?" He didn't stop heading towards the end of the forest. Exhaling a gentle breath, he smiled a genuine one that hadn't been seen for a few years.
"Absolutely nothing." Neji could've sworn Sakura had softly gasped in surprise. He honestly didn't know if she was grateful for his answer or not, but he was willing to bet he had been forgiven for rude comment earlier.
Sakura found herself smiling, finally snapping out of her reverie. The memory seemed to linger in her mind despite all the earlier, unsuccessful attempts of forcing away the painful reminiscences of the future since she had first awakened in the Hokage's Office. It hurt to remember the nightmares, but why wasn't this one like the others?
Unconsciously, Sakura let out a soft sigh. Perhaps, she had not only been avoiding the remembrance of the tragedies, but of the accomplishments and pleasurable times as well. Her gaze softened for a short moment. The reluctance of allowing her own memories to be unleashed seemed to ebb away, even if only a bit. Noticing that the enjoyable feeling was leaving her, though its traces lingered within her, Sakura composed herself enough for her mind to revert to the present.
Itachi's presence remained, and she silently wondered if he had noticed the extremely long, once uncomfortable, silence between them. Hesitantly, Sakura turned towards him, the folded clothes still in her arms.
The previous conversation seemed dead, yet the pink-haired kunoichi hadn't wanted it to end. Her emerald gaze locked with his and did not waver. Both of them seemed to merely observe each other for a few minutes before Sakura was finally able to speak once more.
Her voice seemed soft, and he sensed a hint of gentleness. "…Thank you." Itachi's eyes seemed to widen a fraction in true shock and surprise, though it was greatly concealed. Yet, Sakura could see it all.
An awkward silence ensued afterwards, but it didn't seem to bother either of them. Ignoring the silence, Itachi folded his arms against his chest casually. "I thought we were leaving."
"We?" Sakura's forehead creased in confusion. "I recall that I stated that I was leaving."
"Hn."
Sakura glared at him half-heartedly, ignoring the smirk visible on his features. Resisting the urge to sigh, she walked past him, making her way towards the patient bathroom to change into her regular attire.
A few hours later
"Fugaku, what do you think of Itachi training Sakura?" Mikoto twirled one long strand of her hair around her finger. The quirk usually signified nervousness or indecision. She had grown accustomed to it over the years after Itachi had entered the Academy, but nevertheless, Fugaku chose to ignore it.
"Everything will be fine." He answered, even though it had been the unasked question running across her mind. Fugaku didn't seem concerned in the least, or that was how he appeared.
Mikoto bit her lip lightly, still unsatisfied with the subject. "Aren't you—" Fugaku raised a hand to interrupt her. The young mother was torn between allowing Sakura to grow stronger or protect her from the life of a kunoichi.
"I am not concerned, and neither should you." He replied with certainty. "Itachi may be powerful, but I'm positive he wouldn't harm her…" …On purpose. The unspoken words seemed to distraught Mikoto as a frown formed upon her features.
She lightly placed her hands on the dining room table. The Uchiha Clan leader tried to avoid sighing, but failed in doing so. "You've worked with our son, Fugaku." She paused, unsure of what to say. By this time, Fugaku's eyes had narrowed in subdued frustration. "…You know exactly what is happening to him."
"There is nothing wrong with Itachi." He murmured, grabbing for his cup of tea. The sound of cracking could be heard as his hand neared. Mikoto gasped softly, in horror. Fugaku stared at the crack spread all over the teacup. It hadn't started leaking, but even so, he stared in utter disbelief.
"…You—You have to admit he has grown more distant, more cold." Mikoto whispered, her gaze downcast on the cracked item. "Can't you see that?"
Fugaku said nothing. His eyes were still focused onto the broken teacup in front of him.
Mikoto released a shaky breath, closing her eyes. All the stress was beginning to break the family apart, as well as the young mother herself. It was a wonder she hadn't broken into tears yet, but it was all too close.
Fugaku finally moved – placing his face into hands. His wife didn't bother to look up, trying her best to stay calm and away from the hysteria threatening to encompass her.
"I can only hope this omen does not ruin our clan…our mission." He whispered in his deep voice. "…This is something that will not benefit us or our kin."
Mikoto finally looked up to see Fugaku beginning to stand up, tears glistening in her eyes. She wanted to speak, but instead, a half-choked sob tore from her throat. The Uchiha Clan leader paid no attention as he started towards the hallway.
Finally, she was able to speak. She forced herself to say something through everything trying to stop her. "Where a-are you going?" Her voice quiet, yet hoarse, stopped him. Mikoto heard him sigh.
"I'm going to solve this problem." The sound of his voice, deadly soft, sent shivers down her spine. Without another word, he exited the room, leaving Mikoto in the dining room. She tried to wipe the tears from her eyes, but they wouldn't stop. Turning towards the cracked teacup, Mikoto sniffed slightly.
To her horror, the teacup shattered as it spilled hot tea all over the table. At that point, Mikoto started crying harder all over again.
"You wish to speak with me, Fugaku?" The Third Hokage turned towards the impassive, yet deadly looking Uchiha Clan leader. He nodded slightly for an answer. Sarutobi inclined his head, signaling him to begin. Although it took a few minutes, Fugaku stated his requests.
"…As we both know, Uchiha Itachi is an ANBU captain." Fugaku intertwined his hands behind his back as his thoughtful gaze rested on the floor. The Hokage opened his mouth to speak, but Fugaku continued before he could say a single syllable. "We also know that Haruno Sakura has just arrived in our family, and will be trained by him."
"Yet, my wife and I have reasons to believe Itachi is too experienced and may prove to be dangerous for Sakura." The Hokage frowned in disapproval at Fugaku's explanation. His voice was void of emotion, even though it seemed it was hurting his pride to even consider ask the question. "…Is there any way you can possibly have a different mentor for Sakura?"
Sarutobi hesitated as he leaned forward, placing his elbows on his desk to rest his chin on his hands. His own thoughtful gaze met Fugaku's. Carefully planning his answer, the Hokage spoke once more.
"I believe this is Itachi's choice. I also believe you should ask Sakura's opinion about the training. Perhaps, their answers will convince you otherwise?" Fugaku shook his head in disagreement.
"My son has changed, Hokage-sama. Even though he is the greatest prodigy of his time, Itachi may prove to be too dangerous and deadly for training an inexperienced child."
"Oh?"
"Though it has been against my best interest, we have taken in Haruno Sakura. Now, Mikoto and I believe that she may be too weak to stand even the slightest chance against him, or possibly even an average Genin." The Hokage understood the Uchiha Clan leader's concern, but had to stop the soft laugh that threatened to break out.
"I am not going to argue with you, Fugaku, but I still think we should allow Sakura to train with Itachi for one week. If anything goes wrong, we will reconsider immediately." Fugaku's eyes widened in disbelief and shock. "Let's see how much she improves over a week…It may come with great results…"
Fugaku opened his mouth to speak again, but Sarutobi held up a head to stop him. "This subject is closed. In one week, we will discuss it again. Until then, be patient and merely watch." A smile crept onto the Hokage's features as he lowered a hand. "You are dismissed."
Sakura sighed softly, opening the guest room door to enter. Not bothering to shut the door, Sakura flopped onto the bed. Grasping for a pillow, shameless of how pathetic she may had looked, the pink-haired kunoichi let her head fall onto the soft material. The training session with Itachi had exhausted her even if it hadn't been too intense. He was a strong shinobi and was a fact that she had already accepted.
"Shut the door." Sakura murmured, knowing Itachi was leaning against the doorframe. She already had her eyes closed to the world, ready to sleep even if he had been standing there. The door closed, but he remained inside the room. To her surprise, she felt the corner of the bed deepen.
Sakura opened her eyes again, an annoyed look spread across her features. "What is it, Itachi?" The moonlight shone through the window near the headrest, barely lighting up the room with a strange glow. His midnight eyes seemed to brighten, even though they were impassive. Sakura simply blinked at him, wondering if she was wasting time trying to have him speak.
After a few minutes of silence, Sakura assumed that he did not intend to answer her. Ignoring his intense gaze, she buried her face in the soft, comfortable pillow. The darkness of sleep seemed to call out to her.
She had no doubt in her mind that Itachi would not harm her unless necessary. Even though both of them did not trust each other, Itachi and Sakura seemed to have respect for one another. Not respect for their backgrounds, or in this case, future backgrounds, but of their strength.
A bond…
Without thinking, Sakura whirled towards Itachi with wide-eyes. Her discovery was merely answered by a simple nod. She opened her mouth to speak, but he placed a finger on her lips. Confusion etched across her pale complexion as her emerald eyes searched his midnight eyes for hidden answers. She found none.
His finger lowered as he leaned closer, sending cold chills down her spine. Though she tried to hide the fact that she was shocked, Sakura was sure he could see it. His own cheek brushed against hers, creating a sickening, yet a strange feeling within her that she had no intention of exploring. Itachi's warm breath fanned over her neck, lips grazing against her ear.
"A bond that will be severed..." Sakura bit her lip, narrowing her eyes. Those words she had learned to hate.
…
…
…
"…Just like all the others."
Itachi pulled back, observing her reaction. Sakura didn't respond to him, but her eyes locked with his. He could see her lips trying to form words, but they couldn't. Clenching a sheet tightly, Sakura exhaled a sharp breath to stop herself from doing something stupid.
"…I understand." Sakura whispered, knowing fully well frustration was laced into her voice. "It was to be expected from you." Itachi cocked his head slightly, his emotionless eyes seeming to see through her very soul at that moment.
"If it is true, then you know exactly why it will happen." Itachi's bland words seemed to make Sakura's blood boil. Not knowing what happened in the next few seconds, Sakura found herself pinning Itachi onto the bed. Something seemed to hurt, but it was because of Itachi, it was because of those words. The words Naruto had repeated after his fight with Sasuke, the very words she had heard before…
Itachi did not struggle in her grip, even though a slightly annoyed, yet amused glint shown in his eyes. "Bonds are meant to make you stronger." Sakura growled, ignoring the pain that wouldn't leave her. "If all you care about is your own best interest, then why would you only make it harder on yourself? Harder on…Sasuke?"
With her comment, Sakura gasped in surprise as Itachi broke free, pinning her down himself. "Why should my benefit or even Sasuke's, concern you?" Itachi's breath fanned over her cheeks, but she wasn't bothered by it anymore. The only thing, or person, that bothered her was the man that she had learned to hate, but was not allowed to kill.
"At least I wouldn't purposely ruin the Uchiha Clan…" Sakura whispered, instantly regretting her words. He glared at her coldly.
"You don't know anything." Itachi whispered, his voice equally soft, but deadly and threatening. Sakura opened her mouth to retort, but she left speechless when Itachi disappeared, appearing near the door. "You don't seem to accept the truth."
"That's because you tell me nothing." Sakura narrowed her eyes, but he ignored her. The door creakily opened, but Sakura would not allow it. She jumped off the bed, racing towards the door as she slammed it shut. The sound echoed around the hallway and the spacious room. Itachi blinked in disbelief, raising an eyebrow towards her.
"Why won't you let me leave?" He murmured, but Sakura kept her hand to keep the door shut. Through her half-lidded gaze, she could see the concealed sign of interest and frustration dwelling in his eyes. She completely avoided his question by replying to his previous statement.
"Even if you tell me nothing, I can read you, Uchiha Itachi." She whispered in her deadly soft voice, it sounded more like a threat than anything. "…And there is something that you will not admit." Itachi grasped her chin roughly, his eyes daring her to speak. Not caring about the risk he posed now, she spoke anyways.
"You have several bonds that you are reluctant to sever." Emerald clashed against crimson. "You have shown interest in them and that's why they are precious to you." Itachi glowered at her, though she knew it was half-heartedly. "You won't admit it because you think of them as weaknesses, but…"
Sakura's words faded away, noticing his crimson gaze not wavering from hers. Neither of them rejected the silence that fell between them. After a few minutes, he finally broke it. His deep, velvety voice seemed soothing enough, but she only focused on the words being said.
"Haruno Sakura…" He whispered, the seriousness in his voice somehow threatening. "Why can't you just accept that you know nothing?" His face grew close to hers, their lips mere inches away.
"…Then it wouldn't be the truth." Sakura turned her head abruptly just as Itachi drew closer. Their bodies were too close for her liking, and she couldn't believe she was even in this situation. Itachi paused, his eyes boring into her. They remained in that position in for a lingering moment, but Itachi finally leaned away.
Sakura didn't move, even when his hand grasped the doorknob, twisting it in his grip. The door opened and finally regaining her ability of motion, she moved away from Itachi, towards the bed. The uncomfortable silence seemed to keep them from saying anything. Yet, Itachi always found a way to speak.
"Training will be rough tomorrow." He murmured, his voice impassive once again. It held no emotion as it had a few minutes ago. The emotionless mask had returned, and for all she knew, it was there to stay.
"Very well." She replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Itachi left, closing the door gently behind him with a soft click. Sakura stood in front of the bed, unsure of whether or not she even deserved anything significant after the conversation. Grabbing a pillow and the cover, she merely ended up sleeping on floor. It may had been cold, seeing as it was a hardwood floor, but to Sakura, it seemed more appropriate for tonight.
I'm sure this is the longest chapter in this story so far. Despite all the angst in there at the end, I thought it went along great.
I know I have been having quite a few flashbacks in the story so far, but those will die down after the rising action really starts to kick in. Besides, I think the readers deserve to know how exactly the pairing relationships were formed in the future.
Did everyone enjoy the short NejiSaku/ItaSaku parts? I know they weren't that good, but Sakura has only just gotten in the past and she must remain in character. (Lol, I doubt she has been in character through some of the story, and that goes for Itachi as well.) Don't worry about these pairings though, every single of the five have a chance despite what has been going on here.
Anyways, hope everyone enjoyed the chapter.
Until next update,
SharinganAnbuSakura
