Author's Note: I love this only because it tells Itachi's life style growing up. I guess it's not a real part of the story however I had already written it and I like it so here it is. A few parts of it will show up again and Sakura and Itachi will have a sort of understanding in future chapters so it is imperative that I put it in here. Also explains a bit of Sasuke's too.. Sorry for the 'longness' of this chapter.
Chapter 36 Vicariously.
The universe is hostile, so impersonal, devour to survive. So it is, so it's always been… We all feed on tragedy, it's like blood to a vampire. Vicariously, I live while the whole world dies, much better you than I.
Sakura was surrounded by darkness. For hours, she had been alone restlessly waiting for Itachi to return until sleep claimed her. Only for him to jolt her awake moments later.
Why had she waited? She was annoyed with herself. She found herself watching him. Eager for every action, hungry to hear every word.
It was an obvious answer. He was Sasuke's brother. A part of Sasuke she never's seen before. Now this was her chance.
It was a doomed desire, however.
Itachi was more closed off then Sasuke himself. He spoke even less, if that was possible. She wanted to try but there was an amble of fear.
Itachi and Kisame were in a private room having some sort of argument. Well it had begun as an argument with Kisame ranting about something but it hadn't taken him long to quiet down. Hearing was impossible with the door between them.
She cursed. Why the hell couldn't they give her a room? Why was she stuck out in the empty living room staring at the walls? She would give anything for a bed. Or a shower even.
Sakura hugged herself. As much as she wanted to be clean she couldn't stop thinking that Sasuke still existed on her skin. Under the dirt and the grim, his touch was still there, helping her cope with her loneliness.
The door cut open. Her heart raced as she sat up. Kisame was by her side instantly. He snatched her arm wrapping his hand around her throat. Sakura didn't register the event until the air became too thin for her to breath. She pounded at his hand, his arm, whatever was in reach. Her feet kicked, her body struggled. Darkness was blurring her vision.
And then just like that, her body hit the floor and she was grasping for air. She huffed and gulped for breath, curling herself in a small ball, holding her neck protectively as she coughed and regained some of her life.
A door slammed.
Sakura pushed her green chakra into her larynx. She winced upon bone cracking back into place. She swallowed hard but finally was able to make sound again.
Sakura lifted herself and glanced around.
Itachi stood in the doorway staring at her. The light inside the room cast him in shadow. "He is foolish to believe you hold sway."
Her eyes flickered across the ground, attempting to understand. She didn't want to think about it. She didn't want to think how dangerously close she is to death at all times. She wrapped her arms around her knees, "What happened to the Raikage?"
"It matters little."
"What do you plan to do with Sasuke? He's your brother."
"It matters little."
Sakura growled, "Doesn't anything thing matter to you?"
"Iie."
"tsk. You're a liar. Sasuke had to matter at one point."
"Do you love my brother?"
"What do you know of love?"
"Nothing anymore. Do you love him?"
Sakura dropped her head, "It matters little." She bit, smirking up at him in triumph.
"Does he love you?"
She snapped to her feet, her fists balling at her side, glaring her full hatred, "Because of you, it's impossible. You destroyed that when you murdered your family."
Itachi stared at her. His black eyes large and intimidating, as if he could see everything inside of her. She despised him for that but she wouldn't look away. Her pride was on the line. "You want to know."
Her brows knit. "Know what?"
"Why I did it." He took a step closer. Sakura almost shrunk back but again it was her pride that kept her steady. "Why does it matter to you?"
Her answer was hard for her to say. She lowered her eyes now because her reason made her weary. "It's a part of him." She whispered unable to keep from talking. This was the only chance she would ever get so continuing was the only option she had.
"Why do you love him?"
"Why does it matter to you?" She reversed his question.
His response was simple. He took a step away.
"Wait." She whispered, frightened that she would ruin this chance. "He's amazing to me."
"He and I are no different."
Sakura's head snapped up, despite having wondered she instinctively took Sasuke's side, "Yes he is!"
"He is my brother. He is me."
"You're wrong!"
"We left Konoha. We seclude ourselves. We fight for power. We torture, we kill, and we destroy, what differences are there?"
Sakura's breath was coming in wild pants, she was caught in a corner of reality and fear was caving in on her. She fisted her clothes, to grip something to keep her mind from falling apart and that's when she felt it. Sakura's attention flew to her pocket and pulled out the folded photograph.
She held it out for him. His dark eyes did not question, did not move but he took it between his fingers and unfolded it, just as Sasuke had done. His bangs even hung down just as Sasuke's. It was all too familiar, each action each movement.
But it was then: The picture revealed itself. And Sakura saw it. Absolutely nothing.
"He still has his heart."
The picture went up into flames between his fingertips. The ashes fell upon the floor between them.
"You." She whispered. "You're nothing but a shell. For that, I pity you."
"Pity. What a useless emotion."
"You keep talking about emotion, can you even remember any of it?"
Itachi turned, no longer interested in this conversation.
She could tell the boredom that struck. She hastened for something that would get his attention. "There had to be something. You had to be someone better than this before. Before you betrayed him."
He stalled in his doorway. His back toward her an silent. Sakura was stiff, holding her breath wondering if she crossed the invisible line between life and death. "You will die tomorrow."
"Sooner or later. No difference now." She bit bravely but she wasn't sure if it was fake or not.
Itachi slowly brought back his gaze to her. She watched him, wondering what he was thinking, feeling, doing, anything. He confused her worse than anyone before. She hated him for it.
Sakura didn't notice the flash of color in his eyes, nor did she feel when she collapsed on the carpet floor. Unconsciousness took over her too quickly.
-dream sequence
"Come on Ichy! I'm tired."
"Don't call me that!" Itachi hollered back, picking up his shirt from the floor and quickly put it on. The eight year old grumbled under his breath as his other teammate Yuki came up beside him. He glared at the boy but the white haired young child quickly put up his hands in defense.
The boy sighed, taking out a book from his back pocket, reading as they walked down into town, "So is your okasan going to pop yet or what?"
Itachi punched his arm lightly, "Don't talk about her like that."
"It's just a question."
Itachi shrugged with a heavy sigh. "Any day now."
"You sound like your dreading it."
"Iie, I'm looking forward to it. Then maybe my otosan won't hound me all the time."
The young blond ran back with a bright smile, her green eyes glinting in the sunlight, "Whatcha talking about?"
"Nothing."
"We're talking about his kasan spitting out the kid." He dodged the hit, and maneuvered the female between them.
"Oh, I can't wait." She daydreamed running out in front of them to swing around in the sunlight, "I hope it's a boy cause it'll be just as cute as you." She slapped a hand to her mouth when she realized her mistake, her green eyes wide with fright and cheeks flushed with crimson.
Itachi rolled his eyes in aggravation, a slight tint of embarrassment lit the top of his cheeks. His teammate nudged him with a grin which only annoyed him all the more., "Why you got to say such annoying crap?"
Her sadness was obvious by the deepening of her brow and tears quickly formed in her gaze. She ran down the hillside. Itachi sighed stuffing his hands in his pockets looking out after her. His other teammate quickly scolded him, "You just know how to make women cry, don't you? It's like second nature or something. Be good at everything, and make women cry. Let's hope your mom doesn't pop out a girl." He ran with exuberance as Itachi followed with a raised fist.
"Itachi!"
The young Uchiha turned his head, "Shisui?" he questioned when an older boy stopped in front of him, catching his missed breath.
"It's time."
"You hear that!" Yuki slapped a hand on his shoulder but only slapped air and he faltered trying not to tip over. He looked out and Itachi was already down the hill. He shook his head but was suddenly surprised when the young boy turned around.
Itachi performed several hand seals before yelling up, "Oi, Yuki. Talk to her for me." He disappeared from sight leaving Yuki to mumble annoyances kicking the dirt beneath him.
Itachi shoved open the door hurriedly but ended up stalling with wide bright eyes. His mother's black eyes slowly left the baby she held in her arms and landed on him. She smile weakly, he was ignorant of it along with the women that brustled about cleaning up. "Come here, you," She whispered tiredly and her eyes fell to the baby, stroking his soft cheek.
Itachi stumbled in, dropping to his knees and crawling the rest of the way until his eyes took in the full form of the sleeping infant. "Meet your brother, Sasuke." She softly pulled the blanket away from his chubby cheeks.
"It's a boy."
"Hai, thank goodness. Now I can have two special boys."
Itachi's eyes were wide on her, "He'll be special like me?"
"Hai."
Itachi lowered his gaze, his mouth agape when the baby suddenly shifted, raising a tiny fist in the air. "How can you tell?" He reached out with a finger, touching the little hand and the fingers wrapped around his fingertip. If Itachi's gaze could widened anymore it would have.
"I'm your kasan, I can tell." She smiled gently, her free hand reaching up and grasping Itachi's chin to lift his gaze from the baby. "But he'll have much catching up to do. So it's your job to make sure. Can you handle it?" Itachi numbly nodded. "That's my boy."
Itachi suddenly glanced around, "Where's tosan?" He brows knit when his mother's gaze and hand fell away.
She sighed, exhausted. "Your otosan, doesn't believe he's special. Not yet, anyway." She smiled with reassurance, her eyes sparkling staring at the baby in her arms. Itachi marveled at how happy she looked, and how beautiful despite the sweat on her brow and the black circles under her eyes, "He doesn't see what I see. That will be part of your job, Itachi, to make sure Sasuke always knows just how special he is. Be the perfect role model. That way, your otosan will love him just as much as he loves you."
"Hai, kasan."
Itachi leaned back against the base of a tree trunk. His clan was down the large hill having his birthday party without him. He wasn't much of a people person these days. All they ever talked about was how great he was, what boring conversations that brought. He lifted his eyes up to the branch of the tree and rolled his eyes in annoyance but a smile came to his lips. "What are you doing here, Kimidori?"
"It's your birthday party, what are you doing here?" His female teammate shot back, dropping to her feet, kneeling before him. She smiled brightly, her braided blond hair flung over her shoulder, her bangs twitching with each blink of her eye. She shook her head to move the stray strains.
"Why weren't you at the party?"
Kimidori dropped her green gaze and picked at the strands of grass. "I-I thought it was a beautiful day today, I wanted-"
"You're lying."
She snapped her gaze up in surprise but smiled and shook her head, "It's not important." Wanting to change the subject she ran behind the tree and then came straight back. He eyed her with interest before revealing the gift from behind her back.
"What's this?"
"Will you just open it?"
He aggregately sighed but snapped it from her fingers and ripped the wrapping off. Itachi gave her a lopsided smile, holding the piece of jewelry up with raised eyebrows. "A necklace?" He questioned.
She rolled her eyes taking it from him, "It's a man's necklace."
"I didn't think that existed." She pushed his back off the tree and wrapped her arms around his front. Itachi's cheek instantly heated being so close to her and in such an awkward position with her chest right in front of his face. He closed his eyes, swallowing nervously and leaned back when she pulled away. Itachi fingered the necklace. She smiled at him and her eyes so bright green, contrasted against her white skin and her blonde hair. "Arigatou, Kimi-chan."
She waved a hand dismissively, "Better take care of that. I thought I should spend the extra cash since I wasn't there to congratulate you on becoming a chuunin."
"Did you see my fight?"
"Iie, I didn't need to. No one can beat you, Itachi-kun."
"I'm not that strong."
"I think you are." She bowed her head, her cheeks burning at that admittance.
He dropped his head back against the tree. "You and everybody else in this damn sato." He tried to hide his disappointment but was surprised when her hand rested on his thigh, getting his attention quickly.
"Please. Don't compare me to them, Itachi-kun. I don't care how strong you are, even if you were the weakest man alive I'd still think you're wonderful and I'll always-" She cut herself off, her hand falling away.
"Kimidori?" He questioned, leaning closer to her, trying to figure out why she had stopped. Itachi grasped her hand when she went to stand.
She shook her head violently, "Baka-na, gomen."
"Doushite?" A tear fell down her cheek, alerting him of her distress. She never cries, ever, she was the strongest girl he had ever met. "Nanda?"
"It's nothing, gomen." She tried to pull her hand away but he wouldn't let her get away and grasped her chin with his other fingers lifting her gaze, her bangs revealing her bloodshot eyes, marking her once beautiful gaze. How much he hated it when she cried. Itachi didn't know what he was thinking but he began to lean in, her eyes slowly shutting with each inch that he got closer, "Itachi…" She whispered but his lips stalled her from speaking anything else.
"What are you doing!" The two snapped away from each other and there only twenty feet away stood his father, Fugaku. They both stood, bowing obediently. His father stomped up, pushing the female to the ground and grabbing hold of Itachi's arm, who fought against him to get to her, but his father gripped his head, forcing his attention, "I will not have my son getting involved with a disgusting outsider! Do you hear me?" Fugaku smacked him once, "Do you understand!" He bit.
Itachi glanced at Kimidori but her gaze would not meet his. He grit his teeth and glared back at his father, his sharingan betraying him as it shined up at the older man, "Hai." He growled.
Fugaku pushed him toward the town, glaring back at the girl, "My son is too important to waste time on you. Stay away from him." He grabbed Itachi's arm and dragged him toward the town, Itachi glanced back but Kimidori was already gone.
"So he changed your team, huh?" Shisui questioned walking beside the distraught ten year old. Itachi only nodded, kicking the dirt with each shuffle of his feet. "What a dick." The thirteen year old smiled when Itachi laughed lightly and nodded his head. "Maybe you should try telling him, you don't want to be ANBU."
"Oh, yeah, I can see where that conversation's going to go. I'll be in the hospital for a month this time. He won't listen to me, just like he won't listen to Kasan."
"Leave me alone!" That voice…Itachi snapped his head around in the darkness, his sharingan already taking possession of his eyes, running in the direction he heard it. He turned the corner catching her gorgeous blonde hair in the moonlight.
The three men that surrounded her, laughed when she pathetically tried to punch and claw her way out of the scuffled only to fall flat on her back. She glared with her bright emerald eyes. "Pathetic Anioko." One man bit, kicking dirt over her.
She covered her face with her arm, Itachi noticed the blood that dripped down it. Itachi ripped his arm free of Shisui and within a ten second time span, all three jounin unconscious and bleeding on the ground. He panted heavily, his three comma sharingan twirling within his socket. He dropped the power away and turned his gaze upon her. She was standing, brushing off the dirt from her back and legs before bringing her eyes to him. It made him gape at her unafraid demeanor, but then he knew he shouldn't be surprised, she was never scared of him from the start. She was so different from everyone in his clan it was almost nerve racking but then again, it was relieving.
"Thanks, but I was handling it just fine."
"You couldn't have defeated them."
"You don't know that. I'm not weak you know, I graduated the academy the same year you did."
Shisui disappeared which Itachi was grateful for, now he'll be able to talk to her. "I didn't say you were weak. There was just too many of them"
"I could have killed them in my sleep." She stomped her foot and turned but he grabbed her arm, she turned swiftly and pushed him away, faltering him in his steps backward, releasing her. "Leave me alone, pure blood." She snapped.
Itachi chased after her, "Kimi, yamette."
She stalled when he cut in front of her, "I'm staying away, like your otosan told me too."
"Gomen, that he's said the things he did."
She sighed, "Don't apologize for him." She was weaking so quickly she hated it. Kimidori strengthened her anger and went to pass him but he just stepped in front of her, "Don't push it, Uchiha. You may be strong but you forget who my otosan is."
"I'm not going to fight you, I just want to talk to you."
"About what? You ditching us? I don't want to hear it."
"Why are you being so difficult?"
"Oh, Gomen, I forget how everything's suppose to be so damn easy for you."
He snapped his mouth shut, his fists tightening at his sides and he glared at her, "That's unfair."
Kimidori sighed, knowing that what she had just said hurt him. She bowed her head before stepping up to a bench and slumping down on it. Itachi sat beside her, a good distance away. She played with her long waist length hair. A habit she did when she was nervous or upset. He didn't know which one of those it was at the moment but he guessed the latter.
Itachi glanced at her from the corner of his socket then straightened quickly. "What does Anioko mean?"
She smiled bitterly, "Something you don't have to worry about."
"Tell me."
Her green eyes went to him, "Basically, it means I'm worthless because I don't have a clan."
He bowed his head, "I don't think your worthless."
She stood suddenly and paced the ground before him, "Don't say things like that."
"Why not?"
"Because, you-" Kimidori shook her head, "You just shouldn't. We shouldn't be friends anymore, Itachi. You have goals to reach that have no place for Aniokos."
"The goals you speak of I don't want."
"I don't know, you seemed pretty dismissive when your otosan came around."
"There are things you can't understand. I can't disobey him."
Kimidori gazed at him with knitted brows before taking a seat beside him. "Why not?"
"He's my otosan. He thinks I'm our clan's prodigy. How can I disappoint him and tell him I don't want power?"
"If it will make you happy, you should do it."
"He'd disown me. He's told me multiple times."
"So what? Then you won't have all this pressure on you. And you can do whatever you want. It's a great feeling, it really is." She grasped his hand on his thigh, "We can be Aniokos together."
Itachi gazed upon her bright smile and glowing eyes and for the moment, he couldn't think of a reason not to. He blushed and looked away, but tightened his fingers around her hand. He shook his head, staring up at the moon, "My little brother. I can't leave him, not now. But maybe. Maybe I can get my otosan to see that Sasuke is the prodigy. Sasuke would love the attention. And when that happens, maybe then I can leave."
"I'll leave with you."
He snapped his eyes to hers and she grinned. "Nani?"
"We'll leave together. I've wanted to explore our world, it'll be fun."
"So you'll wait?"
"You're worth it." She stood, her cheeks burning red but she maneuvered herself so that her bangs hid her features. "I'll see you around, future Anioko."
Itachi smiled watching his little brother clap his tiny hands together with a bright grin on his chubby face. Sasuke's hands instantly dug into the cake that sat before him. His mother laughing lightly as she tried to pull him out, "Now, now Sasuke." She giggled, "Be patient." A constant saying she used with the little boy ever since he learned to crawl.
Itachi lost his smile as he glanced around. His lips set firm setting his gaze on the doorway. His father had not shown. How predictable. "Nii-san, Nii-san!" Sasuke cried joyously and Itachi brought his gaze back to him. Sasuke held out cake for him to have.
Itachi shook his head with a warm smile, wrapping the tiny fist in a towel, cleaning his fingers. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Sasuke." He reprimanded brotherly, scuffing the boy;s black hair as he stood.
Itachi went through the hallways, searching for his father. The room was lit by candles as it always was this time of night and with a slight knock, he entered on command. "What is it, Itachi?" Fugaku questioned placing down his book.
"Why aren't you celebrating Sasuke's birthday?"
"None of your business. When is your next mission?"
"He is your son, Otosan."
Fugaku stood, "I know very well, Itachi. Answer my question."
"Answer mine." Itachi strengthen his poise even as his father took threatening steps toward him.
"You are getting too cocky, gaki."
"Sasuke wants your attention, Otosan. He deserves it more then I do. He will prove to be better, Otosan-" He was cut off with a back hand to the face. Itachi glared at the wall, his head now faced. His sharingan instantly activating, three commas spinning in their socket but he swallowed, shoving it down, knowing that even now he did not have the power to take on his father. But one day…
"Itachi-" Itachi turned on his heel, not giving his father the time, "Don't you walk away from me!" Fugaku boomed but Itachi slammed the door, running out of the house quickly and out of the clan's section to the hill, where his favorite place to hide was located. He kicked the dirt, punching the tree with barely none of his strength and still it broke the bark, and pieces fell to the ground. Itachi smashed his fist one last time, allowing a bit of his anger to break through and the tree uprooted, crashing to the ground.
Itachi threw himself to the floor, for a moment hating his strength, he panted heavily, glaring up at the stars for giving him this fate. He had wanted to be normal. He didn't want attention, didn't want to be 'special'. He just wanted to be left alone!
Itachi snapped to his feet, a kunai instantly held before him, "Come out." He bit harshly, daringly. But his brows knit when a cloaked figure stepped out from behind a different tree, still however his body was in the shadow, the moonlight not reaching. "Who are you?"
"Uchiha Itachi."
"That's who I am, who are you?"
"The Uchiha clan, depends much on you."
"Yeah, so?"
"There must be so much pressure."
"Who are you, old man?"
"Someone who knows all about it. I was once like you."
"Oh, yeah, how?"
"I never wanted to achieve greatness but some things are forced upon us. I saved my village from destruction because I was the only one with the power to stop it. From then on, everyone thought I was a savior. Never again was I capable of being normal."
Itachi lowered his knife, standing straight, "What did you do?"
"Oh, well," He stalled for a moment. "That's not important. The important thing is, I can help you."
"How?"
"Let's just say, I see a weakness in the Uchiha clan."
Itachi instantly hightened his knife again "Are you threatening my clan, old man?"
The figure put up his hands in defense, "You're unhappy, aren't you, Uchiha Itachi? Don't you want to find a way out? To be normal? To be free?"
Itachi relaxed his stance, his knife however stil protectively at his side. He glanced at the ground, Kimidor's smiling face flashed in his vision. Itachi brought his gaze back to the figure. "How can you help with that?"
"You're not the only one that's special, Uchiha Itachi. I work for an organization, with people who are just as special, who just want freedom. But it comes with a price."
Itachi tilted his head, "What kind of price?"
The figure shrugged his shoulders in the darkness, "Just a small sacrifice."
It was something about the word 'sacrifice' that Itachi didn't like. "Look, old man. I don't know what you're getting at but I'm not what you think I am."
"Oh…" The old man chuckled, wickedness rolling of his tongue, evil that Itachi could not ignore as the chills rolled up his spine. His gaze widened when a flash of yellow blinded him for only a moment. "I think you are." He whispered just gently, caressing the wind that carried a small note that drifted down to Itachi's feet. "Soon enough….Come when you are ready. And you will have freedom…" The wind blew viciously and the body burst into leaves.
Itachi entered, sliding the bamboo door behind him and quickly knelling on the floor, bowing softly before resting his eyes on his father. "I know you failed your mission."
"It was not important."
"All missions are important. It reflects badly on this clan when you do not succeed. You must over come very obstacle if you are to be ANBU."
"I don't care for ANBU. I've told you before. That is not my-"
"Do not speak to me with such tone, do you understand?" Itachi grit his teeth but bowed his head in obedience. "You were seen with her again-"
"She is a friend."
"You try to lie to me Itachi. You are a jounin at twelve, you do not have time for those pathetic child antics. If you are to become ANBU-"
"I do not want to become ANBU."
"You raise your voice to me once more, Itachi," His father's sharingan activated, his three commas spinning in the sockets. Itachi took in a sharp breath but silently let it out. He swallowed and lowered his head submissively.
Itachi gripped his black pants harshly trying to keep his rage in check. He closed his eyes, praying to keep his Sharigan hidden. He looked up again, "I am not what you want to me be, otosan."
"Stop speaking so foolishly. All about a damn girl-"
"It has nothing to do with her."
"You will obey me, Itachi. No matter how strong you become I will always be superior to you."
Itachi panted through his nose, his cheek muscles flexing, "Not always." He closed his eyes and prepared himself for his father's strong fist.
The soft hesitant knock sounded in his quiet room. Itachi sighed, staring at the ceiling before glancing out his open door. It had to be at least midnight. He turned his head away, "Come in, Sasuke." The door opened only a crack to peak in and then, the little six year old boy slid his body in to shut it behind him. He nervously stood, his fingers fiddling with each other. Itachi smiled barely visible. "Come on." The boy ran to the bed and hopped up on it with a bright grin. "Why aren't you sleeping?"
The smile fell away and Sasuke dropped his eyes. Itachi watched with confused interest until the little child reached out and poked his cheek, "Does it still hurt?" Itachi smiled and shook his head, "I want to be tough like you."
"Don't push yourself, Sasuke. You will be strong soon enough."
Sasuke lowered his eyes, "You remember when you told me, I'll be bigger and better?"
"Hai."
"Well…" The little boy picked at the wool blanket. He mumbled between chubby cheeks, "no one else seems to think that."
"Don't you mind what other people say, Sasuke."
"How come Otosan doesn't like me?"
"He does, Sasuke. He's just blinded."
"Blinded?"
"He can't see yet why you're so important. We'll make him see one day, Sasuke. We'll prove to him you're the better one out of us."
"How, onii-san?"
Itachi smiled gently sitting up. With a little wave of his hand, Sasuke crawled closer in anticipation of a secret. But just as he got close enough, Itachi's finger flicked his forehead and the boy quickly rubbed at it with a scrunched up noise. "I don't know everything."
"Well you should."
"Forgive me, Sasuke. I'll figure something out, to make him see you."
He gave a lopsided smile and bounced when he nodded, "It's gonna have to be really big." Itachi nodded also and turned his gaze up to the moon.
Itachi pressed his back against the wall, his chakra readings pushed down as much as he could control it and reached out, clasping a hand around the female's mouth and dragging her away to the darkness of the alley. She was kicking and clawing and he winced visibly when she stabbed a kunai in his hand, releasing her instantly.
"It's me." He bit harshly, hating the fact she was able to injure him. How she always managed it, he'll never figure out and though he was frustrated with the pain, he welcomed it. It's been awhile since he felt blood dripped from his skin. She always helped him remember he's still human.
"Itachi?" She questioned and he stepped into the tiny slit of light. "Oh, gomen, I didn't mean to, are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"Oh, I'm stupid."
"Has that happened before?" He quickly questioned her and the downcast of her eyes told him he had been right to assume. She smiled however, her eyes still shined even in the darkness she stood in. "You have a mission."
"How do you always find these things out? You spying on me?" She placed a hand on her hip with a smirk. "Being ANBU and everything, I thought you wouldn't have time for little ol' me." Her flirtatious behavior ended when he turned his back on her suddenly. She gripped an arm but he ripped it away. "You're different." She whispered. "Your eyes. They're colder."
Itachi stalled in his steps and dropped his head. He stared at the dark ground, hating the fact that she had noticed. "Only five days of being ANBU, and I have learned the corruption."
"The corruption? What are you talking about?"
Itachi slightly inclined his head toward her. "Three years ago, my last birthday party. You didn't show. Why not?"
"I don't remember now."
"You lie. Do not lie, Kimidori. It was because my clan didn't let you in." He saw her nod just once. "They believe themselves superior. They underestimate everyone. Including you. If we were to fight, you would prove to be my equal. But you are given no chance because you are Anioko. Instead you're given meaningless missions, or suicide missions." He finally turned toward her and took a few steps back into the light. She was equal in height and gazed directly back at him. "Do not go on this mission."
Her serious tone was deflected by her smiling lips. "Everyone has to prove themselves, Itachi. Even you." Her smile slowly dwindled. "That's why you became ANBU."
She almost seemed disappointed. Itachi stared at her, knowing instantly what she must be thinking. Here she was ready to run away from this village and everyone in it, him being the only thing keeping her here, and he goes and joins ANBU. "I failed the test on purpose." Her eyes widened. "But my otosan switched it, because he knew I would. I do not train, I do not try to be better. I do not want this power that was given to me. But on battlefields, where they test my abilities. I cannot….I will not die until I get what I want."
"What do you want, Itachi? What will make you happy?"
"Freedom."
She grasped his hand in hers. No matter their equaled height his hand was twice as big as she matched them up. This made her smile and she lifted her gaze, now standing in the light as well. "You were given strength for a reason. If you want freedom, you're gonna have to fight for it. I'm waiting for you, Itachi. I'm still waiting." She kissed his lips just barely a whisper before running away. She turned at the exit, "I'll be back soon." She reassured with a bright smile and waved.
Itachi slammed the door to his bedroom, caring not for the blasting voice of his father. He grabbed a picture off his nightstand and stared at it, instantly lost in silence as he caught sight of her brilliant green eyes and long blond hair. He shut his eyes, a soft smile on his lips as he recalled a moment, her sweet voice echoing in his head. 'I'm still waiting.'
The door shoved open and Itachi was ripped from his memory and dropped the picture. He stared after it, as time slowed and the frame smashed against the floorboards, the glass cracking around both Yuki's and Kimidori's frame. He was left undamaged and alone. Itachi's eyes glowed with his three comma sharingan glaring at his father.
"Don't you ever walk away from me."
"I don't want to hear it."
"You better shut that mouth of yours. You are not powerful yet, Itachi."
"What do you know of power? All you do is talk about the clan and what is right for clan."
"That's the only thing that matters."
"There are more important things."
"Name one." His father dared but Itachi shook his head, ready to take the other exit to his room but was stalled by his father's words. "She was nothing but a Anioko." Itachi's back stiffened. "Clanless. The worst of Konoha."
Itachi turned, his fists against his sides, willing to take out revenge for his father's brutal words but he stayed back. "The power of this clan, has corrupted you, otosan. There is more out there with strength we can't even begin to image. Yet you are blind. You are nothing. And I will prove that. One day, otosan. The worst of Konoha will fall."
"Are you threatening this clan, Itachi?"
Itachi smirked. A chuckle falling from his lips as he recalled the words he had once spoke. "Am I?"
"You aren't even close to that sort of power."
"Iie, but I might know someone who is." Itachi chuckled, backing up out of the room before disappearing.
Itachi stared at the front door of his house. He had disappeared for two days and he knew how unacceptable that was. He was void now of any feeling, his body numb and foreign to him. Even when his mother wrapped him up in a hug, he could not react to her.
He had gone to speak with that old man, who was now known as master, and upon leaving that pure and clear world, he stepped foot into a false reality where even his mother seemed to be a stranger. He had come to realize that before the meeting with Master, he had not been living at all.
Within the next twelve months, he would cleanse himself of all emotion, of all bonds. He would get stronger in every form that word could be. He would defeat every obstacle and broaden the length of his 'container' As long as he followed the rules, the unattainable will be captured and freedom will be his reward. A lonely freedom, but it will be freedom that is untainted by attachments. And therefore pure.
Itachi dropped to his knees in front of his father, bowing, touching his forehead to the floor. The older man's voice sounded, "Where have you been?"
"In the forest."
"Who do you know with that type of power?"
"No one."
"Are you lying?"
"Iie, otosan."
"You will obey me, Itachi, I know what is best for you."
"Hai, otosan."
"You will not raise your voice to me."
"Iie, Otosan."
"You will do what I tell you to do, do you understand?"
"Hai, otosan."
"Good."
"Otosan."
"Nanda?"
Itachi stalled for a moment. He wanted to say something but he was unsure if he should. The rules Master had given were very precise. Caring for his little brother would not be allowed any longer. But he closed his eyes, years of caring for the boy would not be cut within night, as master had told him. For the moment it was acceptable but come the time he would have to cut that bond. "I will obey you. If you at least try to see Sasuke as you see me."
It was silent for a long moment until Fugaku sighed, "Hai."
"Ariagato, Otosan." Itachi rose and walked out, and upon shutting the door, he was more sure of himself then ever before. He knew what he would have to do. And he knew how long it would take. But if he does it slow like he was instructed and shut off one emotion at a time, the sacrifice will be achieved and freedom will be his.
Sasuke ran up to him and hugged tight to his hip. Itachi smiled sadly at Sasuke, knowing that whatever comes, killing the little child will not be done by him. Sasuke was safe from physically harm for the time being. But as he stared down into the large, innocent, black eyes, he wondered with what he planned to do, would it be any different? Physical harm verses betrayal…He might as well rip his little heart now.
"Come on." Itachi summoned, "I'll show you a trick with a kunai."
"Hai!" Sasuke beamed happily.
Itachi's large, red, sharigan eyes snapped open. Darkness surrounded him, the only light slit through the cracks of the door he hid behind allowing him to see out. Fugaku swung open the door, "Itachi! Where are you!" Itachi's dead eyes followed him to the center of the hallway, "Itachi!"
"Fugaku?" His mother rushed in, "It's so late and Sasuke hasn't returned yet."
"Where is Itachi?"
"Itachi can take care of himself, Sasuke's just a little boy."
"We are under attack, Itachi must help us. Many of the prienct is dead, and the enemy has gone unseen."
"Sasuke!" She hurried for the door, but Fugaku grabbed her roughly by the arm.
"Where is Itachi!"
"I don't know! Let me go get Sasuke, Please!"
"Iie. It's too dangerous." The two disappeared behind the corner. Itachi stepped out from his hiding spot and followed them to his father's study. He stopped in the shade of the darkness right before the door. Within his hand he held a bloody katana, and allowed the words of his master to fill his head and block out any reasonable thought that would stall him.
Emotion must be silenced. Only hatred and pain are allowed to be used in battle. Freedom will be granted to those that fight. There is no such thing as family.
Itachi stepped into the light of the candle, stalling his parents bickering. They looked to him and his mother ran to him wrapping her arms around his neck, "Please, Itachi, tell me you found Sasuke."
"Sasuke will be fine, okasan."
Her brows knit, and her hold was slowly fading in strength as she took a step back with confusion in her gaze. "Itachi." His father stepped forward.
Itachi was quick to hold out his sharp blade, stalling. His eyes however stayed on his mother. "You lied to me, Okasan."
"Itachi…what is happening."
"You told me, that Sasuke was special. Like me."
"He is, Itachi."
"Why did you lie to me?"
The woman's eyes caught sight of red that dripped down the tip of her son's blade. Her heart stalled in her chest. "Itachi, what's going on? Why is your sword all bloody?"
Fugaku had already come to the realization. He had dropped to his knees, his wife moving unconsciously behind him in her fear. "You've betrayed us. My own son." Fugaku whispered, baffled and hurt.
Itachi's wide sharigan eyes moved down to his father. "No, otosan. You have betrayed me. My limitations are all on account of the bonds you attached to me. You made me a pawn. A 'pipe' for your clan to become greater. I have done away with these attachments. I have learned the truth. All villages are corrupt and therefore should be destroyed. I will stop others from becoming what I am, and end all life and all suffering. Everyone shall be free."
His mother fell to her knees beside his father, her eyes wide with tears as they spilt over her cheeks and dripped off her chin. "Please, Itachi, don't hurt Sasuke. Not Sasuke."
"Iie. Okasan. I will help make Sasuke special. So even you, otosan, can't deny him."
Fugaku dropped his gaze, searching for any weapon that was near. He smirked upon seeing a kunai lying in the corner. "You think you are powerful enough to defeat me-" He cut himself off upon finding the eyes of his son. All fight in him vanished.
Itachi was tempted to use the power of his new eyes but as he watched the reaction of his father, he felt no need. If he still felt anything, he would have enjoyed that look. The look of utter defeat reflect in his father's eyes. "True power, Otosan, Will never be in your hands."
His mother hurried to whisper as Itachi raised his sword, "Promise to protect, Sasuke, Itachi. He's your brother." He stabbed her once through the heart. She fell across the floor with death in her gaze, even as tears continued to flow.
"I expected nothing less from my son."
Itachi lifted the bloody sword and pointed it at his throat, "I am not your son." With a quick splash, blood sprayed the floor at his feet, and the body collapsed upon his mother.
Wind wiped and the candle that had hit the room blew out, leaving only the moonlight to shine in. "hahaha." Itachi did not bother to turn to face the man in the doorway. His master stepped in with his full-body cane. His yellow lightning eyes shined in the darkness. "Now set the trap for the new vessel. Torture him with those eyes. Build hatred in his heart to become strong. And you'll be one more step closer to your goal."
The wind blew and the man's presence vanished. Itachi closed his eyes and disappeared.