Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto
Chapter Fourteen: Welcome to the Resistance
"Haruno-sama, welcome."
Sakura made her way into a wing of the cliffside complex that housed their best medical labs. Apparently there were a few more buildings strewn about the city that offered medical assistance, but this was their best suited option for the tests needed to run on Itachi. The entrance lead into a lobby with a woman sitting behind the counter of a desk - the receptionist. More doors marked the area leading to different locations. She even saw an elevator next to a staircase. She marveled at the work Shikamaru and his shinobi had accomplished in just a few years' time. It was far more sophisticated than the clinic back at Hougyoku and reminded her more of the hospital back in Konoha. It was very nostalgic. She smiled at the receptionist as she came further into the lobby. Once she did, someone else accompanied her into the room. The receptionist's cheery smile faltered a bit at the sight of them. Sakura had to give them credit at their quick recovery.
"Ah, and Uchiha-san, welcome." She didn't fail to notice the step down in respect she gave to Itachi, but if he cared he didn't let on. He only nodded briskly at the woman, her eyes a little wide at the sight of the notorious man now in their city. Sakura didn't think she really believed the stories about the truth of the massacre. As long as she and everyone else was civil then everything would be fine. The day before as the two slept Shikamaru released the information of their arrival, as well as an order warning everyone against harming Itachi, and Sakura as well for that matter. Both had slept through the day and even through the night and only woke when roused by knocking on their doors. Sasuke had come to wake them to treat them to an excellent breakfast before sending them on their way to the medical wing.
"Thank you," Sakura said for them as she approached the desk, Itachi in her wake. Unlike Sakura, he stayed a few paces behind her and refrained from setting his elbows atop the counter like she did, not wanting to make the receptionist more uncomfortable than she already looked. It irked Sakura that he had to, but she had to remember that they didn't know him like she did, and if she were in their shoes she'd probably feel the same way. "Shikamaru-sama," she started to tell the woman, making sure to address the lazy man in a respectful manner even if she knew him well and it was at odds with her usual referral of him, "should have sent a message to you already."
"Yes, he did," the receptionist confirmed, tearing her eyes away from Itachi who had glanced at her briefly to look on Sakura again. From a tray she picked up a sheet of paper, a memo, with the nature of their visit. "To run the tests on Uchiha-san." Sakura nodded and smiled in acknowledgement. Rising from her seat, the receptionist approached one of the few doors and pushed it open, beckoning for them to follow her through. It led to another little room full of apparatuses to check one's vitals. Beyond that was a hallway with more doors. By the looks of them they were patient rooms. Three other medics were present there, sitting at their desks in the station, two more females and a male. Because they didn't wear forehead protectors or any other village orientating symbols on their uniforms, which were all similar in make, Sakura couldn't say who came from where. It was obvious they all knew of both ninja. Like the receptionist they all gave Itachi very friendly welcomes to mask their nervousness of him, and his own hellos and thanks as he returned in his own civil manner was a little startling for the trio, Sakura could tell. Itachi did his best to not appear intimidating to the medics and kept his expression uninterested and bored, rather than intense and alert. The receptionist explained the situation at hand and then left. When they inquired just why he needed these tests, Sakura elaborated for them. Despite their ingrained fear of the infamous man they cast him sympathetic glances as Itachi stood impassively, his gaze unfocused but his attention definitely on them Sakura knew. As a medic, it was sometimes easy to set aside one's emotions and get into a professional routine no matter the patient.
"Ugh," the male medic cringed out when Sakura gave the details of his previous condition, "Uchiha-san, I do not envy you," he confessed, and Itachi glanced his way. "That's a nasty bug you had. We will certainly find out if you're completely healed or not." Apparently the man was well read in a myriad of diseases. Such was his specialty of sorts. He was actually familiar with the disease, he explained, because it was one that came from the Land of Waterfalls, were he previously lived before finding refuge with Shūsoku. Such news was music to Sakura's ears. She also made a mental note to stay clear of the nation if she could. "A disease like that isn't something you want coming back again and again so we'll be thorough."
"No, it's not," Itachi gave in return. "I don't particularly enjoy drowning on my own blood," he added, his morbid tones not on purpose but also not lightening the mood. The medics gave their own nervous grins in response but didn't know how to comment on something like that.
"Let's get to it, then," the other man said instead. The afternoon saw them taking Itachi's vitals, like his height, weight, blood pressure and procuring a couple of vials of blood as well as a urine sample to run tests on. Eventually he was laying on a bed in one of the other rooms as the three medics and Sakura lit their hands with glowing chakra and delved into his person, taking turns or exploring in pairs, to check his body. All four at once would be too much for his system to handle. He laid with his eyes closed and his face calm through it all. When it came to taking samples of his innards, Sakura handled the extraction knowing that Itachi would trust her the most, while one of the other medics would assist in pouring analgesic chakra into the area to help with the pain at extracting the samples, and then to heal the incision. Itachi's face would flinch for a small moment when the flesh pierced through his person and into a floating orb of green-blue light before Sakura, but then relax as the other medic healed the site like new. They took a part of each sample to place on a slide and the rest to run more sophisticated tests and cultures on. The four medics eventually took to a microscope each and poured over the samples, searching for any signs of foreign presences in the tissues after they injected the things with special dyes to allow them to search for their targets more easily. They found nothing.
"This is very promising so far," the male medic, Haruran, said aloud as he took off another slide from his scope and set it aside. "Our other tests will be more conclusive but I've not seen a single spore or mature protist in any of these samples." The other three gave similar reports. Itachi gave a small smile at the news. "It seems that Haruno-sama took very good care of you, Uchiha-san," Haruran added. Sakura glanced from Haruran to Itachi, whose dark gaze held her own in such a way that she felt her breath catch in her throat.
"Yes, she did," Itachi responded, and Sakura's insides squirmed at his words and the way his eyes lingered on her.
"Well, we're done for today. We'll let you know the test results as soon as possible." The two bid the three medics farewell shortly after. They were much more chatty with Sakura, but she had to think that they took well to Itachi thus far. But this was only three medics. The rest of Hisomu was a different story. Sakura was a little reluctant to leave the safety of the mountain for the rest of the city, but she was too eager to see it to stay away. If Itachi wished to stay inside a while longer she wouldn't blame him and she definitely wouldn't try and coerce him into doing something he didn't want to do. As they left the hospital wing and the receptionist gave them a small farewell, looking a little relieved at their parting, Sasuke met them outside the entrance.
"Ah, good timing," he said to them from where he sat on a bench. "I only just got here a minute ago. How'd it go?" The two explained the afternoon's events to him and the optimistic news made Sasuke grin. "Awesome. That's great to hear. Anyway, I didn't come to find you just for that. Shikamaru asked me to show you 'round the place, if you're up to it?" Sakura gave an excited smile at the offer, but Itachi seemed a little reluctant. His brother noted this, apparently still able to read the stoic man after all these years now. "You don't have to go. In fact, Shikamaru said he'd like to talk with you some more. Said he'd also like a stimulating game of shōgi and knows you'd give him that." Itachi gave a little smirk at that and Sakura had to admit that Itachi and Shikamaru would probably get along well considering their vast intelligence.
"I think I'd like that," he decided. Sasuke nodded in approval.
"Alright. I'll show you the city another time." Sakura gave Itachi a reassuring smile before they parted ways and she let Sasuke lead her down the hallway. "I think you'll really like it," he told her as they weaved through the corridors.
"I know I will... Sasuke..." She stopped walking and he paused with her; he gave an 'hmm?' of inquiry as he looked down at her. "Do you think... do you think that Itachi is safe here? Do you think that the people really believe you?" He pursed his lips at her worried face but hesitated in his answer, trying to come up with the right one to give her she supposed.
"Itachi is strong, Sakura... one of the strongest men I know. Yes, I think he's safe here. Do I think the people of the city are safe with him here? Absolutely. Do I think people are fickle and hold grudges? Absolutely." He sighed, as if this was something he'd been pondering himself since knowing he'd be bringing his brother to the city. "Even though I helped build this city... even though I've shed blood, sweat and tears for these people, some of them will never fully trust me. It's something I've had to come to accept. The same will be true for my brother. I think in time they'll see him for who he really is. See that he's a loyal shinobi, willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good... And in the end, Shūsoku trusts Shikamaru. If he trusts Itachi they'll learn to trust him too. They won't have to like him, but they'll learn to realize that he isn't the murderer Danzou and the elders wanted to create or the evil shinobi they thought he was while he kept watch on Akatsuki."
"Is that how they see you?" she couldn't help but ask. He shrugged his shoulders.
"For some, yea. But I've made a lot of friends. Met people who've seen past my bad decisions I've made and see the good ones I'm making now. It took time... and a lot of patience, but, I never gave up. I was determined to prove myself, and to repay Shikamaru for the second chance he gave me. I know Itachi will do the same. You've already forgiven him and became his friend, Sakura. There's hope for him. Believe it." That grin he gave her and those last two words made her think of Naruto. Sasuke sounded like him then, if not a little more eloquent, and Sakura wished that Naruto was still with them, to be able to see the prodigal Uchiha and how much he had changed.
"I hope you're right," she returned, still worried despite his words. He gave her a reassuring squeeze on her shoulder with his hand.
"Don't worry, Sakura. Everything will be fine. Think on the good in life; don't let the bad bring you down." This was all so odd coming from his mouth, but she knew he was right. They made it safely to Hisomu and Itachi was looking to have a full recovery. Many good things had happened. More bad were to surely come but worrying about them wouldn't make them go away. Steeling herself, she gave her friend a smile and he returned it.
Sasuke led Sakura out of the valley cliffside and down a set of very wide steps that took them to the buildings below. It was the main, formal entrance, and a few other people were taking them at the time. The late noon sun was high enough over the valley walls to cast the city in its glow and Sakura savored the warmth. Flanking the stairs were silk banners flapping gently in the breeze that blew through the valley. The color of the things were a rich cobalt blue; an honorable, strong color, yet also tranquil, one of logic and a clear mind. Printed onto some of the things were the characters for Shūsoku or Hisomu in silver. Some of them only bore the symbols of the now gone hidden villages to commemorate their falls. Sakura found them to be a welcome sight, to remind the shinobi their heritage and that one day, they'd have their homes back. A few of them were blank. There was also another symbol on some of the flags. It was the character for Strength within a thin circle. She'd seen it embroidered onto clothing or etched into metal hitai-ate of the ninja, and also a few other places in the parts of the city she saw so far. She needn't ask what it was. It was the symbol they used to identify themselves, and a fitting one she had to think. It didn't draw on any one particular former village, but highlighted the one thing each ninja contributed to their cause: their strength, whether it was through their prowess in battle, their lent intelligence in strategy, healing the wounded, feeding the hungry or any other small thing that was insurmountably huge when everyone's efforts were combined.
As they made the descent down the stairs Sasuke started to explain the layout of the city to her to start getting her acquainted. She tried to follow his descriptions, but knew she'd do better once she roamed the city a few times for herself. As they made their way through the buildings she had to appreciate again the very homey feeling of Hisomu. This made all the difference, to come back after a grueling mission, to a place that was like their old villages and not just rows after rows of tents. Before the construction of the city began, Sasuke told to her upon her inquiry, they had tried to stay in Konoha for as long as possible, and everyone else in their own beat up villages, still in disarray from the war. But the attacks that were once small and spread out became larger and more consistent. They knew they'd have to move eventually. Hakumei was growing stronger and bolder. Most shinobi from other villages didn't want to risk coming to Konoha, nor Konoha shinobi going to theirs. At the time, Shūsoku was already in existence. Shikamaru started the group about a year after the fourth war. About three years ago a small group traveling through Grass happened upon this huge, secluded ravine and brought Shikamaru here, believing it to be a good place to build a new hidden city, and to start building their own numbers and strength. It was. They started construction right away and spread word to allied shinobi of the news for assistance. Many came to help fortunately, knowing their efforts would be better spent on creating a new hidden village than on their own targeted ones. And one by one the villages began to fall not too long after. They lost Konoha for good a year and a half ago, but it was the last to fall. Before that the other villagers of the fallen villages came to Konoha to make one last stand to try and save it, but Shikamaru didn't want to waste lives to protect it any longer so they made the decision to flee to Hisomu and put all their efforts into finishing the city. Their efforts paid off. Not once in three years since starting the build had Hakumei ninja come across the valley. Every day they send their most skilled genjutsu users about the city's perimeter to cast illusions around the city. They would send doton users to create impasses in the valley's ravines to deter them from entering. Such was why they took to the valley forges, he told Sakura, to pass beneath the genjutsu as to not disturb it, or to potentially run into any foreign shinobi traveling high up atop the ravines. A few times in the past that had happened. Each time they had to track down and kill the ninja just to be safe, in case they somehow spotted Hisomu.
Upon asking Shūsoku's numbers, Sasuke told her that they were about ten thousand ninja strong in Hisomu. There were also a large sum of residents of there that were the civilians who once resided in the hidden villages and decided to accompany the shinobi at Shikamaru's offer, a little under eight hundred Sasuke said. Most civilians wanted nothing to do with the new issue and headed north to lands not controlled by ninja. Aside from in the city, another five thousand shinobi allied and loyal to Shikamaru were outside of Hisomu, scattered in groups throughout the lands at posts, but ready to come to aid if need be. Fifteen thousand ninja. She then inquired of Hakumei. Exact numbers were hard to say, but they were certain that they were at least a good nine to ten thousand ninja strong themselves if not more. Some estimates counted them at twelve thousand considering all the different places they were encountering these ninja. For all they knew Hakumei could have double that number. They just couldn't be certain. Where they were getting these ninja was hard to say he admitted. He and Shikamaru theorized that most of them were being brainwashed somehow, or forced to join. Sakura frowned deeply at that news. By what she knew, and by a bit of information Shikamaru shared with them the day before, Hakumei wanted to make a world for ninja and ninja alone. No civilians. No weakness. Just power under an iron fist. A world of chaos, a world of war. The dark ages all over again. No peace and prosperity between villages with the occasional scuffles and grudges because of pride and stubbornness. Sakura couldn't imagine who'd want that. Perhaps people were simply afraid of being crushed beneath this growing power, and rather than stand up against it and face it, they joined the stronger side like cowards. Perhaps this leader of Hakumei was a person so persuasive, spewing out a story of a golden age with such eloquence and promise that after the wake of destruction the fourth war left behind, people felt obliged to believe them because they were too devastated to get back up onto their feet by their own efforts. They had no hope left for things to back to the way they were, and so in their desperation, succumbed to this person's fairytales, only to pay the price of such a choice later. Maybe it was too late for them to turn back, to deny Hakumei, so they were bound to them. Sakura didn't want to think about what kind of forbidden, wicked jutsu someone might use on someone to accomplish such a thing. She had to force herself to think on other things once more.
Making their way through the streets, many people stopped them to greet Sakura and to welcome her to the city. Some faces she recognized, others she didn't. But, they seemed excited to have her there with them. They mentioned nothing of Itachi. Sakura tried to not let that get under her skin too deeply. For a good while Sasuke took her through the city and pointed out certain buildings he knew would be helpful to her. Eventually he asked if she were hungry and upon admittance she was, he took her to a favored place to grab a bite to eat: a little restaurant that sold ramen. Sakura didn't object. As they made their way down the dusty street and were coming upon the place, she heard a voice she hadn't in five years but recognized instantly.
"I don't believe my eyes! Haha! Sakura! You've come back to us!"
"Kiba!" Sakura grinned widely in response to the other's own fanged smile as he came running down the street to the pair. They embraced roughly. Pushing her back to arm's length Kiba looked her over and she him. He looked more feral than she remembered, his face sharper and his aura more beast-like. He had been amongst the ones who had survived and had stayed behind at Konoha to try and rebuild it and start over. Not everyone had been keen at letting Sakura leave them, but Kiba had been one of the ones who understood her departure. She had been grateful for that.
"Damn, Woman! It's good to see you!"
"You too!" At a bump against her legs, she looked down to see a large, white dog circling about her to separate the two. She chuckled and reached down to run a hand over the beast's head. "And you as well, Akamaru." The dog leaned against her heavily, yearning for more of her attention.
"I knew you'd come back one day. I just wished it had been to Konoha, but those bastards..." He trailed off, too angered to continue. Sakura gave him a look of empathy. "Ah. Anyway." He grabbed hold of Akamaru and hefted the dog away when he continued to torment her. The canine grunted in protest. "Leave her be, you great oaf... News is you got in yesterday morning?" She confirmed that. "Nice. I just got back from a mission myself yesterday evening." Looking to Sasuke, Kiba gave him a wide grin as well. "So crazy. Both Sakura and your brother in one day, Sasuke. You must be hella happy." He smirked at Kiba.
"More than you know," he told him, and Kiba laughed again.
"I was just about to grab some ramen. Wanna join me?" Saying that they too were doing the same, the three of them entered into the little establishment and seated themselves at a small table. Over bowls of steaming noodles, and even a dish of the stuff for Akamaru, the friends shared stories. Kiba explained how he helped rebuild Konoha and tried to keep Hakumei at bay at the same time. How astonished he'd been when Shikamaru and Sasuke returned to them, more so the latter. And then the journey to Hisomu once Konoha was unfortunately lost to them. Sakura gave her own accounts to him.
"I still can't believe that the massacre was all staged, that the Uchiha was trying to plan an overthrow," Kiba said at one point, glancing between the pair. "But damn, if there's one ninja we need on our side it's Itachi. Your brother is one tough son of a bitch, Sasuke." Sasuke smirked, unable to deny that. Kiba then slapped him roughly on the back. "And you, too, you little shit. You were a pain in our asses for so long, but I'm glad you came to your senses and are on our side." Sasuke rolled his eyes at him but smiled regardless, pushing Kiba's hand away from himself when Kiba kept trying to pound on his back. Sakura watched the interaction with a grin, pleased to see how well the two got along. Kiba too was always a pain in the rear. He and Sasuke were an unlikely duo, but that Sasuke really did make friends warmed her heart.
"Anyway," Kiba said, still grinning, as he ceased his attack, "you're a sight for sore eyes, Sakura. We've got some great medics here but none trained by Tsunade-sama herself. We're gonna rub this in Hakumei's face so hard! I can't wait to see their reactions when they see that you and Itachi are on our side!" That toothy grin was addictive and the other two ninja couldn't agree more with their friend.
"Your play."
Two pairs of eyes took turns looking over a worn, but well-crafted shōgi board and peering out over the city and valley beyond the window. The minty smell of smoke that Itachi was learning to associate with Nara Shikamaru filled his office again. At current he had a cigarette perched between his lips as he stared out over his city, one leg bent at the knee and his arm resting atop it in a lax manner, but he could see the twitch in his brows and the slightly downturned corners of his lips. Itachi knew Shikamaru was an extremely intelligent, tactical man, and that he was relied upon heavily during the fourth war. It was at odds with his cantankerous demeanor and his almost comically calm though irate tone of voice, like every little thing in life was far more arduous than most people saw them to be. For all purposes, first impressions of him made him seem like a perpetually exasperated individual. Despite this, Shikamaru was revered and for good reason. And despite this, Itachi found that he found a sort of kindred spirit in him. Thus far they got along quite well. Shikamaru treated him like he were just another ninja, not the infamous Uchiha Itachi, clan killing, Akatsuki member. There was no hint of nervousness from him being in his presence. If any lingered Itachi could not read it on him. The young leader spoke to Itachi like they were old friends, like they sat in that very spot every day and played shōgi for all their lives. Like day after day Shikamaru bitched and moaned while discussing Shūsoku's current status and inquired of Itachi his thoughts on what to do in these troubling times. Like Itachi were an advisor he relied on for years. It was a novel experience, one that Itachi couldn't deny he enjoyed. It was nice to be relied on for a good cause for a change.
"Your move," he said aloud after moving one of his pieces. Shikamaru took a drag of his cigarette as he swept his head over to look back at the board as his opponent's fingers left the piece he had moved. Blowing the smoke towards the open window rather than uncourteously into Itachi's face, he brought a hand up to scratch at his chin. After a good minute he started to speak.
"I'll send more scouts to those nations," Shikamaru said as those sienna eyes swept the board. He and Itachi were considering where they might find more ninja willing to join them and Itachi gave a list of suggestions to him. Shikamaru had already exhausted most of the large nations and now needed to go into the smaller ones to recruit. It was easy to find sympathetic ninja willing to come to Hisomu from the more affluent nations. That's where Hakumei had hit most while they were recovering from the wake of the war. Those who hadn't been effected by Madara's destruction were now also being spared from Hakumei's wrath as far as Shūsoku knew. They'd be less likely to join since they were still living peacefully. But with Hakumei gaining in number, their reach would expand to those nations south of Wind. Shikamaru wanted to get to them before Hakumei.
"I definitely would," Itachi remarked as he took his turn to look back out over the city. "But we have to be wary. Such small nations could be the very places where Hakumei has gotten many of their numbers. Or, they'll want to make an alliance with them. Fire, Wind, Earth, Lightning, Water... They've always been at the top. The other nations might want to take advantage of the fourth war's devastation to rise above them. Hakumei has done a good job so far as to making that a possibility. All the major hidden villages have fallen. We're now secluded to River while Hakumei roams the large nations at will. The small posts you have may only stand so long if they start coming to these lands, too... But, if they do join... I think you should strengthen your other fronts. Hisomu is a great achievement, but it's only one city. Hakumei must have its own main nerve center, but I know for a fact, as do you, that their other hideouts are many. I know it's easier said than done, but we need more numbers and we need more knowledge about Hakumei."
"It is easier said than done," Shikamaru said as he contemplated Itachi's words and also their game. "But you're right... I need someone to get into Hakumei as a spy, as well. That's how I'll get the information I want."
"You haven't tried yet?" Shikamaru frowned.
"We've been trying to push them more recently now that we've gotten a hang of keeping Hisomu running smoothly. A few have tried in the past, but most have been caught and killed unfortunately. The rest only gave us slim information."
"I think it would be wise to choose at least one person to attempt the mission."
"I agree, and have been meaning to do just that for a while now. It's just a matter of finding the right person," he admitted and Itachi inclined his head in understanding. He also suspected the reason why he brought it up what with Itachi being present. Did Shikamaru have plans for him already? "Troublesome task... but it'll be the best and probably the only way we'll finally discover their headquarters. We're not having any luck by just going out and trying to track Hakumei. Something always goes amiss."
"I know I'm not going to be popular here for some time," Itachi admitted, causing Shikamaru to purse his lips gently in apology at that truth, "but I'll keep my eyes open for a good candidate."
"I'd appreciate that. But, it's hard to say how long it'll take for the people to warm up to you being here."
"I know," Itachi admitted, but he didn't seem troubled by it.
"Well... even if no one comes to trust you, I could send you on solo missions... if you'd be willing." Itachi glanced towards him. His suspicions were rising again.
"I want to help in any way I can. If that means going out on my own again, then yes, I'd be willing." Although Itachi would like to have at least a few ninja under his command, he was already accustomed to working alone. It wouldn't be something to have to get used to at least. Shikamaru surely realized this and thus why he even mentioned it in the first place.
"What if... you were my spy?" Itachi gave his full attention to Shikamaru, his suspicions confirmed.
"It does make sense," Itachi replied after a moment's hesitance.
"You were a spy to Konoha during the coup. A double-agent. If anyone is qualified for this task it's you... But, you've only just arrived here. I don't want to push this on you and I know you're still technically under recovery from your illness, but..." He trailed off when Itachi looked away and out the window pensively.
"No, I understand... it's just, I've engaged Hakumei many times in the past and they me. They've spent countless lives trying to recruit or kill me, and I don't know if they would trust me were I to change my mind now. Especially now that I'm here in Hisomu."
"Yes, but you've only just arrived. Word hasn't spread yet. And also, you forget that you're Uchiha Itachi. You're just as legendary as the Sannin, and just as strong. They'll look past those times if you submit to them and willingly join them." Itachi stared out at the city but didn't see the buildings, his eyes unfocused as he swiftly ran over the idea of joining the enemy to finally gain foothold at finding out more about them. Although he only arrived and had not yet had a chance to inspect Shikamaru's ranks as he said he would, he had a feeling he wouldn't find anyone who met his requirements. It seemed that Shikamaru knew this himself. If Itachi had to guess, Shikamaru had always planned on asking him to undergo such a mission were he ever to ally with Shūsoku. This definitely wasn't the first time he contemplated such a possibility for Itachi.
"And," Shikamaru went on to say, "although Sasuke spread the word of the truth of the massacre, it's not to say that anyone outside of Shūsoku knows that truth. If it has leaked, they probably don't believe it. Hell, most of Hisomu still doesn't. Hakumei may very well still be in the dark about it. For all they know, you rejecting their requests to join them could be that you didn't want to affiliate with them because you had your own goals of rising to power and that they were in your way, not that you are on a whole opposed to them. But, now that years have passed and your own 'goal' hasn't been achieved, joining with them is the only way to see your aspirations come to life."
Itachi mulled over the possibility. Shikamaru brought up a good case, and if there was anyone who could make Hakumei believe such a story, it'd be Itachi. Arrogance aside, the young leader was right. They'd look past his previous attacks on them simply because of who he was. If he could make them believe that he wanted to crush Shūsoku just as they did, he'd fit right in. Still, it was a dangerous mission, even for someone as strong and patient as himself. And the truth of the matter was that he didn't know if he really was willing to commit to such a task. He'd been the spy before. Been secretive and distant and double-crossing. It had been nice to shed that shell for once and be able to be himself for a change. His mind also went to Sasuke, and Sakura. For the sake of the valuable information he could give to Shikamaru the two would understand his choice to become a spy, but he knew damn well they wouldn't like it. Especially Sakura. And to leave his brother so suddenly after they were just reunited? That didn't sit too well with him either. But, these were tough times and everyone was having to do things they didn't want to do. Everyone needed to step up to the plate and give their best, utilize their every skill, to help to defeat the enemy. One of Itachi's best skills was to play such a role. It'd be selfish of him to not offer it to Shikamaru, who was so willing to look past his crimes. Shikamaru knew that Itachi was the kind of man willing do to whatever it took to protect those he cared for, even if it meant killing his entire family and joining a criminal organization. At least now he'd not have to murder his entire clan before running off should he agree to it, he mused darkly. Itachi didn't want to risk anyone's life in this possible mission if he choose to accept. But, was he really willing to risk his own life once more in such a way? Was he willing to give up all of this to delve into a world he knew next to nothing about? Yes it'd be similar to Akatsuki, but these were not them. This was a whole new battlefield. Itachi just didn't know.
"I'll... I'll have to think about it," he finally spoke, his host staying quiet until then in order to let him contemplate such a decision. Shikamaru nodded his head, in no apparent rush to push his newly arrived guest into such a tight spot, but Itachi knew all too well that the idea was now stuck in Shikamaru's head and he would surely not give up on it anytime soon. Like Itachi, Shikamaru would have to be willing to go to certain lengths to protect his people. Itachi didn't envy his position.
"Of course... Don't worry about it. Anything you do will help in the end. You're a member of Shūsoku, now. Welcome to the resistance."
Itachi couldn't help but feel pressured in spite of those words.
After their lunch, the three ninja continued to make their way through the city. Kiba apparently had nothing else to do that day and so Sakura invited him to accompany her and Sasuke. It was a more humorous tour now with Kiba in tow, because of his brash demeanor and his own sense of humor that outweighed Sasuke's by far. While Sasuke was a decent guide and had given little spits of information to her, Kiba had much more to say about Hisomu. At one point when he was telling her about the layout of the place, Sakura happened to glance towards Sasuke and noted the more or less annoyed look on his face. Was he mad that she invited Kiba to join them? From what she garnered, he and Kiba were good friends and had often gone on missions together in the past whilst in Shūsoku. So why the exasperation? Not too concerned with the matter, Sakura tried not to let it bother her and continued to pay attention to Kiba. It was almost comical for her to think that in the past she'd have forcefully made Kiba leave just to spend more time alone with the sullen Uchiha. That she found his annoyance almost satisfactory slightly surprised her. Oh how she had grown over the years. She wondered, if he were Itachi instead would she have invited Kiba to accompany them, or would she have rather taken to the streets of Hisomu alongside him and discover the city together, just the two of them? She rolled her eyes at herself and gave a mental chuckle. But she couldn't deny how much more Itachi was on her mind as of late. And not just his health. It felt odd not having him close by. His absence was almost tangible. The last many weeks saw them together day after day. She missed his presence, missed that silken voice of his hushed tones when he'd answer a question of hers. Missed the little devious smirk that would play on his lips when she'd say or do something he found entertaining. Missed the feeling of his arms about her and that pungent scent that clung to his person. Thoughts of him made her insides squirm and her skin flush. It was growing more and more difficult for her to deny that she had fallen quite hard for him. It was frustrating that she felt she had to deny herself of him when she knew he felt the same. She didn't want to seem arrogant, but it was the truth. A woman's intuition was strong and she had learned how to read him during their time together, learned to catch the glimpses he'd give when he thought she'd not notice. That smoldering look he'd get in his eyes when they would spar and it took all of her will not to act on the urges that bade her to attack him in a completely different manner. But she hadn't want to be forward. Still didn't. Itachi was also her friend, and by pushing the limits of their bonds she could potentially lose that. She wouldn't risk it.
"Sakura?" Her voice being said caused her thoughts about Itachi to screech to a halt and turn to see her two friends looking at her. She grinned sheepishly.
"Ah, oh, sorry. I was thinking about something." Kiba gave his own grin and Sasuke watched her with an interesting look on his face. Perhaps he didn't fail to see the faint blush of red on her pale skin.
"Aww, c'mon, Sakura. I'm not that boring, am I?" Kiba teased her and she rolled her eyes at him.
"Of course not, Kiba. Please, proceed."
As they continued their course down the streets Sakura did her best to pay attention to her tour guides so she didn't come across as uninterested, and so Sasuke would stop looking at her in such an odd manner. Eventually, though, as they walked down a dusty street lined with store fronts, Kiba talking away, his words dwindled until he was silent. Confused, Sakura looked up to see a huge toothy grin on his face. Raising a brow, Sakura followed his line of sight towards a building. But it wasn't the building itself that caught his intrigue, but a person who was outside of it. Sakura couldn't help her own little smirk. It was a woman who was sitting at a little table, watching Kiba with great intensity in her eyes, the things like polished gold coins. Platinum hair so pallid it looked white adorned her head in long locks. She was dressed casually but there was no denying that she was a kunoichi. At her feet was a sleek looking dog that Sakura had a feeling was actually a wolf by the looks of it. Its own black fur was a stark contrast to the woman's pale façade, but those same, golden eyes were eerily matched. It watched them lazily, but there was still an alert air about the beast. The woman flashed a toothy smile, equipped with her own tapered canines. She was very beautiful, in an exotic, dangerous manner. Kiba seemed extremely taken by her in that he only had eyes for the woman.
"Ah. Hey guys, I've gotta split." It took a strong will to let him pull his eyes from the woman to look back their way, Sakura to tell. Even Akamaru seemed eager to go over to them. "It was nice seeing you, Sakura. I'll catch you guys later." With a knowing smile Sakura bid him farewell. Kiba smirked wickedly and after giving them a little, uncordial salute, sauntered over to the white haired woman and her ebony companion.
"Who is that?" Sakura couldn't help but ask Sasuke as they watched Kiba approach the woman from the corner of their eyes. They exchanged a few words and the woman glanced back over to them briefly, golden eyes flashing. Despite her edgy appearance she seemed pleasant enough for she didn't give either Sakura or Sasuke a dirty look nor anything of the like, a little smile pulling at her lips as she regarded the pair. Moments later Kiba bent down to claim her lips and she responded without prompting.
"That's Aibori, Kiba's fiancée." Sakura's eyes widened.
"Wow. Kiba's engaged? Never thought I'd see the day." Sasuke gave a little chuckle of agreement. "She's beautiful. I've never seen her before. Where is she from?"
"The Land of Mountains," he answered her. It was a country below Wind. "Of the Aikenka clan." The name wrung a slightly familiar bell. "They're pretty much the equivalent of Konoha's Inuzuka clan in the nation and are actually distant relatives. So, the pairing kind of makes sense," he explained to her and Sakura made a sound of understanding. They took one more glance back at the pair who were now simply talking at the table together, both engrossed in the other's words. Sakura felt a tinge of jealously at such a display despite herself. They looked completely and utterly in love. Even the two dogs were now laying together, the black one cleaning Akamaru in an affectionate display. "Many of the Aikenka came up to Konoha after the war to assist their kin. A lot of Kiba's close family was lost." Sakura recalled that, and recalled how saddened Kiba had been despite his typical gruff personality. "Those who came from Mountain were extremely helpful and aided in rebuilding Konoha. When it fell, the majority came here to Hisomu, her family one of the ones that stayed. Meeting Aibori got Kiba back to his old self. It was like love at first sight; they were a pair since they first saw the other." Sasuke wore a nostalgic expression that was pleasant, and Sakura felt touched that he felt so pleased for his friend. But there was also a hint of something else on his face, as if he too were looking for that person to fill a void in his life. Looking down at Sakura, he wore that look again, intense and smoldering and Sakura felt her throat tighten. He looked so much like Itachi that she couldn't help herself. Forcing a smile and looking as casually away from him as possible, Sakura tried to ignore the flip of her stomach.
"I'm happy for them. Kiba deserves that," she commented, and Sasuke gave his own sound of agreement. Sakura purposefully kept her eyes off him for a while as they walked further down the road, not trusting her own body were she to continue to hold his gaze. Now that it was just the two of them again she felt a little more vulnerable. But, she had to remind herself that Sasuke was her friend and she wanted to spend time with him, to catch up on all those lost years. She wanted to know more about his own story after the war. As they went along, Sasuke lead her to a little park of sorts within the city, for lack of a better word. There was a break in the buildings and a wide field opened up before them studded with trees that looked like they had been purposefully planted there. Little winding pathways took them past flowers and bushes neatly trimmed, and a little bridge was built over a small stream that cut through it. A pond was beyond it, and as they approached the bridge and stood at its railing, Sakura looked down to see the glistening slivers of orange and white and black koi darting beneath the water's surface, water lilies blocking them from view from time to time. A few of the fish were monstrous while the majority were average sized. They paused so that they could stand and watch them.
"This reminds me of the bridge back in Konoha," Sasuke said quietly as his dark eyes followed the movements of the koi. Sakura didn't look his way but she smiled, knowing which one he referred to.
"The one we always met at. Yea, it does," she agreed, running her hand over the smooth veneer of the wood.
"I really miss them," he went onto say, and this time Sakura glanced at him. "Naruto and Kakashi... I wish they were here with us... I wish we could be Team 7 again, that I could prove myself to you guys." Sakura didn't know what to say just yet, mouth slightly parted as she observed him, his face drawn gently in his guilt. "I screwed everything up." Sakura couldn't help but come closer to him and lay a hand on his arm.
"Don't beat yourself up over it, Sasuke. You were young and reckless. You were guided by revenge. Everyone makes mistakes." His jaw clenched at her words. She knew even after all these years he still hadn't forgiven himself and wondered how long it would take for him to. "I miss them too. Everyday. But I know that they'd be proud of you, Sasuke." Looking her way, his lips were tugged into a quick but fleeting smile. She gave his arm a firmer squeeze. "I'm proud of you. Itachi, Shikamaru... we all are." That smile returned and remained longer. He reached over with his other arm to return her touch with his own.
"Thank you."
Gently pulling out of her hold, he beckoned her to follow him, and she did. Sasuke led her off the bridge and down closer to the banks of the pond, and they sat there together, in silence, enjoying the other's company in the late noon sun. Eventually they started to reminisce about the past, like their first missions together. Their time at the academy. How much they both found Naruto to be a complete pain in their ass and yet how much they also admired him back then, even as a troublemaking kid. They laughed about the first time they met Kakashi and the bell test. About their journey to Mist and Tazuna and his grandson Inari. They avoided the subject of the Chūnin Exam and the events to follow that saw Sasuke leaving the village for Orochimaru. After a while though they ran out of light hearted things to discuss and Sakura couldn't help but ask the question she so wanted to hear in better detail.
"So," she started to say after some silence, her tones a little hesitant. "After the war... after you survived that jutsu... What happened?" Sakura turned her head to look at him, jade eyes searching his face. Sasuke looked out over the pond, collecting his thoughts. He didn't seem upset that she asked him, and she figured that he anticipated the question. During their journey south to Hisomu he gave a brief explanation to her and Itachi, but she wanted more details. Her curiosity got the better of her.
"Well... during my fight with Itachi, he gave me some of his powers, as you already knew." She nodded in affirmation. "I survived because of Susano'o. The power of the jutsu Madara and the juubi unleashed sent me many miles away from the location of the fight. Susano'o protected me, but it also caused damage. Using that technique is harmful to the user if they're not careful. Even though I lived, I couldn't control Susano'o properly and it drained me of all my chakra. Using it... it can be very painful. It's like every cell in your body is in agony. When I finally came to I was in the middle of nowhere and extremely weak. The only thing around for miles were trees and more trees. I later came to find out that I was out for four solid days."
"Wow... that's crazy," Sakura couldn't help but comment, and Sasuke nodded.
"Tell me about it. I was very surprised I hadn't died. It took all my will to stay alive after that. I've never been that weak and vulnerable before. I didn't think I'd make it, but I couldn't just give up. I waited until some chakra and returned to me and then foraged for food. With the little strength I acquired, I made my way out of the forest. Eventually I stumbled upon a small town. They were civilians and didn't really take too kindly to me," he admitted with a little grin. "But, they generously gave me some food and let me stay one night, even gave me a change of clothes. Then they made me leave." He took a little break to reorganize his thoughts and Sakura didn't push him to be quicker, allowing him to have his nostalgia.
"From there I just kind of traveled around. I wanted to eventually make my way back to Konoha, but I needed time to consider my life. To repent for the sins I committed. I knew they'd be hostile still and I honestly didn't know how to come to them and apologize. How could I just come and say 'I'm sorry, please forgive me' for all the things I did? Expect them to take me back?" He laughed, but the sound was painful and Sakura frowned. But he had returned.
"Then... what happened? How did you make them take you back?"
"It was all Shikamaru's doing," he answered with a smile. "If not for him I'd still be wandering about the lands, trying to devise a way to come back to Konoha and beg for forgiveness." Sakura grinned herself but continued to watch him expectantly, eager to hear more. "One day we crossed paths by fate. Or rather, he took me off my guard completely and locked me in his Shadow Paralysis Jutsu. Nearby was a town he'd been living in. He didn't know if I was still dangerous or not with the war over. He was worried about his new home. When I told him that I wasn't interested in harming anyone and actually was glad to see him, he was shocked." He laughed at the memory of the day. "But, I was able to convince him I meant him no harm and so I went with him to the town. He had made the civilians there believe that he wasn't a ninja. I was able to do the same. Shikamaru let me live with him after that. We stayed for a while, but eventually heard news of Hakumei. We were both worried about Konoha. Now that I had him on my side I could finally return. Everyone was happy to see him of course. Not so much me."
"Ah, well, not too surprising," Sakura chuckled despite herself.
"Yea... no welcome back party was thrown for me," he laughed out. "I was kept under strict surveillance while Shikamaru did his best to convince the others that I had changed. It took some time but eventually they let me prove myself. When they finally realized that I wasn't going to kill anyone or run off they started to trust me more. I was able to start helping them finish the restorations."
"Who acted as Hokage before Shikamaru got back?" Sakura couldn't help but wonder.
"No one, really. The village was still in a bit of chaos. They didn't have the time to really appoint a new Hokage, nor felt giving the title to anyone was appropriate while Konoha was still in shambles. A few of the jōnins took it upon themselves to try and lead everyone, like Hyūga Hiashi and Namiashi Raidō. But even when everyone finally decided that Shikamaru was going to be our leader he refused to take the title. No other village was appointing kages, and when all the villages did fall, it worked out well for him. Those from the other nations wouldn't want to be governed by a ninja claiming the title of Hokage, putting emphasis on Fire and Konoha while ignoring their own lands and lost homes. Shikamaru isn't that kind of guy."
"No. He isn't," she agreed, imagining how the other ninja apart from Leaf would feel had he done so. "So you've been with them since then?"
"Yup. Shikamaru was able to appoint me captain of a team so I could scout the lands. He wanted to give me more responsibility but a lot of ninja are still threatened by me because of my past. But I don't mind. I'm happy with where I'm at leading Birijian no Kitsune. I get to help and make a difference. I get to prove to these ninja that I'm a changed man." When he said those last words he looked back to her and held her gaze, as if they were solely meant for her. Like he was trying to convince her. Swallowing, she smiled and looked back out over the pond.
"Well, I'm glad he's been so good to you. Shikamaru is a very understanding person." Sasuke gave a hum of agreement. They sat silent for a little after that. His story ebbed her curiosity for a bit, but there was still one thing she needed to know. "What... what changed you?" Finally looking back at him, she met his dark eyes once more. "What changed your heart?" His eyes faltered but his lips twitched into a fond smile.
"It was him." Sakura knew by the way in which he said it that he meant their lost friend. "Naruto finally got through to me. But it was also Madara. I couldn't let him execute his Moon's Eye plan. It was just too insane."
"Yes, I remember. You were helping us fight him." Sasuke nodded. "But... but we didn't know if it was only to help eliminate Madara so you could later exact your revenge on Konoha yourself." He made a little face that told her she was correct.
"That had been my plan. I wanted to kill all the Kage and then ruin Konoha for what they made my brother do. But fighting against Madara made me change my mind. I still wanted to kill the kage, but rather than destroy Konoha, I wanted to change it. I wanted to become Hokage and have a revolution." That was new knowledge to her. Sakura's lips parted at her shock. Sasuke become Hokage? "I was so clouded by anger then." He laughed painfully. "I was so young. I wanted to shoulder the hate of Konoha on my own. The darkness and the bitterness. I was certain I could handle it, that I could come up with solutions to make everything right and take all the consequences by myself. That was my idea of what it meant to be Hokage. But Naruto... he could read my heart. My will. And despite that he willingly fought alongside me, just like back in the day. Like nothing had ever happened between us and we were still friends. He called me his friend. He told me that he would walk the path of darkness with me; that he'd never give up. That after we crushed Madara he'd help me shoulder that darkness and together we could change Konoha the proper way. I didn't trust him. I wanted to kill him, still. Thought that he was crazy. He didn't get that chance.
"Madara and the juubi were too powerful. Even Obito, changed by Naruto's words, couldn't stop him. The jutsu they created... it was terrible. I think he fully expected to survive but he underestimated the power of the ten tails. Naruto... he... he used the power of the Kyūbi to shield me from the initial blast. He willingly sacrificed himself to save me, all while smiling. All while calling me his best friend even though he knew I had planned on killing him. I still vividly remember it, like it happened yesterday." Sakura was silent, trying to imagine the scene that had played out between the pair. "The strength of the jutsu was overwhelming and if not for Naruto I'd probably be dead, even with Susano'o."
"And that day... that's when you – you changed?" Sakura asked, wanting him to elaborate a little more.
"Not exactly. I didn't fully have a change of heart until I regained consciousness. Since I couldn't move for a couple of days all I could do was think. Think about everything. Think about what Naruto had said, not only that day, but every time we had encountered in the past since I abandoned Konoha. It just... finally clicked. I finally could understand him. And it was a relief to let go. To not have all that hatred anymore. It's easier to be happy," he told her with a grin, and Sakura contagiously returned it. She reached over and gave him a gentle push.
"Well, it's about damn time he got through that thick skull of yours." He grinned wider as he playfully bated her hand away when she tried to push him again. "But if anyone had a chance it was Naruto. I'm glad he finally did," she admitted, returning her hand to herself while Sasuke kept his own up in guard. When she didn't try again he set it back in his lap and followed her gaze to the koi in the pond once more.
"Yeah... me too."
After enjoying a delicious lunch with Shikamaru and a promise to continue their shōgi game another day, Itachi left the young leader be so he could attend to other business. Seeing that Sakura and his brother were still out in the city, he took to wandering about vicinity of the cliffside complex, still not comfortable enough to go outside on his own into the city. He couldn't get the idea of Shikamaru's offer out of his head and he pondered it as he slowly walked down the corridors. If he decided to take it, it'd be best to stay away from the public, anyway. But it was still too soon to say yes or no. First, he wanted to at least make sure he was completely healed. He also wanted to rest. And most of all, he wanted to spend time with Sasuke. Also with Sakura. He'd be lying to himself if he didn't admit that last one. He tried not to think about what the two were out doing together and told himself that he wasn't envious of his brother. Truthfully, he was. Although, by the way in which she had been behaving around Sasuke, it told him that she wasn't as interested in him in that way like she had once been. But, sometimes old habits die hard.
After a while he found himself in a little sitting area. Like Shikamaru's office it had tall, open windows to let one look out to the open city. A few bookcases accompanied the plush chairs and sofas and Itachi plucked himself out a book to read and pass the time. His eyes scanned the words but he didn't really register what they were saying to him, mind still mulling between varying thoughts. He was so engrossed in thought that he didn't notice a pair of presences approaching down the hall towards the room. Only when they came into view and their hushed voices met his ears at last did he look up from his read to finally acknowledge them.
"Oh, there you are, Itachi." It was Sakura and Sasuke. The two came into the alcove and join him. Sakura didn't hesitate to join him on the small couch he occupied while Sasuke took to a chair. Sakura spoke again. "What did you and Shikamaru talk about?" He set his book down in his lap to address the two. He noted the odd way in which she watched him for a moment before his eyes left the novel, but it went away quickly.
"He wanted my opinion on a few matters. And to play shōgi," he added with a little smirk to his brother who hadn't been lying that morning. Itachi didn't mention the other topic they had discussed. Trying to get the subject off of him, he inquired Sakura about her tour of the city. Her eyes lit up brightly as she eagerly elaborated.
"Oh, amazing. It's amazing." She gave a quick explanation of some of the sights she had seen. "I also ran into an old friend of mine," she added with a grin like a schoolgirl. Itachi couldn't help but feel relief at her exuberance. For all she had done, Sakura deserved to have such reunions in her life. Deserved to have this place to return home to after missions with people who loved and cared for her. She deserved to be happy. "You've gotta get out and see it! You'll love it."
"It sounds great," he returned to her smiling face. "For now, I think I'll wait a few more days. I don't want to create unneeded chaos." Sakura made a face that was sad for him, but also understanding. He was relieved that she didn't try and coerce him into going.
The three ninja lounged about for a while longer and engaged in conversation until the sun started to dip down lower in the sky. Sasuke suggested that they go grab dinner and the three of them did just that. There was a small dining hall they shared their meal in. Sasuke and Sakura joked more about their past missions and Sasuke would sometimes remind Itachi about the stupid stunts he'd pull as a child in attempts to look cool. Itachi would chuckle fondly at the memories and even brought up a few more that the younger brother had forgotten. Sasuke would purse his lips at the more embarrassing recollections while Sakura would stifle her laughter. They reminisced long after their meal was finished. They talked about what would now become of them. Sasuke told Itachi that Shikamaru would probably make him a captain of his own team. He also told Sakura that she'd probably become the head medic in Hisomu, in charge of all the medical ninja with Shūsoku. On top of that, the two would probably have more responsibilities added onto that if they were willing. Itachi didn't doubt that. If he declined Shikamaru's mission he'd surely do his best to win over the people of Hisomu enough to trust him enough to lead a team, even if it were just a small one. If Sasuke put all his effort into doing the same then he'd damn well not give up either.
As evening turned into night the three shinobi departed from the hall to make to their rooms. Each was still tired from their journeys. Sasuke's room came first and Itachi and Sakura bade him goodnight before continuing down to the next hallway and to their own quarters. Once they reached them, Itachi had planned on saying his goodnights to Sakura but she beat him to it. Only, she said something other than sweet dreams.
"Before you go to sleep I'd like to do a quick check on you, Itachi," she announced, and he quirked a little brow at her. She had no more medicine to administer to him and he had just been at the hospital that morning. What did she plan on finding in such a short time? He briefly wondered if she had ulterior motives but decided by her body language that she wasn't pulling something odd. Not having an excuse to deny her, he affirmed her wants with a little nod and opened the door so they could enter into his room. Despite himself, he felt his pulse quicken in his anticipation. She told him to have a seat on the side of his bed and he obeyed. She didn't approach him right away, but rather went over to a little desk across from the bed and leaned against the back of the chair tucked into it. Watching him with an analytical expression, Itachi held her gaze, a little confused as to what she was looking for.
"What's the matter?" he finally asked. Her expression turned a little displeased, like she were somewhat upset with him. He couldn't imagine why. She finally answered him.
"Your eyesight..." He stiffened a little. "How bad is it?" He couldn't help but feel a little impressed. Nothing got past her. Frowning a little, he knew lying wouldn't be wise.
"Bad," he admitted. It wasn't something he was proud of. It wasn't something he had wanted anyone to know. Only those who wielded the sharingan for many years and could use the mangekyou would know the terrifying experience of slowly, but surely, going blind. Sasuke must have noted it by now. Five years past since it awoke. Since Itachi had awaken it all those years ago, year by year his vision deteriorated until now he felt like an old man who needed glasses. Everything was mostly blurry, fine detail lost unless near his face. Even Sakura, who was but a few feet away, was hazy. He could just make out her facial features enough to see her worry. Sakura make a sound with her tongue, displeased.
"Itachi... why haven't you said anything?" He held her gaze but didn't have a legitimate answer. "The strain you're putting yourself through. It can't be good." She was right. The constant strain on his eyes sometimes gave him wicked headaches. Almost always he had a dull ache behind his eyes, muscles sore, brain tired from continuously trying to overcorrect as he pretended that nothing was wrong. He pursed his lips. "I wasn't sure at first, but today I couldn't get it out of my mind. I notice it when you read. When you're looking at stuff from afar. Even when you're looking at others. Then I finally remembered the conversation you had with Kakashi that one day we fought your clone... about your eyesight being bad because of the sharingan..."
"Ah... I'm sorry, Sakura. I didn't think it was such a big deal," he told her, and she stood a little straighter.
"Not a big deal?" She nearly whispered, ginging him a look like he were crazy. "You... Your eyes are your most prized possession. I mean, even without them you're an amazingly skilled shinobi, but your eyesight is important." She shook her head in disbelief before asking another question. "Is it the same with the sharingan activated?"
"It's not as bad, but it's starting to get worse. I've used the sharingan to compensate for my normal vision for a long time. It just made it worse, though. At the time, it hadn't been an issue for me. I had always planned on dying young... but now..."
"But now you're still alive and we need you and your eyes," she retorted back, giving him a pointed look.
"I didn't want to be a nuisance... you were already doing so much with my wounds and my illness. My eyes could wait."
"Not anymore. We've overcome those obstacles. Your eyes are now top priority."
"We don't even know if the disease is completely gone... we should wait." She shook her head no. She was never one to back down quickly once her mind was made up, he reminded himself. Arguing would be pointless.
"Nuh-uh, we're gonna take care of this now before it gets worse. I'm not gonna sit around and do nothing when I know you're in pain and when I know I can be doing something for you." Itachi watched her, speechless, as she said those things. It was still very novel for him to have someone that cared so much. His chest tightened with emotion, with his fondness for her. She was so selfless, it astounded him. Finally he found his voice just enough to finally give in.
"Alright."
Sakura watched Itachi, her breath held in her anticipation. She didn't want to force this on him, she didn't want to have to be that pushy medic, but one thing she learned about him was that sometimes a little force was needed. And in this situation she knew that he knew she was right. His eyes were a prized possession, his vision mandatory, sharingan or not. Itachi was never one to complain, but over their time spent together she had noted how some days his face would be more drawn than others. At first she thought it was solely due to the medication's side effects, but as he grew stronger, it still remained. The little squint in his eyes, the way in which he'd look at things as if they were much farther away than they were. She knew it was a touchy subject once she remembered about the effects that the sharingan had on the user's eyesight. Knew he'd been hiding this for many years. But now that they needed him, she felt it was her job to keep him in top shape. He'd have to admit this weakness and be willing to let her help him least this turn into a true handicap and he go blind for good.
When he agreed she visibly reacted with a smile and a softening of her posture. She pulled the chair out from the desk and brought it over to the bed. Setting it before him, she sat down in it and swept her eyes up to his. This close she could see the true, midnight blue hue of his irises that looked black before. She tried not to think about how much she enjoyed the look of him, how she could spend hours just looking into those eyes. Tried not to notice his smell wafting off of him and into her nose, clouding her senses. Tried not to think about how much she wanted to run her fingers through those ebony locks and across the line of his jaw. About how soft those lips might be on hers.
Taking a deep breath she forced herself to stay professional. Itachi watched her and waited patiently. She reached up towards his head with her hands. So accustomed to her touch now, he didn't shy away when her fingertips grazed his temples. He only blinked at her. Sakura gave a little smile before letting her eyes slip shut and channeled chakra into her hands. She had to be careful when it came to every single part of his person, but his eyes? If something happened and she damaged his vision permanently Sakura would never forgive herself. Going past his flesh and bone, she worked into his eyes, the layers and mechanisms within, and the muscles controlling the eyes themselves. There were also many chakra paths leading there, responsible for his strong doujustsu. It was a complex network, just as interesting to study as the eye itself. She noted wear and tear instantly. It was no wonder he couldn't see. The lenses of his eyes were a minor part of the issue and not the main cause. It was all due to his kekkei genkai.
"Itachi," she said his name aloud, her eyes still shut as she concentrated. "Turn on your sharingan please." He said nothing in return but did as she asked. Watching the transformation was fascinating. Something she could watch again and again. Chakra networks flared to life, altered, bulged, shrunk. Muscles strained, lenses adjusted, and his eyes were now much more unique structures. Sakura asked him to repeat the activation and deactivation a few more times to familiarize herself with it. Once acquainted, she saw that it still wasn't so much the sharingan that was the main issue. There was a lot of chakra build up and damaged channels, but this wasn't the source of it. It had to be the next step, then.
"Your mangekyou. Do that one, please," she asked, and he indulged. It was an experience so novel that she held her breath for it. To sit there and play audience to such a thing was something she never thought would be possible in her life. Just a few months back she thought every single Uchiha with the ability to be gone. The line eradicated. Now she sat, eagerly anticipating the event like a child awaiting a movie they've been waiting to see. If she thought the initial change was a spectacle she was a fool. From his normal, tomoe marked sharingan to his pinwheeled mangekyou, the alteration in his eyes were astounding. It was such a change in structure that it made her give a little 'wow' in her awe. Had her own eyes been open she'd have seen him smirk at her response.
"This is... amazing. The eyes... they change so much." She studied the difference in structures. Most noticeable was the change in the chakra channels. They were far larger, and extremely blocked up with residue. And the strain. It was terrible. Even just having them activated was painful for him she could tell. There was a stiffening in his muscles controlling the eyes and the lenses. Chakra rushed in at such an alarming rate that she knew it had to be quite painful and she could only imagine how much more it'd be once he'd use any techniques of his. Not wanting to him strain him more but needing to study them better, she asked him to deactivate the mangekyou and activate it twice more before telling him to return to his normal vision. Letting her eyes slip open, she returned her arms to her lap, slightly sore from their position, and looked up into those dark eyes once more. He gave her a look that implored elaboration.
"Well, the main problem is the mangekyou. I think you've realized this, though." He inclined his head gently. She continued, explaining what she saw inside, the mechanisms and their damage and the chakra flow, clogged like arteries with plaque. Itachi nodded his head once in a while to show he understood. "That's the bad news."
"And the good?"
"The good news is... is that I can fix them." Itachi's lips twitched, unable to hide his emotion. "But," she continued, before he could say anything, "when you use the mangekyou it causes so much strain that it'll continue to cause damage. No matter how many times I, or someone else, might clean up your eyes and reverse the damage, using the mangekyou will just eventually get you back to where you are now. The sharingan does a little bit of strain but nothing compared to the other."
"I understand... I suppose I'll just have to keep you around forever, then," he told, a hint of a smirk on his silken voice. Sakura felt a little flush come over her at the look in those eyes and the words he spoke. Trying not to be blatantly effected, she gave a little chuckle.
"Just when I thought I'd be rid of you," she returned in a jesting matter that made him smirk a little wider. "But seriously. You'll be able to see again, Itachi. We can start now if you'd like?" He continued to watch her intently for a moment, long enough without responding to make Sakura a little on edge, but he eventually nodded. "Just a quick session," she added, thinking that maybe he was tired and didn't want to be up much longer despite this revelation. This time she bade him to lay down on the bed and she got up from the chair and sat herself at the edge. It reminded her of their time in Hougyoku, at how sick he had been, how frail he had looked. Only some two months had passed and he was so much stronger, was the same, deadly shinobi she knew him to be since before they became friends. And now he'd only grow stronger. Once they knew for sure that his disease was completely gone, and once she got his eyesight working back to its former glory he'd be Shūsoku's greatest asset. Sessions like these would be few and far between. They'd both be busy. If Shikamaru wanted her to be their head medic and Itachi to be an important figure, how often would they see one another, she wondered? She'd grown so accustomed to being with him every day that to not be at his side would be strange. She couldn't lie to herself and say she didn't mind.
Without much realizing it, she reached out to tenderly brush aside a stray lock of hair from his face to join the rest. Dark eyes followed the movement intently. It was only after she did it that she realized the action. Sakura tensed slightly and her breath caught, the act much more intimate than she anticipated. Something in those eyes watching her seemed to smolder again and a wave of heat washed over her, her neck flushing lightly in response. She felt his fingers brush against her leg, the touch sending a shiver through her person, and he noticed it. Slowly he rose back up, fingers once more running over her thigh and Sakura didn't dare to move away. There was no denying what he was doing and she couldn't stop it. Didn't want to. Logic screamed for them to stop but her longing was overpowering it. His face only a few inches away now, jade eyes flicked between his midnights and then down to his lips, her own gently parted. Her skin crawled deliciously beneath his touch, fingers still brushing lightly down her leg, testing, teasing.
"Itachi." His name fell off her lips, just a whisper. His fingers moved, trailing up to her arm, across her shoulder and to her jaw. She felt her heart quicken in pace, her eyelids fluttering and that heat growing as his eyes only filled with more longing. It was like he was trying to resist himself but try as he might he couldn't find the strength to deny himself any longer. Like he was waiting, on her, to reach out again, to tell him that he wasn't crazy, that he wasn't the only one succumbing. And so she did. Her own fingers gently brushed against the side of his leg, the muscles beneath twitching at her touch. That was enough invitation for him. The hand against her jaw reached up into her hair, his other at her waist, suddenly pulling her closer. She reached out to steady herself, hands on the planes of his chest and abdomen as her breath hitched and her heart skipped a beat.
"Sakura," he breathed out heavily, her name from his lips made her weak at the knees and she was glad she was already seated. There was such longing on his voice and in his eyes, so much emotion there that she rarely got to see. There was also hesitance, and a struggle wagged within those eyes that watched her. But it was too late to go back. She took the plunge for them both. Crossed that line that had managed to keep drawn sharp for the past month. She rose up her head towards his and let her lips meet his own. A small brush of lips, a tentative kiss. Then lingering, her hands moving, fingers roaming his figure slowly as she savored his warmth. His hand tightened in her hair. And then he gave in. He kissed her like a hungry man who hadn't eat in days. All of the frustrations at denying her was now conveyed to her as his mouth devoured her own. Sakura responded in full. His hand on the small of her back, pulling her even closer, sent chills down her spine. There was such passion in his touch that she almost felt overwhelmed. It was strange coming from the normally stoic man, but it was something she had known was lingering beneath the surface for many days, now. It had been within her, too. Perhaps it was the safety of the city that made him let down his guard. Perhaps it was the possibility that any day could be their last. Perhaps it was something else Sakura couldn't put a finger on. In that moment she didn't care.
After what felt like hours Itachi gave her one last playful nip at her bottom lip before pulling away. Her eyes fluttered open and locked with his and he looked quite content with himself. A grin pulled at those lips of his and Sakura couldn't help but match it. Tenderly he reached up to run his fingers through her hair.
"I've wanted to do that for quite some time," he admitted, his voice low and husky. Sakura's grin turned into a smile as she gave a little chuckle.
"You have no idea," she returned, savoring the feel of his touch as he let his fingers explore her skin. It had been many years since she last felt such intimacy, since before finding Hougyoku. Her body responded eagerly, flesh prickling with goosebumps as his fingers trailed atop her arm. His eyes were still intense as he watched her, something in their depths making her feel weak once more.
"You're very important to me, Sakura," he confessed, and she felt her chest tighten. Despite herself she found the admittance a little humorous. Itachi was so unlike any man she knew. He didn't tell her that he simply liked her like most men would say, nor even try and push past boundaries and attempt to do anything more than to kiss her. It was refreshing. Her experience with men in the past went down much more differently. Nevertheless, the words made her heart soar. "You're so selfless," he went onto say, "and you've done so much for me while I've not done much in return." She gave him a little look, brows furrowed, to say that that wasn't true. "The morning I came to Hougyoku... you could have killed me. Let me die. To be honest with you, I thought you would. I wouldn't have blamed you. But... but you didn't. Then you risked your life. You went out of your way to trust me. I was surprised. So surprised." His eyes smoldered once more. "You've surprised me so much, Sakura." She understood his referral, to all their time together. All the hard work. All the pain and suffering. The change in their hearts. Neither took on this crazed adventure expecting to form feelings for the other. "You mean so much to me. If anything were to happen to you..." He trailed off and she placed her hand over his.
"Nothing's going to happen," she told him, but he wore a look in his eyes that said otherwise, said that anything could happen. Of course she knew it could, but she didn't want to indulge such negative thoughts. "You're here. I know you won't let anything happen... not to me," she affirmed with a smile. "You're the strongest shinobi I know, Itachi." He quirked a brow quickly at the words.
"I'm not that strong, Sakura," he countered. "I couldn't even resist you." She grinned quickly at him.
"That has nothing to do with it. You're strong, Itachi. We both are. And now that we're allied with Shūsoku... nothing will stop us. And I won't let anything happen to you. I'm your medic. I'll always be at your side. I... you're also important to me. And I'll be damned if anything happens after all the work I've done to save your ass," she added and he huffed out in amusement. He sobered again quickly.
"I might not always be there to protect you. I know you're strong, Sakura. But anything could happen. If Sasuke hadn't come during the fight... if..." he took a deep breath, and pulled her into his embrace. Sakura didn't fight it at all, and burrowed her head into his chest. "I'd never forgive myself if anything happened to you, Sakura. If I were to lose you..." Sakura gripped him more tightly, unsure of what to say to him. She was so overwhelmed with emotion that she couldn't much focus on anything other than her elation. Had she a clearer head she might have looked further into his worries than them being just that. She assumed that he was simply voicing his fears, admitting his feelings for her at last after so many weeks of staying silent. Sakura had no clue at the turmoil going on within his heart. Had no idea what Shikamaru had asked of him. For now she was too drunk on his presence, his embrace, his entirety.
"You won't be rid of me so easily, Itachi," she assured, voice muffled by his shirt. He pushed her gently away from him so he could claim her lips once more. Rather than retreat back to her room, Sakura remained with him for the night, savoring his warmth and comfort, his reassuring presence. Words were not required of them as they lay together, Sakura's head on his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat as his fingers continued to trail through her hair or down her arm. A little sheepishly she promised that she'd start on his eyes tomorrow. Neither seemed too sorry that the session had to be postponed. Sleep eventually overcame Sakura, the lull of Itachi's breaths causing her to be drawn further into a peaceful slumber, the most content and restful she had had in many long years.
Author's notes: With Shikamaru's offer on the plate will Itachi take it? Sakura and he have finally acknowledged their growing fondness and desire for the other. Will that alter his decision? Is there anyone else in Shūsoku qualified to turn spy and join Hakumei, to uncover their secrets and give the resistance the upper hand?
Keep reading to find out!
Sorry for the delay at the update, I've been extremely busy what with the holidays. Kinda of a boring chapter, lol, but it is what it is. At least now we've got some romance growing! ;)