Author's notes: Well, everyone was pretty much saddened by the last chapter. And all I can say is this chapter will be a lot more saddening !
Chapter 14
Execution Day
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Light from the suns rays shone through the small cell window. Although Itachi couldn't see it due to the blindfold, he felt it. The warmth on his skin, the welcoming inviting touch of the soft sun. This was the last time Itachi would feel the welcoming invite of the suns warmth on his skin, the last time he would think about it.
He then began thinking about her. Not only was it his last day, but it was hers as well. All because he decided that bringing her back would be the best thing.. but maybe this was the best thing. Maybe once they were both dead they could be with each other and live peacefully. They wouldn't have to live up to anyones expectations, or be afraid and keep in hiding. Maybe this was the only way that they could truely live, when they're dead.
He figured it was somewhere around 6-6:30. That was usually when the sun rose. That meant six hours to go...
--
She watched the sun rise. After Shizune's visit last night she didn't go back to sleep. The sun's rays entered her room and sent that warm inviting feeling to her as it hit her skin. She closed her eyes as it was a little too bright. She looked the opposite way, she looked at Naruto. He was doing better then the day before. His breathing was more stable and they had taken away one of the machines which was good.
She figured that he would be up and walking around within the week. She sighed as she remembered how she would be gone, and wouldn't be able to say goodbye unless by a mracle he woke up within the next six hours.
She wasn't scared, she wasn't scared of dying. The one thing she would regret the most is leaving her friends behind. Leaving Naruto behind. And dissapointing him. She left again after she promised she wouldn't, and now, she was leaving once more, except this time, never to return.
She looked at the desk in between their beds and reached over grabbing the clipboard. She sat up and turned the pages untils he found a blank one. She then began writing. She looked back out the window. Five more hours to go.
--
He stood at the memorial stone and stared at the names carved into it. One more particularily that stood out. Obitio Uchiha. Kakashi's best friend. Obito died for him when they were young. They were about Sakura and Naruto's age. Kakashi remembered that day like it were yesterday. He remembered the mission that they were sent on and how stubborn he had been, eventually leading up to his friends death.
He remembered how Rin, they're other teammate had taken Obito's eye and placed it where Kakashi's left eye had once been. Kakshi lifted his hand and held it over his left eye. He then closed his eyes and dropped his hand as he sighed.
He looked over the names and spotted Asuma's name. Another fallen comrade. He knew that yet another name would be added very shortly. Sakura's name. He doubted they'd put Itachi's name, but maybe because he brought Sakura back and turned himself in, then just maybe they would put his name. Perhaps somewhere near the bottom.
Kakashi sighed once more as he looked up at the sky. Why was everyone being taken away from him. Everyone that he grew close to, everyone that he loved. He'd lost his best friend, then Sasuke and now Sakura. They were like his children. All he had left was Naruto and he wasn't even sure if Naruto would pull through. He looked at the sun squinting. How can the sun be so bright on a sad day such as this.. he thought to himself.
He then turned and began walking away. Four more hours to go..
--
Pein stood at his doorway. Everyone was still asleep, which was very unusal considering what time of day it was. There was darkness behind him as suddenly five sets of eyes all appeared behind him sharing the same trait of the swirls in their eyes. Pein stood with a smirk on his face. "You know what to do. " he said as the five eyes dissapeared and black shadows raced down the hallway.
Pein slowly approached a door that was near to his. He slowly opened it and took in the sight before him. There he say Konan laying in her bed, asleep. He slowly closed the door and approached her slumbering body. He looked down at her as a smirk spread across his face.
His hands hung by his side as water droplets dripped off of them. He then crawled onto the bed and hovered over her. He gripped her wrists tightly and put pressure on her body so she couldn't move. She quickly opened her eyes and looked up into Pein's. "Pein what the-" he put his hand over her mouth. "Shh." he said staring into her eyes as he put his hand back on her wrist.
"You lied to me Konan. I thought I could trust you. " he said. " What are you talking about?" she asked. "I know Itachi isn't dead." Konan just looked at him. "So is that a reason to sit on me?" she asked throwing in sarcasim. Pein leaned in closer so that he was beside her ear. "You're all going to die today. Everyone." he said with a smirk. Konan's eyes shot open as she struggled to break free and use a jutsu but was stopped. "Ah ah ah. " Pein said lifting his hand as it dripped from water. She looked over at her wrist which was all wet now.
She was useless, as far as jutsu's went. She couldn't preform any while her body was wet. "Why are you doing this?" she asked still trying to break free of his grip. Pein just stared at her. He began thinking but quickly shook his head and tightened his grip. And he held that same wicked smile.
-
Kisame stood in his room looking out the window. He sighed as he glaced at his wall, which was really one giant tank full of fish. He began feeding the fish when he finally stopped. He felt a chakra presence close by, it felt like.. Pein? He then looked at the glass of the tank and saw the reflection of someone. He smirked as he pulled out a kunai and quickly spun throwing it at the intruder. The intruder smirked and jumped out of the way avoiding the kunai.
He landed and looked at Kisame. Kisame examined the man. He was tall, baldish he still had some orange hair at the top of his head. He wore the Akatsuki uniform and smirked at Kisame. "Who the hell are you?" Kisame asked as he looked at the man
"That is no concern of yours." the man said as he lifted his arm and it shot off like a missile straight at Kisame. Kisame dodged it however it crashe dinto the tank behind Kisame and it broke, water spilled all over the floor with fish flopping around. Kisame grabbed his samehada and ran towards the man.
Three more hours to go.
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She sat in her room. Tsuande had visted earlier and just layed with her as they looked out the window. Nurses had also came in and took away the rest of the machines supporting Naruto. He was breathing on his own now. Tsunade had left, but she said that she would be back later.
Sakura sat alone in the room, save for Naruto who lay on the bed beside hers. She pulled the coveres off and got out of bed. It felt like she hadn't walked for weeks, well, she hadn't. She walked to Naruto's bed which was no more then 3 feet away. She looked at him. She watched as his chest moved up and down with each subtle breath he took. She then pulled back the blankets and slid underneathe. She lay there beside him, her head rested on his chest. Her head moved up and down as he took each breath.
She closed her eyes and listened to the sound of his heartbeat. It was a soothing, comforting sound. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. She raised her hand and brushed the side of his cheek. She was going to miss him. Going to miss her best friend. She then wrapped her arm around him and rested her head back on his chest as her eyes closed and she held him. For the last time.
Two more hours.
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Konan lay there as she looked up into the eyes of Pein. She heard noise of fighting coming from other areas of the house. She figured that the others had been attacked as well. Konan still struggling to break free tried to reach for a kunai that was under her pillow. It wouldn't do much, but it would help.
"Why?" she kept asking. "Why Pein?" she sounded almost desperate. Pein didn't answer her and just continued holding her down. Thoughts suddenly entered his mind, almost like they were his own, but they weren't. He tried to fight back these thoughts and that was when his hand started moving. He removed his hand from her wrist clutching both her wrists in one hand. He placed his hand on her thigh and slowly ran his hand upwards.
Konan struggling more desperatly reached for her kunai, she could feel the tip, she was almost there. Pein couldn't understand what was happening, he didn't want to do this. He couldn't do this. But it was happening, and it was out of his control. It felt like something else was taking over, however it still felt like himself. That was when he realized, they were overpowering him and controlling his thoughts.
Over and over he screamed no in his head, but they wouldn't listen. " You're too weak. For too long we've been locked up and following your orders. But now, now we act. No we take control! " This was followed by maniacal laughter that only he could hear.
His hand kept getting higher and higher, Konan continued reaching for her kunai. That was when, in desperation, she did the only thing she could do, she screamed for help. "HEEEELPPP !" she screamed. Her voice echoing through the house.
--
Kisame dodged yet another flying hand. He looked at him. Who is this guy? He thought to himself as he swung the samehada and the enemy dodged it. He then turned to the left suddenly when he heard Konan scream. He had to help her, and fast ! He continued swinging as this guy continued dodging his attackes. Now that he was closer he noticed more and more how this guy looked like Pein, and felt like Pein, but it couldn't possibly be the same person.. could it?
--
Konan was trapped and screaming for help. Something she thought she would never do. Pein's hand had now moved up her shirt. He then grabbed her neck and held it tightly. "Shut up! No one is coming to help you." he said with the wicked grin. His hand moving back under her shirt. Continuing to fight him off she tried moving his hands away, but it was no use. Returning once more she reached for her kunai, closer now, but still she didn't have a good grip.
With one swift pull, Pein ripped off Konan's clothing only leaving her in her undergarments. Konan fought back even more now, but still, nothing. If only he hadn't put water on her, then she could use a justsu and escape easily. Why was Pein doing this. Didn't he love her ? Didn't he care about her. And what about the rest of the Akatsuki? This didn't make sense.
--
Kisame kicked the guy backwards as he flew through the wall and into the next room. Debre and all sorts of wall pieces fell down on top of him. Kisame stood there with the samehada over his shoulder. He then turned and ran off to help Konan.
--
Pein had shifted their bodies so things would be easier for him. However, this also made things easier for Konan. She reached her right hand under her pillow and grabbed her kunai. Pulling it out she swung it and stabbed it into Pein's shoulder. This caused Pein to loosen his grip, that was all she needed. She used her legs ad the chance and kicked him off of her. She jumped off of her bed and ran towards the door. Swinging it open she ran out and down the halls.
Pein cursed underneath his breath and pulled out the kunai as he took off after Konan.
Tear's fell down Konan's face as she ran through the halls falling a few times. She then crashed into something and fell back. She looked up to see a tall blue man standing in front of her.
Kisame looked down at the young feeble woman who had just crashed into him. This was the most vaulnerable he had ever seen Konan. He noticed that she wasn't clothed, save for her under garments and he spotted the marks on her body. He quickly bent down and drapped his cloak around her. "Who did this?" he asked in a harsh tone as he then looked up and saw someone standing at the other end of the hallway. It was Pein.
Kisame glared at him. He then looked down at Konan who was shivering and had buried her head into his chest. Kisame wanted to deal with that pig right then and there, but he decided against it. He had to get away, he had to get her away. He would come back later and help the others, but right now she needed his help.
Fastening the Samehada onto his back he looked up at him and said, "This isn't over." He then quickly turned and ran dissapearing into the darkness.
One Hour Left
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He could smell the food. It sat on the floor in front of him. He hadn't eaten in a while, he refused to eat. However, this was potentially his last meal. He bent forwards and felt for the chopsticks. Finally, he picked them up and searched for the bowl. He pulled the chopsticks apart and began eating. The lucious taste of rise was enough to make him happy. This was the best rice he had ever tasted,well maybe not. Sakura's cooking was better, but for someone who hadn't eaten in weeks, a piece of grass covered in soy sauce would be the best tasting thing.
Finishing his meal, he pushed it to the side and sat back against the wall, his head resting on it. He closed his eyes and just sat there. It would be soon. Soon he and Sakura would be executed, he and Sakura would be killed. He still couldn't accept the fact that Sakura would be murdered as well. No doubt he'd be wearing a blindfold the whole time, so he wouldn't even be able to see her before they died, before they died together...
--
Sakura slowly woke up to that of a familar voice. She opened her eyes and saw Shizune standing there. Sakura slowly lifted her head and realized that she had fallen asleep on Naruto. "Sakura we need you to wear this." Shizune said handing Sakura a black kimono. Sakura nodded and looked up at NAruto before she slowly got out of the bed. She then undressed and put on the black silk kimono with the assistance of Shizune.
Shizune then assisted with doing her hair and make-up. Sakura didn't really see a point in this, she was going to die anyway. But, it was respectful and she believed that Tsuande had wished it. About half an hour later Sakura was finally ready, physically, not emotionally. She looked in the mirror and saw herself. She thought she looked pretty, but none of that mattered.
She heard a knock on the door as Shizune entered. "Sakura...it's time." Shizune said as she looked down at the ground. Sakura nodded. "Could I just have a moment?" Sakura asked as Shizune nodded and then exited the room.
Sakura walked over to Naruto and looked at him. She placed her hand on his cheek. A few tears rolled down her cheek as she looked at him. She slowly bent over and gave him a kiss on his cheek, leaving an imprint from the lipstick she was wearing. "I'm so sorry Naruto.. I love you." she said as she took out a note from under her pillow and placed it on the bedside table. She ran her fingers through his hair once more before turning to leave and her hand slowly sliding off of his face and returning by her side.
She paused at the door as she slowly opened it and looked over at Naruto. She then exited the room and left.
Naruto felt soemthing, yes , felt something. He heard the door open as two nurses walked in. " It's a real shame they're killing Sakura." one of them said. " Yes, she was a great shinobi.." the other replied. By now Naruto's eyes were open. "She's on her way now to be executed." one of the nurses said. "So soon?" the other responded.
Naruto was in a panic. He ripped the needles out of his arms and took out the oxygen tube. Alarms went off beeping like crazy as Naruto stumbled to the window. "SAKURRAAA !" he shouted weakly " SAKURAAA !" he finally reached the window and looked down as he saw Sakura walking down the path of the hospital out into the streets of Konoha with Shizune.
Naruto banged on the window as he shouted once more. "SAAAKURRAA !!" Just then several male nurses burst into the room and grabbed hold of Naruto pulling him away from the window as the stuck a needle in him and sedated him.
Sakura stopped walking as something told her to turn around. Once she turned around she looked up at the hospital window that belonged to her room and saw nothing. She could've sworn she heard Naruto's voice. Seeing nothing she convinced herself she was seeing things and turned around and continued walking with Shizune to the center of the city.
--
Itachi heard a door open as footsteps approached his cell. The steel door slid open as someone walked in. "It's time." he heard the ever so familar voice. Itachi nodded as he slowly stood. Several ANBU appeared beside Tsunade as Tsunade unlocked his chains and released the barrier around his cell allowing him to leave. She led him out of the cell as the ANBU walked with them.
They soon exited the prison and headed for the center of the town as well. It was a silent walk, but then again what conversation could you strike up with a famous murderer who slaughtered many of the village that you're sworn to protect. Let's face it, no on liked Itachi.
Within minutes they arrived at the center of the town where everyone had gathered except for the ninja on duty, on missions or the workers at the hospital. In the center of the crowd there was a large stand with a bar hanging over top.
Tsunade led Itachi into a secluded section blocked off by walls. "Stay here." she instructed as she walked away, but the ANBU remained. A few moments later more footsteps were heard approaching him. She then reached out and took off Itachi's blindfold.
He slowly opened his eyes and saw her standing in front of him. Sakura.
Tsunade instructed that the ANBU give them some space, they argued against it but finally all dissapeared into places where they could keep an eye on him.
Sakura looked at him. Tears just wanting to flow from her eyes. How long had it been since they last saw each other, weeks? Months? They just stared at each other. "Itachi-kun.." she said as she took a step forward, her hands at her chest. Itachi just looked at her and finally outstretched his arm and brought her close in a warm embrace.
Sakura rested her hands and her head on his chest as she just let it all out and began crying. Itachi slowly ran his fingers through her hair as he rested his head on top of hers. "Why sis you have to come back. Why did you have to bring me back!" she said looking up at him. Itachi put a finger over her lips. "What's done is done. We just need to accept the fact of what's happening now." he said as Sakura continued crying into his chest. "Now we can be together." he said as she looked up at him again and he held the back of her head.
He leaned down as he closed his eyes and he began to kiss her. She closed her eyes and returned the kiss for what possibly could be, the very last time. A few minutes passed and they broke the kiss and looked up at each other. She stared into his dark obsidean eyes.which for once were not covered by the activation of his sharingan. This was Itachi, the real Itachi. He was no longer in his Akatsuki cloak, he wore his regular ANBU clothing.
They stared into each others eyes as he wiped away her tears. Footsteps were heard approaching them as Tsunade appeared. Itachi and Sakura hugged one last time before Tsuande approached Itachi and put the blindfold on. The ANBU then reappeared and they lead them out onto the stand.
Sakura and Itachi stood beside each other. Two ANBU'S placed nuse's around Sakura and Itachi's necks. They stood there. Sakura looked out across the crowd, but she could not see any of her friends. She understood. She looked over at Itachi who stood there as well. the blindfold on his face.
" Today we bring upon the death's of two legendary s-class criminals. Itachi Uchiha. He slaughterd the whole of the Uchiha family leaving his brother alive to live with the pain. He then left and joined our number one threat. Sakura Haruno, once a dedicated shinobi, she too betrayed the village and left joining the Akatsuki as well. These two prisoners will be brought to justice today. " An elder spoke.
An ANBU approached Itachi and took off his blindfold. His eyes were closed. The entire crowd gasped as the elder began to speak. "Fear not. His powers have been rendered useless, and he can no longer cause you any harm." he said as the crowd settled. The elder stepped back and an ANBU held the lever waiting for the signal.
The elder looked over at Tsunade, it was the Hokage who was tradtionally supposed to give the order but she refused. The elder then looked over at the ANBU.
Sakura and Itachi looked at each other as Itachi extended his hand and Sakura extended hers. They grabbed on to each others hands. A tear rolled down Sakura's cheek. Suddenly, the floor beneathe them opened up and they were dropped.
The crowd all gasped. Tsunade turned and buried her head in Jiraiya's chest. The rest of the crowd watched as tehy could hear the sounds of choking.
Shortly, the sounds of choking subsided and all that was heard was the small creek of the wood as the lifeless bodies of Sakura Haruno and Itachi Uchiha swung back and forth. Their hands dropping to their sides.
They're dead.
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Author's notes: i'm sorry. But they're dead now. PLEASEDONTKILLMEE! JUST WAIT FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER, YOU'LL ALL BE HAPPY. TRUST ME. ) dont worry its not some corny magic spell that brings them back to life or anything. JUSTT WAIT FOR THE NEXT CHAPTERR !! DONT WORRY. this IS NOTT the end of the story. i will update ASAP because i know if i dont ill have all of you running after me!! TRUSST MEEE I'll update quickskies. but for now... REVIEWWW !