[Miko's Point of View]

So much happened in the year Naruto and Sasuke turned 12. Sasuke graduated at the top of his class and Naruto failed. Then in a desperate attempt to pass, he was convinced to steal a sacred scroll. It was a trap set up by one of his teachers hoping to defect from Konoha. The scumbag told him the truth about his being a jinchuriki, completely destroying his feeling of self worth. Even after Naruto beat him, he still struggled with the reality that he was the Kyuubi. He was afraid that I wouldn't like him anymore now that he understood why everyone hated him so much. In an effort to cheer him up, I confessed my Kitsune secret, leaving out the fact that I was his guardian as well. He was delighted to hear I was a fox too and gave me a big hug.

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura became part of Genin Team 7, headed by Kakashi. Together they went on several missions that matured and strengthened them. Naruto and Sasuke's rivalry soon became genuine friendship. I never thought I'd see that happen. And if half the stories I heard about Naruto's abilities and strength were true, he was growing into a fine shinobi indeed.

It was a little boring without those two around, so I tried to focus on other things to keep me busy. I often trained with Rock Lee, one of the few shinobi who focused on taijutsu techniques. He was a little too enthusiastic for my taste, but he was a worthy opponent who was both patient and instructive. Soon it came time for the Chunin exams and I was up the stands cheering for Naruto. He was incredible in his defeat of Neji Hyuga. I was worried when Sasuke didn't show up, but at long last he did. As he fought against Gaara, I sensed something was wrong with Sasuke. Even from the stands I could detect Orochimaru's scent on him, something that very much disturbed me.

I wasn't able to ask about it after the match because suddenly Konoha was under attack. In the mass hysteria, Kakashi grabbed my hand and led me away. "You will follow the others and go into hiding."

"Not until I find Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun," I insisted as I struggled to pull out of his tight grip.

He stopped and rounded on me, glaring fiercely. "You will do what I say! They can protect themselves!"

"And I can't?" I glared back.

"I made a promise to keep you safe and I intend to keep that promise." He said simply as he continued on. "Now get moving before I carry you."

He left me in the care of the other chunins who calmly escorted us into the tunnels behind the Hokage Monument. I tried to comfort those around me in an effort to calm my racing nerves. When it was all over, he came back for me and apologized for his severity earlier.

He went on to explain that it was Orochimaru who attacked, although it didn't appear that he was after me. He fought against the Hokage who died during the battle. Badly damaged, Orochimaru was forced to retreat. This was a lot to take in. Kakashi confessed that he had had no luck in finding any from his team and after seeing me to my apartment, he left to search for them again. When I stepped through the door, I was surprised to find Sasuke sitting in the living room alone in the dark. I turned on the light. "When did you get back? Kakashi-san is looking everywhere for you."

He turned to look at me, anger in his eyes. "Miko, tell me the truth. Do you think I've become stronger?"

I took a seat across from him and looked him over. I hadn't seen him since the start of the chunin exams a few weeks ago. He looked different, but I couldn't tell what had changed. "Of course you have. I saw your fight in the area. What is this all about?"

"Have I become stronger than Naruto?" He pressed.

"What does he have to do with this?"

"He has everything to do with this!" He spat. "He beat Gaara in full demon form! I couldn't do that when he was human! He saved both Sakura and I…and…" his body shook as he tried to control his temper. "It's not fair! I'm supposed to be better than him!"

"Who said you had to be?" I asked with a raised eyebrow. "Don't you think you're being more than a little unfair to both Naruto-kun and yourself?"

"No I'm not," he said firmly. "If I'm to be worthy of you, I have to be better than everyone else."

I groaned as I pushed myself up to stand. "You're still stuck on this crush? I thought you got over it. I've already told you I don't love you and that's still the case. So stop talking about us like it's a possibility."

He was silent for some time as I started pulling some food out to make dinner. I was absolutely starving and I'm sure he was too. He came up to my side and wrapped his arms around me in a side hug. I hesitated for a moment, not sure if this hug was friendly or affectionate. "Why don't you love me Miko? What do I have to do to prove to you that I'm serious?"

"It's not a matter of convincing me," I said as I pulled away. "I just don't feel the same way that you do."

"So you really do love Itachi."

I couldn't say anything without incriminating myself, but the silence spoke for itself. He turned away and kicked the cabinet in anger. I grabbed him by the collar and pulled him back. "Knock it off! You're starting to get on my nerves! Why don't you-"

The words died in my throat as I noticed a strange mark on the back of his neck. "What is that?"

He pulled away and straightened his collar. "Just a little tattoo, that's all. I'm sorry Miko," he said, forcing himself to smile. "I just need to blow off some steam. I'll be back later ok?"

He left without a backward glance and I let him go. I sighed as I busied myself cooking. He was such a pain these days, why did he persist in this stupid crush? And why did it matter so much that he wasn't as good as Naruto? Of course it looked like Naruto was getting stronger; he was pathetic before so his progress was easier to track. Sasuke was already gifted, so it was harder to notice. Poor Kakashi, I wonder how he handles those two.

I waited for Sasuke to come home but in the end I feel asleep on the couch. Some time during the night I was awakened by a gentle shake of my shoulder and I opened my eyes to see him kneeling before me. "I'm sorry Miko; I didn't mean to make you worry about me." His sad eyes looked so much like Itachi's. "I've been a real pain haven't I?"

"Just a little," I said with a smile as I tried to force myself to sit up.

"Don't," he said softly as he threw a blanket over me and gently tucked me in. "I just wanted you to know that I'm home now. You can keep sleeping." He clicked off the light as he kicked off his shoes and walked down the hall. "Good night."

I was grateful for the blanket; I was far too tired to walk back to my room. I fell back to sleep in no time at all. Come morning, the sweet aroma of cinnamon buns tickled my nose. I awoke to find him making breakfast. He smiled genuinely. "Good morning. I thought we should have a little something to eat before the Hokage's funeral."

I saw Naruto at the funeral and he looked pretty beat up, so afterwards I spent some time with him. He told me more about his battle with Gaara and I was thoroughly impressed. It was no wonder that Sasuke was so jealous. At one point Jiraiya approached us and invited Naruto to accompany him on a trip, which he was excited to be a part of. So we parted ways and I just walked around by myself, just looking at the sights.

I got to thinking and I felt like both Naruto and Sasuke were thriving and growing. And I felt…nothing. I wasn't progressing at all, in fact I was regressing. In trying to keep back my feelings for Itachi, I wasn't allowing myself to grow at all. I thought back to the night when I was informed that I was no longer Itachi's guardian. My job, where he was concerned, was over. I wonder if I had done everything I could have done for him or if it was because I would only compromise his destiny if I continued to be his guardian. I didn't want that, but it hurt to have it end as well. It was hard to move past that, and because of it I was afraid to get close to anyone else. But that was foolish and hurtful to my friends. I didn't want to be so two-faced anymore, and I didn't want to live the rest of my lives in fear of getting attached again. I made myself a promise that from now on, I would just be myself. I would live life to the fullest and let nothing hold me back. I smiled as my heart felt much lighter than it had been for some time.

The next morning was uneventful until around noon when I felt a stabbing pain in my heart. It's hard to explain this feeling, but it set my every nerve on edge. All I knew was that Sasuke needed me right now and that I had to find him at all costs. I asked for him around town and was shocked to hear that earlier that day Itachi had returned to the village. I never thought that day would really come. No one knew what Itachi's purpose was, but it was obvious by his attack on Kakashi that his objective wasn't for repentant purposes. It made me so angry, how dare he? For the first time I was grateful for Inari-sama's order to avoid contact with Itachi. The owner of Ichiraku's told me that Sasuke had asked after Naruto's whereabouts only an hour ago and he wrote down directions for me as well.

Please tell me that he's not chasing after Itachi, I pleaded internally as I journeyed towards the little post town. I had no idea who I was more worried for, Itachi or Sasuke. I hated to imagine what would happen to either of them if they found each other. I was starting to get lost so I stopped to check my pockets for my map. I groaned as they turned up empty. How could I have lost it? Up ahead I could see two figures in dark cloaks and straw hats approaching. Maybe they had passed Sasuke on the road; it was worth asking. I bowed deeply as they got closer. "Excuse me, but have you seen-?"

"What makes you think we bother with passerby?"

I stood up to face a tall blue-skinned man. He kept a hand on his sword hilt, ready to draw it. I frowned and put my hands on my hips. "If you never bother then why did you stop? Look, I just wanted to know if you've seen-"

"Miko Hayashi?" The shorter companion asked curiously.

I eyed him suspiciously. "No…that's my name. I'm looking for-"

He unbuttoned the top of his cloak down to his chest and took off his hat as if in slow motion. My blood ran cold and my eyes widened. It couldn't be. It wasn't possible. "Itachi-kun?" I mouthed inaudibly.

He bowed his head in recognition as he looked me over with a cool expression.

His coldness cut through me. Inari-sama was right; his interest in me had been a passing fancy of adolescence. The Itachi that stood before me was a man now. He had no interest in childhood pursuits…or past loves. My heart ached anew, like an old wound ripped open. So I was a fool after all for holding onto these feelings. Everyone had been right and had tried to warn me, but I somehow thought we would beat the odds together. Now it was clear that would never be the case. And what hurt worst of all was the fact that in spite of this, there was no denying that I was still in love with him. To be this close to him and yet so far away emotionally was torture.

Tears started to run down my cheeks, causing the tall man to frown in confusion and Itachi to narrow his eyes suspiciously. "Are you looking for me?"

I quickly shook my head, wiped the tears on my gloves, and looked away. "No. I'm looking for Sasuke-kun."

The blue man chuckled grimly. "You mean the little twerp Itachi-san just took out?"

I gasped. "What do you mean?"

"He's unconscious," Itachi corrected as he glared at his companion. "In the next town over, just that way." He pointed out the direction.

My shoulders sagged. So they had met after all and Sasuke had failed. He had worked so hard and dreamed of this day. I knew how much this meant to him. To have failed would crush him. I couldn't waste anymore time. I had to be there when he woke up; he would need me more than ever before. Unable to make eye contact with Itachi, I mumbled my thanks and hurried away. I didn't dare look behind me, but I could feel his eyes on my back. Tears came to my eyes again as I fervently prayed that our paths would never cross again…but at the same time wished they would. Now that we've met again, I realize that I'll never get over my feelings for Itachi. But now I would have to find a way to live with this heartache alone.