Chapter 29: Itachi's Results
Sasuke and Sakura both watched them taking Itachi to the Hokage Tower. He intertwined their fingers and gripped her hand, showing his worries for his brother. She couldn't help the anxiety in her body, which he felt her hand shaking in his, and nearly cried. Before she teared, he lifted her hands up and kissed them, "Daijoubu, I'm sure they will forgive him."
She gripped on his hands, "I'm just worried for him." She tiptoed to lean close to his face, "We are the only family he has." Sasuke really appreciated how much Sakura really care for Itachi and want nothing bad happen to him.
To ease her worries, he softly caressed her left cheek and kissed her lips, and wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her close. She responded back and wrapped her arms around his neck to deepen the kiss. After the passion, they breathe lightly and their foreheads rest together, their eyes locking at each other and blushing. Sasuke said, "Let's not think about that. We will wait tomorrow."
She could see how calm he was, for he knew that Itachi was not responsible committing murdering crimes. His eyes were so different than the time they were in Team 7; they have soft expression and kindness. That was what she loves about him, so she hoped that he doesn't change. "Come, I want to show you something." She wondered what it was, so he walked while she followed.
(~~~~~~)
At the Uchiha District:
They walked until they reached to the Uchiha District but kept on going. She believed that he will show her a view, and it must be different from the view she had with Naruto. They walked into the woods, and it was getting pretty dark. The moon was getting up and lightened the forest with less bleak.
Then, Sasuke went behind her and covered her eyes, "We're close." Sakura nearly jumped but calmed with excitement to see; suddenly, they stopped. He whispered to her ear, "Ready?"
She nodded for really wanting to see what he wants to show her. So, he uncovered her eyes and she looked out. She softly gasped for seeing something that she had never seen so beautiful. It was so different but absolutely gorgeous.
It was an open field surrounded with numerous of cherry blossoms trees, and fireflies were flashing green glows, flying around. The best part was the breeze which felt so delicious on her skin and helped her feel tranquility. She let out a breath, "So beautiful…"
Next, she watched the sakura petals fell out of the trees and flew along with the breeze. She went in closer and raised her arms up, letting the breeze blow and the sakura petals fly. Sasuke watched her enjoying his surprise, but what he really loves from her is her night beauty. Her hair flew freely with the wind; her skin glowed and her eyes sparkled from the moonlight. In addition, her hands were gracefully in the air, catching sakura petals. Also, he could smell her cherry blossom scent in the atmosphere which was filling his nose. He loved everything that reminded him about her—her scent, her eyes, her lips, and her warmth. All those things about her he loves. How did she become so beautiful than the last four years? There was something else he wants to say for a long time, for she needs to know about him.
He went in front of her and embraced her; to her confusion, she felt him shaking from crying. So, she held him tightly to ease him. "Sakura, gomen for hurting and mistreating you four years ago," he apologized with sincerity, sobbing.
She gripped tighter and whispered to him, "Forget about it." She hated to see him like that, so it was time to let go of the past and look into the future. But there was another thing she doesn't know about him—the next day after he left. "There is something else you need to see, so don't get scared?" She got confusedly worried with what he was talking about.
So, he let go of her and stepped back a bit. While she was watching, he removed his shirt and closed his eyes. She gasped when he started transforming. His curse mark activated covering his left-side face and body, and his skin turned dark grey with a black four-point star-mark between his eyes and across his nose, his sclera turn black, his irises turn yellow (without using his sharingan), and his lips turn blue. He also grows claw-like nails and his hair grows to waist-length. At last, he grew large webbed hand-shaped wings on his back.
"Do you fear me, Sakura?" he asked her, but she didn't answer back just stared at him with shock. She continued staring at him without saying any words, for she was in the state of shock. She finally understood why he left that night which was to gain more power and control of the curse mark. That is why he left the village to go with the Sounds and receive training from Orochimaru. "Sakura…" he broke her thoughts, looking tensed for wondering if she was afraid of him.
While she was looking at him, she started walking toward him which surprised him. Before he could move back, she lowly said, "Sodesuka, I finally understand why." He stood there not moving a muscle because he wants to hear what she is saying. "You left that night for training of your curse mark, and then you increased to another level," she approached to him and placed her hand on his cheek.
"That's why Naruto couldn't bring you back because of this." She remembered after she woke up on the bench and told Naruto about his departure; then Naruto promised her that he will bring him back. As a result, he failed. As she got close, she then placed her face on his chest as he hugged her back.
"Sakura?" he doesn't understand why she was so calm and showing no fear of his Second Level of Curse Mark. He explained, "This level is similar to Naruto's One-Tailed form with the same physical attributes and techniques." He memorized the battle he had with Naruto at the waterfall and how he defeated him, but the past incident was not important right now. He must know if she fears him, "Tell me, Sakura, do you fear me?" He needed to have her honesty about his demon appearance.
She stared at him with confused eyes, "You are not a monster because you are Sasuke, the man I know and love so much." He paused from her words, "I am not afraid of you and never will." It proved him that she has a strong heart because her eyes can only see her true love, not a monster. He felt so relieved and happy to have strong-minded, kindhearted girlfriend.
"Sasuke-kun, come back to me," she begged him. "Change back and show me your real face." He stared deeply at her as he returned to his normal self and put his shirt back on. Before he could thank her, she hugged him "Gomen, Sasuke-kun, for hurting you four months ago." She meant for rejecting his feelings during the escort mission and before her disappearance. "I was afraid to make a mistake and miss my chance of having happiness again," she admitted her reason of rejection which stunned him.
He skipped a heartbeat for hearing her reason; she was about to apologize more, he stopped her with a kiss. She moaned and held his head to bring him closer, and he held her waist tightly, kissing her deeply. She was afraid of being hurt again, just like that night he rejected her, and she didn't want to lose it. "No, it was my fault for leaving you," he persist the blame on himself, not her. "I shouldn't have given you so much pain."
They both cried while holding each other for a long moment; until their eyes gave out the tears. He held her face, giving her closer and deeply looking into her eyes, "Let's forget about the past and move on with our lives." Sakura agreed with him, accepting to forget and looking ahead for their new life. "Come, let's go to my place" he invited her over and she accepted.
(~~~~~~)
When they arrived to his house, it was her first time to see and went inside his house. Outside, it showed as a big mansion; inside there were many hallways and rooms. She assumed that his family was wealthy but normal.
After they removed their boots, he led her to his room. As they arrived, she walked to the window and stared outside; he looked at her standing there. She looked so beautiful with the light of the moon, and her eyes have a faraway look which made her a mature woman. He watched her took off her head band and her arm slowly dropped. He couldn't resist her, so he went to her and hugged her behind. Her hair felt so soft to his skin, and it smelled so good affecting his mind. She rested her head on his neck as they both looked out.
Moments later, he whispered to her, "Sakura, stay with me."
She happily agreed, "Hai, I'll stay for the night."
But he didn't meant that way, "No, not just for the night." She turned to hear what he is saying, "I mean move in with me." He gave her his offer because he doesn't want her to go back to her lonely house.
She got shocked from his offer, and it was the same when Naruto asked her to move in with him. She declined him, but Sasuke was different for hearing his serious voice. "I…Sasuke-kun, I don't know…" This was too sudden and too soon for them as couples to live together. He hugged her, pleading her to accept it, because he really wants her to stay with him.
She turned away and stepped close to the window. He squeezed her, "Onegai, Sakura!" She couldn't decide whether she should accept or decline to live with him.
Before she said anything, he reasoned "Sakura, I can't let you live like that anymore." She stopped a muscle for not understanding what he meant. "I know you can see them every time you walk into the house." He must have noticed her sad expression when she invited him into her house, so she can't lie to him anymore. He spotted her staring motionless because she can see her parents; therefore, their spirits haven't left the house.
He turned her around to look at him, and he pressed his lips to hers. They let go for a breath and kissed again; she gasped for feeling his tongue invading her mouth caused her to moan. Afterwards, they hold on tightly and poured the passion into the kiss, and their tongues fought for dominance. Minutes later, they let go breathing deeply and rested on their forehead. "Sakura…" he said breathlessly, "move in with me."
His words from his plead sounded that he really meant it, and he was very serious with their relationship. Her mind was telling her that she was not ready yet, but her heart was saying that she needs him and wants him to stay closer. It felt so strong; thus she really wants him and couldn't resist their closeness. At that point, she made up her mind very clearly. She looked into his eyes, as he was waiting for her response, and answered, "I'll move in with you; I just want to be with you forever." He breathed out with relief that she accepted him which he smiled happily.
He kissed her again and lifted her onto his arms in a bridal-style which she got surprised and laughed, blushing. He carried her to his bed, and they lay closely together. They quietly stared into their eyes romantically, and they were having many love thoughts. She gently caressed his face and brushed through his hair, stroking his bangs which felt so good on him. "I want to stay like this forever," he slid his fingers down her arm which send tingles into her body. She leaned toward him So do I and kissed him.
He leaned forward, lips caressing, and he used his tongue to enter her mouth which she let him in. He started sucking her tongue into his which caused her to moan, and she moved her hand inside his shirt and unzipped it open. She wrapped her arms around his torso and pulled him closer; his skin felt so warm and smooth on her arms. She gently broke the kiss and moved down, and she used her tongue licking his chest tenderly. He couldn't resist feeling the heat he was developing inside. So, he gently caught and lifted her head up; he leaned down and started kissing her neck. She moaned softly and tilted her head, opening her neck more to give him access. She felt her heart beating fast and her body heating up. She moaned, feeling his tongue and lips nipping around her skin.
Next, he unzipped her shirt and put his hand under her bra; he squeezed then massaged her breast and nipped her collar with his teeth. She gasped and lifted her body up, so he could continue tasting her and doesn't stop his love-making skills. His mouth moved with such tenderness; it felt so good and she loved what he was doing with her body. He couldn't stop himself and loved her response, for they should have done this a long time ago. They have been waiting for this, so they were finally having it.
When she looked down at him, something odd caught her eyes. She saw red hair not black; and his face lifted up revealing Sasori. Sasori!? Her eyes quivered with fear. He had the same evil, grinned face when he raped and harassed her, and she was getting scared that he was going to do it again. It was a nightmare of a dark curse; for her comfort, she needed to see Sasuke.
Before she could moving away, a pain hit her body hard "ITAI!" She quickly grabbed herself and turned away, panting and wincing for the pain to go away. "Sakura! Doshita?!" she slowly turned to look at him. To her relief, she saw Sasuke, not Sasori.
She couldn't let him to know who she saw. So, she lied, "H-hai, it's just a pain." Well, it was a partially a lie, but it was true that she still has the pain in her body. She panted from aching, "Must be from the battle, daijoubu."
Sasuke could see that she was still with pain and tired, so he decided to stop and let her rest. "Alright, let's go to sleep. You need rest." She sighed with relief that he didn't suspect anything. So, she fixed herself and moved back closer to him and put her face on his chest. While, he wrapped her arm around her waist and pulled her body closer. Lastly, he kissed her hair and they said their 'good nights' and 'I love you', and then they slept.
(~~~~~~)
The next morning, the sun shone the village and birds tweeted softly. Sasuke woke up from the daylight from his window. He stretched flexibly and looked at his girlfriend, who was still sleeping peacefully, decided to let her sleep more. He got out of bed, stroked her hair, and placed a kiss on her forehead. He left the room and found Itachi in the kitchen, drinking tea.
They both stared at each other in silence. They didn't talk for some time, until Itachi broke the quietness. "Ohayo, how is she?"
Sasuke answered back minutes later, "Ohayo, she's resting, still tired." Itachi nodded for understanding her condition from yesterday. Sasuke entered the kitchen and also poured himself some tea. When he took a sip, he stared at Itachi, who was looking at him. Then, he took this time to ask his brother, "So, what happened yesterday?"
Itachi shrugged and took a sip, "Does it really matter?"
"It does!" Sasuke snapped at him for hating being ignored. He needed to know what happened and what the kages said. "Sakura has been worried about you last night, so tell me what happened…for her." Itachi looked at his little brother's concern for him and Sakura. He could see Sasuke has changed so much since they last talked.
Without arguing back, he understood that Sakura was really worried for him because she doesn't want anything bad happen to him. They are brother and sister now. For her sake, he decided to tell him what happen. "Very well…"
Last Night:
While Itachi was following Tsunade-sama, Kakashi-sensei and Yamato-taichou were behind him. Furthermore, the four other kages were walking beside him (left and right); Killerbee was cracking his knuckles, and Temari and Kankuro were keeping their eyes on him. They have suspicions at him and they don't trust him, even though he is friends with Sakura. Tsunade-sama unexpectedly made a stop to the hospital; therefore, she didn't forget about the disease he mentioned early and watched to check him up.
Tsunade-sama and Shizune did an examination on him. They both scanned his organ and bones; also Shizune injected on his arm and pulled out some of his blood. His organ and bones were confirmed normal, but his blood still had less amount of the disease. Their problem was that they don't have the antidote, and they will need Sakura to make it more.
Before they leave, Itachi pulled out a vial and gave to Tsunade-sama, "It's the antidote. Sakura left me another, in case I'm not fully cured." She and Shizune were impressed with Sakura's assurance; also this new antidote shall be new to the medical history and a cure for sepsis. So, Shizune injected the antidote into his arm and told him to lay down to rest; afterwards, she was excused and left the room.
While he was lying down, the kages started the interrogation. "Now then, Uchiha Itachi, missing nin of Konoha. Wanted for treason; conspiracy with the Akatsuki; endangerment to Konoha; murder for the Uchiha clan; association with Uchiha Madara; and kidnap of Haruno Sakura. Do you have any information to share us, or anything you like to confess?"
Itachi didn't say anything, not even after a few minutes later. The Raikage was losing his patience and ready to punch him; Kakashi noticed him and quickly alerted Yamato. They both grabbed his side to hold him back which startled everyone. The Raikage growled at him and furious that they are protecting that Uchiha criminal he greatly despises; thus he wants to smack so hard and make him to speak.
Itachi realized for being silent won't help anything and couldn't help how Sakura was feeling right now. So, he decide to cooperate, "I had no choice." The kages and Team 7 leaders heard his response and see that he made up his mind, so they decide to hear his story.
"It was ten years ago after my best friend, Uchiha Shisui, committed suicide. My clan considered me as their prime suspect for his death, but I decided to live with it and let my family turn against me. I only told the truth to Sasuke instead of my parents. Then, I encountered Madara that night while I was out at the woods. I was stunned that he was hiding outside and close by the village. Before I could fight him, he assured that he was not here to fight but to ask me for a request. So, I decided to hear what the request he was asking. He told me to slaughter the Uchiha clan. I got struck from those words, so I going to refuse him. He threatened me before I could say, 'If you refuse my request, I will kill every human being in this village which includes your little brother.' He realized that Sasuke was the only one who I hold precious, and I couldn't bear the thought of losing him. So, I accepted him. Sasuke got shocked for finally hearing the truth of the massacre, and it was all for protecting him. After the massacre, I fled from the village and joined the Akatsuki. For years I had done all of Madara's missions; I did all for my brother's life.
The Mizukage started, "That explains your crime records, but what about Haruno-san's kidnap."
"Nine months ago, I heard about her rape," Itachi reasoned. "I was so angry and hurt about it. I remembered the day I met her and made my promise to Hanzo years ago—I would protect her as her friend—I felt I failed Hanzo for not protecting or saving her from the rape. Before I could find the rapist, I overheard Sasori gossiping about her for five months, and how he molested her that night. I became overcome with anger and I wanted to kill him for Sakura, but Madara would kill me if I killed one of his Akatsuki members. Sasori was so obsessive about having her to himself, and he was exhilarated about her pregnancy carrying his son. The night of her disappearance, I caught him heading to Konoha, so I followed him. I watched him spying on her. I thought he was planning to kidnap her, but he made a genjutsu to make Naruto break up with her. He heard rumors about their engagement and couldn't bear the thought of not having her with him. He succeeded when he watched Naruto became vexed by the genjutsu; he made Naruto to believe Sakura betrayed him so that he would break up with her. Instead of staying to watch the break up, he left the village because he knew that his plan would succeed. So, I stayed behind, worrying about her. I watched Naruto broke up with her and she ran away, so I followed her to the road out of the village. Afterwards, I saw her cutting her wrist with a kunai for feeling depressed and heartbroken." The kages and Team 7 leaders (and Sasuke) froze shock for hearing that; thus it explains the bleeding kunai and blood on ground.
"She fainted after I stopped her, so then I took her with me to the Akatsuki hideout. The next day, I lied to the Akatsuki members about being lovers which was my only way to protect her from them. For months, I have stood with her—protecting, training, and defending her. A few days later, I lost another friend for trying to help me. I was dying with the disease, so I decided to end my life. I gave my farewell to Sakura and let Sasuke to kill me out of revenge."
Another reason explained about the day Sasuke defeated him but got taken by Sakura. "After Sasuke defeated me, Sakura came after me and found me dying, but she saved me because she didn't want lose me or let me die with a burden. She figured my pain and found out that I am not my clan's real killer. I don't know how she figured it out, but I think she can see it through because she trusts me. She and I already treat and love each other as siblings."
The kages and Team 7 leaders never thought that Itachi would let himself to die, and Sakura didn't want to lose him. "Hmm, she is quite devoted for you," Tsuchikage said. They all can see he is someone special to Sakura, and he is protective to her. "I see that you and her have a strong-connected bond there." Tsunade-sama never knew that Itachi could be so protective over Sasuke and Sakura, and she can see his true self that he was hiding for so long.
After his confession, the kages gathered up out the room and started their conference. Team 7 leaders remained with him and thanked him for his efforts to their female kunoichi; in addition, Temari and Kankuro also stayed behind, smiling for their appreciation to him. After half an hour, the kages came back in so they all listened for their decision. Tsunade-sama started, "We, the kages, have decided that Uchiha Itachi is found not guilty. Due to his confession, he has proven loyalty to a dangerous criminal in order for our people and village's safety from massive destruction. For his devotion and protection to all Konoha, including Haruno Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke, you shall be rewarded as becoming Konoha's shinobi once more."
Itachi gasped out with relief and surprise; he can imagine how happy Sakura will be when she hears the good news. "Arigatōgozaimasu, Tsunade-sama, I promise I will protect this village as a shinobi of the Leaf," he vowed to them.
The Mizukage and Tsuchikage congratulated him and left; however, the Raikage quickly left without a word but Killerbee gave Itachi a thumb up as a token of appreciation before leaving. Later, Gaara apologized to him about their last month's encounter and his misunderstanding about him which Itachi respectfully forgave him. After Gaara and the sand shinobi left, Tsunade-sama and Team 7 leaders told him that they are in his debt for protecting their student, and she said that he can go home tomorrow morning.
"That's what happened," Itachi finished. "I received a second chance and was welcomed back as a Konoha ninja once again."
Sasuke stared at him silently. That part he said about Sakura's suicide which explained a lot about the kunai and her blood he found, including the day they fought when he said saved her. It was all because he and Naruto hurt her badly that night. His cause was more painful than Naruto's for making a threat to her, so he shouldn't have done that for his selfishness. "Itachi, arigatou" he thanked him which surprised Itachi.
Itachi smiled for receiving gratitude from his little brother, so he replied back by poking him on the forehead. Sasuke winced and growled at him for doing that, but he really did miss that for years. Furthermore, they both know they have a lot to talk about.
Suddenly, they heard footsteps coming and saw Sakura came in. "Sasuke-kun—!" she stopped when she saw Itachi there. "Itachi-oniisan…?"
Before she could ask him, Itachi quickly spoke, "Hai! It's all good for now." She softly gasped, "I made my confession, and they have given me a second chance of becoming a Konoha shinobi once more."
After hearing the good news, she cried with joy. "Yokatta!" She went and hugged him, whimpering, "I was so scared what they will say or do to you." Itachi embraced her tightly and hushed her to stop worrying, whispering, Daijoubu, imoto.
Sasuke smiled happily, and they don't need to worry anymore. Suddenly, they all heard a knocking at the door. Sasuke went over and opened it, "Tsunade-sama..."
