They reached a checkpoint that Tenshi had set.

"Grab my hand."

Tsuki reached out and entwined her fingers with this. "I have an idea that something interesting is going to happen," she said.

"Kaze Sensu: Kokugen Kireme no Jutsu! (Wind Style: Time Rift Jutsu!)" Time stopped to a standstill, creating a red tint to everything while Tenshi yanked Tsuki forward after him.

"Wow," Tsuki was impressed, glancing around at everything. "This Jutsu must come in really useful."

"I can teach it to you."

The Jounin nodded. "That would be nice."

They slowed down before they entered.

Tsuki spotted a wire. She snapped out and slammed her fist into it, which was laden with chakra. Nothing happened, but then Tenshi tried something, and the steel thread bent tragically before them, creating an opening.

"This trap is impenetrable, unless you are me or Itachi."

Tsuki pursed her lips. "I need a technique to get into it, then."

"I can teach it to you..."

"Really?" Tsuki turned to him, surprised. "Thank you."

Tsuki. Tenshi. I am ready to come out now. Also he wishes to speak with you. Says it is urgent.

Tsuki, noticing the slight faraway look on Tenshi's face, looked concerned. "What is it?"

"It is nothing," he replied.

He released Tenkei and watched her. She shook her fur and then went to approach him, only for a blue arc of electricity to strike her and show an invisible barrier.

Tenshi! Why?

Tsuki blinked. "What's that there for?"

Don't you love me? How dare you...

He looked to Tsuki.

The Jounin frowned at him. "You trust her with your life, and yet you lock her out like this?"

Tenshi looked away from her scathing words and then knelt down, the barrier separating them.

"It's getting worse. The longer you stay out.."

I KNOW! He felt her overwhelming fear and knew that she didn't want to hurt him. She hated the disease... He closed his eyes and sent his feelings of love towards him and was shocked when she retracted.

"Tenshi. How can you let Tenkei stay behind- even worse, force to keep her here?"

"I cannot knowingly put your safety in danger. Not for pleasure or safety."

"You-"

Tenshi...why? You love me. So why do you seek to cause me pain? Answer me by the so called love you profess!

He cried unwillingly, the salt stinging his dry lips.

I can't save you. I want to but I am not able to! What makes you think I don't care? Tenkei...after all we have been through. Ugh! He turned away and faded into the darkness.

"That fool." Tsuki turned away from his retreating figure, shutting her eyes.

You can't lock your loved ones out of your life. Even if they may hurt you… 'The wounds inflicted by those you love are faithful, but the kisses of the haters are to be despised.' She remembered her Sensei, Naito, tell her, Itou and Binasu.

Tsuki turned, and then squatted down to eye level with Tenkei. "Why is he doing this?"

I don't understand him. I mean... I love him. With my life. But I can't stop myself. Doesn't he trust me?

"I'm sure he does. But we're human; we have an inner instinct to stay away from things that can hurt us."

She whined softly and put her head between her paws.

I ... it just seems like he doesn't want me near him anymore. And... She stopped mid thought.

Tsuki blinked. "What is it?" She asked, worried.

The connection... he stopped it. TENSHI!!! She slammed at the barrier and landed on the ground in a heap.

Tsuki stepped forwards, but was careful to not touch the barrier. "Are you alright?"

I am fine... But he... he never severed our connection. NEVER. What can I do? She whined and looked at Tsuki.

The Jounin shook her head. "I don't know," she said, her heart going out to the wolf. "I really don't."

Tenshi walked away from the duo and headed deeper into the woods. His companions' emotions pressing in on him. He severed the link, out of anger. Tenkei. I love you so much. If only you knew...

He continued walking and stopped at a river. He enjoyed the feeling of peace as the river flowed through his sandals, and wind on his face provided. He looked up and noticed night was almost upon them. He felt the disturbance and turned throwing a water shuriken at the tree at his 7 o'clock. "Impressive." He recognized that voice and turned to face its owner.

"Tenkei warned me that Itachi might show, but not you. Kisame."

"Well he sent me ahead with a message," he replied with his normal sneer. "Told me that Tenkei can be healed, but it would be a huge risk. He is on his way to perform it with you. He also wanted to remind you that the target is not to be killed."

"Yeah, yeah." Tenshi smiled at his sparring partner. Kisame turned to leave, but stopped and spoke in a very soft tone.

"It's gotten worse hasn't it?"

"Yeah."

"Sorry to hear that. Wanna spar to get your mind off it?"

Tenshi smiled wickedly. "Sure! Why not? You plan on using Samehada right?"

"Of course."

"Let's go then!"

I understand why he's doing what he's doing, Tsuki thought to herself. But he's hurting Tenkei to the core.

She had been trying to sooth the wolf, but Tenkei had stayed dejected, which Tsuki could understand.

"Good evening."

Tsuki turned, reacting immediately at the voice behind her.

"Calm down. I need to speak with Tenshi."

Tsuki looked at Itachi appraisingly, aware of his reputation and skills. "He has gone to the forest."

"Hmmm. Tenkei... he cares very deeply for you. Do not let your judgment cloud your heart."

Yes... I...

"What is your name?" Itachi asked curiosity peaking his voice.

"Tsuki Shikaku, Jounin of the Hidden Leaf Village," she told him, bowing slightly, but then straightening up again. If Tenshi had not told her that this Uchiha wasn't going to attack her, she knew that she would likely flee- though she was skilled, Itachi was even more so.

"Ahh. Tenshi has spoken of you. During my examination in the halls of his mind, I remember him having fond memories."

Tsuki inclined her head. "I see." She looked back up again, regarding the Uchiha levelly (she was gratified to see that she was taller than he was- then again, she was older than him, and above average height anyway.)

"I will go look for him." Itachi turned and exited leaving a dumbfounded Tsuki and Tenkei.

"Lemme go!!!" Tenshi cried, as Kisame buried his knuckle deeper into his skull.

"Say, uncle first!" Kisame jested.

"No way! Owwww!"

"Kisame. Tenshi." They both turned to find Itachi watching from a nearby tree and smirking ever so slightly. "Let's go. We have business to attend to."

"Come on Itachi, lighten up a little," Kisame said. Itachi looked his partner over and smiled. The trio stood for a moment in a circle and then headed back towards camp.