Chapter 10: Secrets Revealed!

The way I responded to Itachi caused him to pause and stare at me. I felt a glint of empowerment to leave him speechless like that. Knowing that I had his full attention, the curiosity flaring from his very being, I continued. "This angel knows that you and a certain someone have been up to something for quite some time now." My eyes narrowed and the smirk upon my lips remained. "I want to know why."

His stare grew lengthy. I was starting to feel a little uncomfortable and as a reaction, my feet started to kick back and fourth from underneath the dock.

...

Her curiosity could get her in trouble some day. She's sharp, too.

He didn't know how to answer her question. The subject was far more sensitive than she could understand right now. He needed Shisui for this part, he has a way of helping her understand things more clearly and this caused a small sting of envy. Shisui was good with everyone that way, so he brushed away the feeling and focused. Shikara was noticeably exhausted and overwhelmed, though he took note of her trying to cover the fact. It was simply amazing that she could still stand after everything that had occurred the last few days. She needs time to recover.

"Not yet." Is all he managed to say, before standing and offering his hand to help her up as well. She pouted for a moment but didn't push any further, it was another one of the many things he liked about her. She knew how to pick her battles. As she rose to her feet after taking his hand, Itachi noticed a slight wince from her. This was different from when she was sore after their own training sessions. His eyes narrowed again, he didn't like that they were this hard on her. There's no doubt that someday she will be a powerful Shinobi but for now she is still delicate. Protecting her and helping her grow gave him more satisfaction than anything and he had every intention to find out who was in charge of training her this morning.

As if she could read his thoughts, Shikara looked deep into his eyes and quietly soothed him. "I'm okay, Itachi. Everything will be okay, I promise," she reassured and softly held his arm with both of hers. A sweet smile appeared across her lips and it calmed his nerves. He knew she was only trying to sway him and he succumbed, if only to see that smile.

...

"...Have you two made up yet?" Shisui stood behind us, crossing his arms, the corner of his mouth slightly turned up into a half smile.

I gazed at him in such a way that was no longer surprised, but rather impressed. "Shisui, how do you do that? Can you teach me?" I asked, completely serious.

The half smile turned into a grin and his arms unfolded. He enjoyed that she was always intrigued by his skill. "No. I promise you will have many of your own skills to flaunt, though."

I puffed, a little disappointed, then smiled before releasing Itachi's arm. "Now can I know what is going on?"

Itachi shot Shisui a look. "I think it's best if we sleep on it for tonight."

Shisui's grin became a small, sad smile. "I'm afraid that we can't wait any longer. We are running out of time."

Itachi gazed from Shisui to me. A strange expression of worry flashed over his face. I gave him a look of encouragement and then in response he gave Shisui a reluctant nod.

It was early afternoon now, we needed to go to a more secluded area where privacy was absolute. I must look just as bad as I feel because Itachi offered to carry me on our way there.

"Oh no, thank you, I can walk!"

His eyebrow raised as he watched my legs tremble. "M-maybe not..." I admitted with a defeated expression. Itachi sighed and then set out to do what I he had intended and crouched down so that I could ride on his back. Despite my embarrassment and discomfort, I gratefully accepted and started to nod off as the boys walked together.

When we reached the new spot, Itachi pressed Shisui again. "She needs rest." Hearing these words I popped my head back up from resting on Itachi's shoulder. I had nearly fallen asleep!

"She's strong, Itachi." Shisui believed in me so much, I had to pull myself together.

I was let down and Itachi gave me a sideways look before giving a reluctant nod and found a comfortable spot against a tree.

Shisui tilted his head, "You may have to prepare yourself for this... angel." I saw a glint in his eye as he took a glance at Itachi.

Eavesdropper...

I sat down on the soft grass then gave Shisui my complete attention.

He took a deep breath. "This won't be easy to hear, what I'm about to tell you is something that could change the world around us."

I would soon find out that everything Shisui and Itachi were about to explain would indeed change everything...