i don't think i can spoil you guys anymore. i get too excited about the chapters and update too fast. i don't want anyone to miss anything. also, it's hard to write a good standard of 5,000 + words in less than 12 hours. i gotta be in a mood. don't expect it to happen that often!

thank you for all your amazing reviews. i have never looked forward to having so many emails before.

i am extremely hopeful i can continue to put out good chapters for you. i have no idea how many chapters this story is going to have. i'm enjoying writing the story as much as you are enjoying reading it.

i love you all.

Part Four: Somewhere Like Home

Chapter 11

Sakura sat with Matsuri and Kagami along the banks of the river, enjoying the sun and company. As much as she liked spending time with Itachi, it was nice to have female company. She had stopped by the house to check on Matsuri and Kagami once a day since she recovered from her chakra depletion, and happily formed a quick friendship with Matsuri.

Kagami gurgled in the arms of his mother and Sakura looked down at the baby boy and smiled. He was less than two weeks old, but he had grown quite a lot in the short amount of time since his birth. Sakura wasn't a stranger to babies, but they weren't her area of expertise and she had been sick with anxiety the entirety of the operation. If she didn't have her Strength of a Hundred Seal, maybe things would have turned out differently. After discovering Kagami was the grandfather of Shisui, she was even more invested in his health and well-being.

Sakura quickly learned that Matsuri was a precious friend to Izuna and Madara. Izuna also visited their home everyday to check on them both, and Sakura found herself amused by the interactions between Izuna and Matsuri. They squabbled like real siblings, often about the smallest and most ridiculous things that made Izuna storm off and then return an hour later to apologise. The first time it happened, Yuri stopped Sakura from running off after him, telling her that he would be back soon enough.

Sakura really liked both Yuri and Matsuri. Matsuri was more outgoing and teasing, quick to laugh and smile. Yuri was quieter, more serious, yet very affectionate towards his wife and child, and most importantly, he was very kind. Sakura teared up when she realised that the Shisui she knew had inherited much of both his great-grandparents dispositions.

Matsuri had taken to gossiping about Madara to Sakura, telling her stories about his exploits as a boy and teenager. Sakura hadn't thought to ask before, but she found out that Madara and Hashirama were only two years older than Itachi. She was awed thinking that they were barely 24 and already building the village, and Matsuri was only too happy to let Sakura know that although he was an extremely strong and formidable shinobi, he was still just a man who had once been a boy. All her teasing was done with strong affection and Sakura found herself drawn in by all the new things that she was learning about him.

"Madara hates people watching him," Matsuri told her. "He's actually quite shy, behind that haughty, I'm-the-serious-leader face of his," she said with a giggle.

Sakura raised an eyebrow in disbelief.

"I would never guess that," she said flatly.

Shy is not the word she would use to describe Madara Uchiha. To her, he was something closer to aloof. Although her past experiences with the Uchiha's did make her wonder. They were usually more than they appeared to be.

Matsuri rocked Kagami in her arms.

"His father was… well, he held high expectations for his sons, especially Madara. He was a prodigy, so talented so young." Matsuri sighed. "Madara was a lot more open and expressive when he was younger. He used to shout and curse, although he didn't laugh that much unless it was with Izuna. But, that day… the day he awakened his Sharingan…" A dark look crossed Matsuri's face. "He closed himself off afterwards. Izuna was so overjoyed that he'd finally activated his Sharingan, it was like they couldn't see…" Matsuri trailed off.

"See what?" Sakura urged.

She was fascinated and interested. She'd never heard so much about Madara, from someone who knew him like Matsuri did. It could be helpful, later on, to have a better understanding of him, and maybe even help her nightmares.

Matsuri sighed.

"I think they believed his Sharingan activated because he suddenly discovered his friend was Hashirama Senju, and felt hatred and betrayal towards him for that. Izuna and his father were glad that he had a newfound anger and hatred towards Hashirama and the Senju, because he'd been a little less enthusiastic about war at the time. But that's not what I think," she said. "I think it was the pain of grief that awakened it."

"Grief?" Sakura asked surprised.

She nodded solemnly.

"He realised that the boy who he'd grown close to and dreamed of the future with was his enemy. That everything they'd talked about and he'd allowed himself to hope for was gone. He lost his best friend, and knew he was going to be fighting him the rest of their lives. But," Matsuri brightened suddenly, "being here, spending time with Hashirama again, the boy he locked away in his heart is slowly coming back."

Sakura looked away thoughtfully at the river.

"I'd like to see that person," she said.

"Well," Matsuri said with a playful elbow, "I hope we all can. But when the other women see his true self, you're going to have some competition."

Sakura blushed furiously and stuttered.

"That's not - I - ugh, Matsuri!" She put her face in her hands, embarrassed.

"Don't forget about Izuna as well!" She giggled. "I don't know what you did to him, but he's taken quite the liking to you."

Sakura groaned. She'd suspected as much, but she didn't want it to be confirmed. She couldn't see past the part of him that looked like Sasuke, and even without, she just didn't feel anything more than a vague friendship for him.

"It's projection," Sakura said. "He's just grateful I saved his life."

Matsuri laughed.

"I'm only teasing you," she said. "In any case, you already have a handsome husband."

"Itachi isn't my husband," Sakura said with a laugh.

"Really?" Matsuri frowned. "There's nothing between the two of you? But you live together, and you came here together. You're very comfortable with one another."

Sakura shrugged.

"He's…I've known him for a long time. He's a good friend."

She thought about what Matsuri said. They were comfortable with each other. More than Sakura had ever thought they would be, but she wondered if that was just because of their current circumstances. They didn't have a choice if they wanted to survive. Perhaps they were just clinging to each other in an attempt to keep part of their old lives close. In their old life, she and Itachi were friends, good friends even. But she wouldn't go as far as to they he was a close friend, not in the same way that her classmates were. But then again, he was older, he was supposed to be the next clan leader, and he was a very popular, in demand, powerful shinobi in the village. The only person she knew he was close to was Shisui, the only other people he spent time with was Kakashi, and she thought with a sudden jolt, herself. How had she not seen that before? Maybe they were closer than she thought. It made her feel strangely happy.

They sat in silence for a moment. The wind was warm but not unpleasant and the sound of the river was soothing. Sakura basked in the sunlight, finding some pleasure in getting her head out of the scrolls that filled the house, and did her best not to think too deeply about Itachi, in case she felt guilty about leaving him there alone.

"Do you mind if I ask something personal?" Matsuri inquired, interrupting Sakura's thoughts.

Sakura shrugged.

"Sure."

Although she was slightly hesitant about it.

"Yuri was there, the day that you and Itachi suddenly appeared on the battlefield, he told me it was very strange and with some powerful chakra-fuelled transportation, though he didn't know what it was," Sakura shifted uncomfortably. Matsuri went on, "Izuna said that you don't know how you came here."

Sakura didn't want to have to lie to Matsuri, but she didn't know how to talk about this either, she wasn't supposed to talk at all, especially out in the open like they were. She waited for Matsuri's questions.

"What happened… to your loved ones, where you came from?"

It wasn't the question she was expecting and felt some relief that it wasn't something more complicated. But it also wasn't something nice for her to think about either; it was the question that she played over in her mind every night before sleep, and the one that made her dream of all the terrible futures that might happen with them never exist because of something she could do. Sakura let out a little breath.

"I'm not sure," she said after a moment, glancing at the sleeping Kagami. "Itachi and I… we didn't choose to leave them, and now I don't think I'll ever really know what happened or what will happen. We can't ever go back where we came from."

"Why not?"

Sakura looked away.

"It's just not possible for us," she said quietly.

She could feel Matsuri's eyes on her, and the wave of sadness that washed from the woman to her. Kagami cooed in his sleep and Sakura turned back to look at him. She needed to focus on what she and Itachi were doing, and stop thinking about what was gone. The things she could control, the little bits of happiness she could find in this new and difficult life, she needed to hold onto them tightly.

"I'm sorry," Matsuri said quietly and regretfully. "It must be difficult for you to be separated from them." Matsuri put her hand on Sakura's arm and smiled kindly at her, though her eyes were a little sad. Sakura was glad there was no pity in them. "Even though we haven't known each other for very long, I hope you know you can come to me whenever you feel lost or alone. I'm not saying this because you saved my life and my precious son, but I truly feel a kinship with you, Sakura."

Sakura's heart pounded with feeling, and her cheeks felt suddenly hot. She felt her eyes water and she put a hand over them, and softly cried, feeling deep relief and gratitude towards the woman who was just two years older than herself.

"Thank you, Matsuri," Sakura sniffled, leaning over to hug her. "I feel the same."

"Konohagakure," Madara said to Tobirama.

Tobirama looked at him and forced himself not to roll his eyes. He looked over at Hashirama who was beaming beside the expressionless Madara. On second thoughts, Tobirama decided that expressionless was not accurate. There was a hint of excitement and pride in his eyes that didn't show on his face, but it was clear to Tobirama that the two of them had settled on an extremely simple and uncreative name for the village.

"The Village Hidden in the Leaves," Tobirama said flatly. "You're certain that's the name you want to go with?"

"Madara came up with it," Hashirama told him with some pride in his voice.

Tobirama really did roll his eyes.

"Why am I not surprised that neither of you could think of a half-decent name."

Madara folded his arms over his chest, clearly offended.

"As if you could do better."

The issue wasn't that Tobirama couldn't do better, so he didn't respond and held his anger in check when he heard Madara mutter a smug, "I thought so," under his breath.

He handed a scroll over to them and Madara took it.

"From the Sarutobi and Shimura clans," Tobirama said. "They're on their way, and spread the word to other clans in the Land of Fire."

Madara looked over the scroll, while Hashirama soaked in the news.

"It's really happening, isn't it?" He asked in a daze.

Madara smacked Hashirama over the head with the scroll and scowled at him.

"Of course it is you fool," he said with some irritability. "You're the one who started this, why are you so surprised?"

Hashirama sunk into his chair.

"You didn't have to hit me," he said, taking the scroll and reading over it.

"Someone needs too," Tobirama said. He glanced at Madara. "Where is your brother?" He asked.

"Attending to clan matters," Madara replied. "I've delegated some responsibilities to him for the moment."

Tobirama nodded. He was almost glad that Izuna hadn't been around much, it had given him a rare chance to see Madara act without thought to what his brother might think, and the results had been interesting. He'd never seen the Uchiha more expressive than he was with Hashirama, and he suspected he was even more open when it was just them alone.

"Are the preparations underway?" Tobirama asked him.

Madara frowned.

"Of course they are," he replied. "Everything is going smoothly."

Tobirama nodded, feeling some stress. "The festival must be a success. I've secured a meeting with the Nara, Yamanaka and Akimichi."

Madara's eyes widened slightly and he gave a stiff nod that Tobirama had come to recognise as one he gave when he felt nervous.

"Hashirama." Tobirama gained his brother's attention. "Did you hear what I said?"

He shook his head.

"No, sorry, I wasn't listening."

Madara sighed.

"The Nara, Yamanaka and Akimichi clans will be here for a meeting during the festival."

Hashirama's mouth gaped.

"It's certain?"

"No," Madara said dryly. "Your brother is known for his sarcastic humour."

Both Tobirama and Hashirama stared at Madara. Who folded his arms tighter across his chest in response to their looks of confusion and amazement.

"I can joke at times," he muttered under his breath.

Hashirama's shoulders started to shake, and he clapped a hand over his mouth. Tobirama turned his face away and bit his lip to stop the smile and laugh that threatened. In a storm of embarrassment, Madara stomped out of the room and slammed the room behind him.

Hashirama stopped his laughter, mostly, and turned to Tobirama.

"Hokage," he said. At the look of confusion on Tobirama's face, he explained. "The leader of Konoha will be named the Hokage."

"Fire Shadow," Tobirama murmured. "Fitting, I suppose, for someone who must have a strong Will of Fire to guide the people."

"I want it to be Madara," Hashirama said seriously.

Tobirama started.

"Madara?"

Unsaid between them was the doubt that Madara possessed the Will of Fire. Instead of voicing his doubt, Tobirama merely shook his head.

"You can't make that decision on your own. We are not going to do things the way father did them. This will be done democratically, or not at all."

Hashirama sat back in his seat.

"Let's talk about this another time," he said, looking out the window thoughtfully. "I'd like to speak with Sakura."

"Sakura?" Tobirama was surprised. "Why?" He shook his head. "You've got a village to run, and a festival to organise."

Hashirama cut his eyes to Tobirama.

"If I find what I'm after, I'll tell you. In the meantime - " he stood and walked to the door, " - enjoy preparing the village for the festival!"

Tobirama watched as he disappeared and felt another of his urges to chase after his brother and strangle him. Instead he sighed, sat heavily in his chair, and rubbed his face with his hands. While Tobirama still held a lot of doubt towards Madara, that wasn't what held him back from wanting him to have the power of a leader in the village. He genuinely believed that Hashirama was the leader. He was the founder and looked to person that even the Uchiha recognised. Madara stood beside him, but he wasn't the one they looked to first and foremost for leadership. It didn't make his presence less necessary however, but Tobirama was concerned that it wouldn't be easy to make him understand that, and the discussion of village leadership might go very wrongly.

Hashirama found Sakura walking leisurely in the direction of her house. He watched her for a moment, not wanting to interrupt her and remove the rare look of contentment he saw on her face. Usually, the young woman's shoulders were tensed, her face guarded and her entire body ready to spring into action. Hashirama had begun to associate her with a sense of concern over her well-being, but in that moment, she seemed like any other person in the village.

"Sakura," he called out cheerfully to her.

She tensed slightly at his voice, turned and then gave him a happy smile.

"Good afternoon, Hashirama," she said politely.

Her guardedness had returned, and he fought back a frown. He had decided that he wouldn't push any further into the private affairs of her and Itachi, but he couldn't deny his curiosity. Any lingering doubts he had about their sincerity in wanting to protect the village were washed away almost two weeks ago when Itachi had carried her through his doorway, unconscious and seriously depleted in chakra.

When he and Tobirama had asked about what happened, Itachi explained that she had been asked by Madara to help one of his clanswomen who was heavily pregnant and ill. She had performed an emergency birth surgery and used almost all her chakra to save the premature baby and mother from dying. She had been successful.

Even Tobirama had to agree that her actions had finally proven she wasn't a threat to them. But unknown to Sakura and Itachi, he had hidden himself away using his wood-style when she'd woken up, and Hashirama had overheard them talking in hushed and rushed tones.

"Kagami is Shisui's grandfather."

"We… it's different, it's already different. What if we're wrong? I'm wrong? I can't… Shisui… What have I done?"

"In our time, after the death of Izuna, there were still battles fought between the Uchiha and the Senju. But in this era, it's already different. It's possible that the alliance happening earlier affected her pregnancy in ways we don't understand."

"Shisui might never have been born if I wasn't here. He might never be born because I am here."

It was enough to confirm his suspicions that the pair of them were more than they appeared. But being from the future wasn't exactly what he had imagined. It made sense, however, when he considered how adamant Sakura had been when she said she would defend the village with her life - that she'd already done that. This was her village, her home. It made Hashirama feel a mix of surprise and pleasure when he realised that the village had lasted and thrived, for however far into the future they came from.

But Izuna's death…That was something that had forced Hashirama to consider their words more carefully. How far into the future had they come from? It was clearly a future that had a different past to what was currently happening. Izuna was still alive, the battles between the Uchiha and Senju were finished.

The question was, what were they really here for? Somehow, the two of them had come back from the future, and he knew it had something to do with both him and Madara. So what was the reason? He felt anxiety at the uncertainty, what had happened or what would happen to either of them, that it was necessary to find some impossible way to come back and change it.

"What brings you here?" Sakura asked.

"A chance for some friendly conversation and perhaps, some tea," Hashirama replied.

Sakura glanced in the direction of the house.

"I think Itachi is busy," she murmured.

Hashirama was sure to keep his hands clasped together.

"Ah, well. It is perhaps more than a friendly conversation I was hoping to have."

She raised an eyebrow.

"Really?" She asked. "Do you need some of the scrolls back."

"No, no. Not yet," Hashirama said. "Oh, I wanted to tell you, Madara decided upon the name of the Village today."

Sakura's eyes widened slightly.

"Oh. What did he decide?"

"Konohagakure," Hashirama said.

He gauged her reaction. She wouldn't make for a very convincing spy, Hashirama decided. Though she definitely tried to look surprised, he could see that she wasn't genuinely feeling it. There was a fond and sad look in her smile that tugged at Hashirama's heart.

"It's a wonderful name," she said softly.

"Yes well, he didn't try that hard," Hashirama said, remembering Madara hold the leaf to his eye.

Sakura gave him a funny look but didn't reply. He wondered how to subtly hint that he was aware of their secret. She seemed reluctant to take her to the house, and from what he'd seen so far, both her and Itachi didn't want to talk about anything too serious without being protected with some kind of silencing seal.

"I'd like to talk to you privately," he said finally.

Sakura frowned.

"Is it serious?"

"Perhaps," he said vaguely. "I'd like to know…about Shisui."

Sakura froze.

"Who is that?" She asked nervously.

"I believe he's the future grandson of Kagami Uchiha," Hashirama said looking directly at her.

"H-how did you.. hear that name?" She asked him, looking right back. "We're you spying on us?"

Hashirama only gave her a firm look.

"Maybe we should go to your house and I can explain it within the fortress you and Itachi have created."

Sakura visibly swallowed and turned away, walking to the house, stiff and suddenly afraid. Hashirama wanted to comfort her, to apologise for sinking so low as to spy on them, but he didn't. It wasn't the time for that, it was the time for some answers.

Sakura was silent as she closed the door to the house behind him and slipped off her shoes. Itachi was sitting on the couch, reading over a scroll, and looked up when he heard the door open. It seemed as though he was going to greet them when he saw Sakura's face. Hashirama couldn't see what she looked like, but it was bad enough for Itachi to stay quiet and frown.

"I'll make some tea," Sakura murmured.

Hashirama sat on the chair across from Itachi, who had put down the scroll he was reading and looked carefully between Hashirama and the stiff back of Sakura through the archway to the kitchen.

"What happened?" He asked eventually.

The hot water boiled, letting a hiss of steam through the spout of the teapot. Hashirama didn't respond. He kept his eyes on Sakura's back and waited for her to return. She brought out a tray with the teapot and three cups on it and poured three cups of tea, before she sat beside Itachi.

"Sakura." Itachi sounded concerned. "What happened?"

"He wants to know…about Shisui," Sakura replied.

Itachi, to his credit, didn't react openly. He merely looked from Sakura to Hashirama and made an assumption.

"I assume you heard that entire conversation then."

Hashirama nodded.

"Don't be reticent, Hashirama Senju. Speak your mind," Itachi said with a hint of the infamous Uchiha impatience in his tone.

"It's quite easy to see the family resemblance now," Hashirama said with a chuckle. "I don't know why we didn't see it before you told us. You truly are an Uchiha."

Itachi stared at him unimpressed, and Sakura looked warily at him with a growing glint of irritation in her eyes.

He let out a sigh.

"You are from the future," he stated.

Sakura and Itachi glanced at one another, silent communication passing between them. Finally, they nodded. Hashirama felt a satisfaction at his theory being confirmed.

"Why?" He asked. "What happened that made you come back?"

"We can't tell you," Sakura said.

"Why not?" Hashirama frowned.

"Because we don't want to influence your decisions about the future of Konoha or anything else," Sakura said.

Itachi's mouth lifted slightly.

"So the village is named then?"

Hashirama nodded to him and ran a hand through his hair.

"Of course I understand what you mean, but," he let out a huff of frustration. "I just feel like there's something that I should be doing to help you."

To his surprise Sakura let out a small laugh.

"You really do remind me of Naruto," she said.

"Sakura," Itachi sighed.

"What? It's not like him knowing Naruto's name is going to change anything." Sakura said with some defiance. She looked back at Hashirama. "Knowing we're from the future, knowing that we can't tell you very much about it, yet you still want to help. I have - had a friend who was like you."

"Have you told anyone else about this?" Itachi asked him.

"No. But, no doubt Tobirama has his own suspicions. Madara and Izuna too, although they won't believe it unless you can prove it," Hashirama replied. "They're more…cynical than me, I suppose."

"Or they respect our privacy more," Sakura said, giving him a small glare.

Hashirama let out a laugh.

"I think they might just be a little afraid of you, Sakura." At Sakura's confused look, he laughed again. "I can't say much for Izuna, but when Madara told me what you did for his friend and her baby, he spoke with great respect for your skill and was a little shaky when he told me how your temper was."

Sakura blushed, and Itachi smirked.

"I was trying to save lives," she muttered with some embarrassment.

"Don't be embarrassed," Hashirama grinned. "It's good for Madara to get ordered around sometimes and remember he's as human as the rest of us."

Sakura glanced at him.

"If he left the village, would you die to bring him home?" She asked suddenly. "How far would you be willing to go to for him?"

Itachi gave her a look of warning, which she ignored, instead choosing to stare intensely at Hashirama.

Hashirama blinked.

"Madara is my friend, my brother. I would give up my life for him," he answered with conviction.

Sakura stared a few seconds longer and then sat back, satisfied.

"Is that why you're here?" He asked, suddenly desperate to know. "Is something going to happen to Madara?"

"We are here to stop it from happening," Itachi replied with some reluctance.

"Stop what? What is going to happen?" Hashirama demanded.

Unconsciously, his anger and fear released some chakra and he saw Sakura flinch away from him, and Itachi wince slightly. He took a breath and controlled himself again.

"I asked you once before, and I'll ask you again: What do you need me to do?" He asked in a far calmer voice.

"Never give up on him," Sakura said seriously. "Just never, ever give up."

Hashirama nodded slowly. It was a simple request, an easy, almost, but the gravity with which she said it made him worried. Did he, in their past, give up on Madara at some point? Did Madara become someone worth giving up on? He took a shaky breath in and released it.

"On to some lighter news," he announced brightly, shifting the atmosphere in the room. Sakura and Itachi looked at him expectation. "We're holding a festival."

"A festival?" Sakura asked. "Really?"

Hashirama nodded.

"Yes. In a weeks time. The Sarutobi and Shimura clans have decided to join the village."

Sakura's eyes lit up, but Hashirama saw the sudden change in expression in Itachi. He eyed the man carefully before continuing.

"It'll be for three days, and… well, Tobirama had an idea."

Sakura frowned. "That can't be a good thing."

Hashirama laughed, and Sakura gave him a little smile.

"On the second afternoon, he had an idea for a…fighting festival."

"No."

Her answer was immediate.

Hashirama pouted.

"I thought you would say that."

"Now that you know and seem to understand and accept our reasons for being here, surely you should also understand why we can't participate in something like that," Itachi reasoned.

Hashirama saw the look that passed over his face before was now gone.

"Please?" Hashirama pleaded.

Sakura shook her head.

"Pretty please?"

He held out his hand, and using his wood-style, creating a flower for her. Sakura giggled and took it from him.

"Nice try," she said, rolling her eyes, but sniffing the flower. "Bribes don't work on me."

Hashirama folded his arms over his chest and pouted more deeply.

"I had thought that we were becoming friends. Maybe that's just me. You probably know all sorts of things about me since you're from the future, but I don't really know anything about you. Now Tobirama's going to be upset and I'm going to have to think of some way to make him happy and it's so hard because he's so stubborn and grumpy," he sighed dramatically. "I guess I'm just I'm a failure."

He peeked at Sakura and Itachi under his lashes. They seemed thoroughly unimpressed with his rambling attempt at manipulation. He slumped his shoulders in defeat and waited for one of them to crack.

Finally, after thirty long seconds of silence, he heard Sakura let out a heaving sigh.

"Fine," she snapped. "I'll participate in your stupid festival. I want to beat Tobirama's stupid frown off his face anyway."

Hashirama's head snapped up and his posture straightened and he beamed in delight.

"I will not," Itachi said, folding his arms over his chest. "I do not believe it wise for either of us to participate, however, considering the fact that I am an Uchiha, but none of the clan other than Madara and Izuna know this, it wouldn't be wise to risk possible exposure."

Hashirama nodded reluctantly.

"Very well, I suppose. Can you tell me about the village, at least? And how the Uchiha have fared?"

"Our future… the village was mostly wonderful," Sakura said. "The Uchiha…" she looked at Itachi.

"The Uchiha had a strained relationship with the village elders," Itachi said shortly. "It was never a fully stable relationship, but they remained part of the village."

Hashirama felt his smile drop. He looked between the two of them.

"Well. We'll just have to do our best to make sure that doesn't happen."

Sakura smiled at him, and looked at Itachi. But Itachi was looking away, and a slightly dark expression was forming on his face.

"Yes," he said quietly. "We will."

That night, Itachi dreamed of Izumi.

He held baby Sasuke, and ran with Izumi while the Nine-Tails attacked the village.

Izumi wanting to hold Sasuke, and him crying and pushing her away.

Izumi and him eating dango at the lake, her smiling sweetly at him.

Izumi protecting him, even when he didn't need it.

Watching Izumi on the monitors at ANBU. Reading up about her progress. Dreaming about her.

Izumi's smile. Izumi's laugh. Izumi's touch on his skin. The warmth of her hand. The first touch of her lips on his.

The wetness of her blood when he found her body.

The coldness of her skin. The hollow black and red where her eyes were missing.

He woke, blinking in the darkness feeling a hot hand squeezing his own. He turned his head and looked at Sakura, who was turned away from him, but her hand had reached for his hand under hers and his blankets.

"It's okay, Itachi," she whispered in the darkness. "You can let it out."

Itachi reached his other hand up to his face, and felt tears running from his eyes.

Unable to hold it in any longer, to hide it from Sakura anymore, he let it out. Sobs racked his body, and his hand covered his face. He lay there, shaking and sweating, squeezing Sakura's hand under the blanket, grateful that she didn't turn and see him in this state, grateful that she was there, grateful for her comforting touch.

When his crying quietened, Sakura released his hand and stood.

"I'm going to get you some water," she said quietly.

Itachi sat up, wiped his eyes, and ran a hand through his hair. He cleared his throat and waited for Sakura to return, trying not to feel ashamed to her witnessing such a display.

She came back and knelt on her futon, passing the water to him. He took a sip from it and placed it on the floor. She was looking down, giving him privacy.

"Thank you, Sakura," he said.

She looked up at him, her lips lifted the tiniest amount.

"We're both a bit of a mess, aren't we?" She said, almost joking.

He inclined his head slightly in agreement.

She let out a soft breath.

"Most of the time, I'm really fine around Madara. But every now and again, I see the look in his eyes, almost the same as when we were at war, and..." she shook her head. "I don't know. I just see things, and I can't control myself. It's so hard not to scream."

He swallowed, knowing how hard it was for her to say it. They had decided not to talk about it, but now, they both needed to get it out of their heads.

"It's Izumi." His voice was barely loud enough to register. He glanced at her, she sat patiently. "Do you know how she died?"

Sakura shook her head.

"Someone stole her eyes," Itachi said harshly. "They made sure I was the one who found her."

Sakura's eyes opened in shock and disgust.

"I'm so sorry, Itachi."

His fists clenched in his sheets. He took some more water and laid back down. She did the same. Their hands somehow found their way back together.

"It was Danzo, wasn't it?" Sakura asked after a few minutes of silence.

Itachi didn't reply.

"Itachi...what are you thinking?"

Itachi remained quiet. He didn't know what he was planning, if he was planning anything.

"Itachi, just…" she trailed off and squeezed his hand. "Just don't do something you'll regret."

Itachi pulled his hand out of hers, feeling cold without her touch and turned on his side away from her. He lay there, no longer tired, staring at the wall in the darkness. Eventually, he heard Sakura's breathing even out and deepen as she fell asleep.

He began to wonder how they could create a better future for his clan, for the village, perhaps for the rest of the world, if Danzo Shimura lived.

He only came to one conclusion.

Danzo Shimura couldn't be allowed to live.