Chapter 59: Itachi's Shirt
I didn't sleep at all through the night. Even if Itachi was doing better, his illness was still present and I couldn't help but to think of ways to help him. He'd be upset if I tried to baby him and force him to take it easy. He's an Uchiha...their kind is stubborn. If I could get a hold of that scroll, then maybe there was a way to save him before his time was up. A light tapping noise came from the door interrupting my thoughts and I slinked my way out of Itachi's arms again to go see who it was.
I quietly closed the door behind me as I was met by Angel and Shisui. They looked...rested...
Angel held clothes out to me. "Here, for you and Itachi-sama." She grinned.
"Thank you, you're the best." I smiled to her, taking them and then arched an eyebrow. "Did someone get snuggles last night?"
Angel tapped my shoulder with a fist. "Shut up!" She squeaked.
Shisui just shook his head and rolled his eyes. "You two could pass off as siblings..."
"May as well just think of it that way." I said softly.
He gave a questioning look. "Why?"
"Because if we can't view the scroll then we're stuck this way." I tilted my head before peering at my other half. "I'm starting to think maybe it's better this way, though..."
Angel had a soft smile. "We have to meet with the Hokage soon, right?"
"Yes."
"We will have our answers then." She looked to Shisui and blushed. "We have a lot to discuss on that matter, however I wanted to tell you something... important..." her eyes were gleaming. "Shisui and I are thinking about doing the same as you and Itachi-sama."
I smiled at them. "Congratulations, you two." A light pink color crossed both of their faces as they peered at one another. It was so sweet... it was starting to make me sick. "Okay, I'll come for you when Itachi is cleared to leave. The sooner we speak with the Hokage the better."
Angel gave me a quick hug before returning to Shisui, taking his arm. "See you soon." The pair gave a small waive before departing.
Another smile spread across my lips and I turned to enter the room again. Things were working out the way they should. I would be happy even if Angel and I never became one again. The only motivation I had for getting that scroll was to see if there was an ability to heal life threatening illnesses.
I closed my eyes to envision my desired future with Itachi. He would be healed and we could look forward to hopefully a long, full life together. We could find ourselves a nice place to settle in, build on our careers and eventually the trust of the village. We could have our own little family and restore what we had destroyed years ago. Maybe Sasuke would return to the village and those wounds could be healed as well...
"Shikara."
My eyes opened to see Itachi sitting up in bed, giving me a curious expression. I quickly made my way over to him and joined him after placing the clothes on the nightstand. His arms wrapped around me and he pulled me close with my back to him.
"Is someone day dreaming?" His smooth, deep voice tickled my ear.
"Morning dreaming." I teasingly corrected.
I felt his smirk on the back of my neck. "Oh?"
"Mmhmm."
"And what is it that you dream of?"
If he only knew how weak he made me on the inside with that voice of his. "I dream about many things." I turned in his arms and faced him. "I dream of a future together and what it may hold."
There was a glint in his eyes before he softly kissed my lips. I could feel myself melting into him. This must be his way of distracting me from bringing up a less pleasant subject. One I'm sure he'd rather avoid as he had before.
Another knock came to the door. Itachi pulled back as a nurse entered with papers in hand.
"Good morning..."she eyed us with reserve. "It seems you're doing well enough to leave...however we have prepared new medication that will help you." She sat a small bottle next to the clothes on the nightstand. "Please return in two months so that we can reevaluate your condition."
Itachi gave her a slight nod. "Thanks."
"Hm." She returned the nod before taking her leave.
A small smile appeared on Itachi's lips. "Shall we find ourselves a place together?"
I blushed before shaking my head. "I must meet with the Hokage today. Maybe you should come as well..."
"I have a feeling that your meeting is only for yourself and the Hokage..." Itachi got out of the bed and gratefully dressed himself in the clothes Angel brought. He smirked at me, holding out a hand. "Do you plan to wear my shirt for the rest of the day?"
"Oh, no, I suppose not." A giggle left me before taking his hand. I couldn't believe that he had recovered so well. That last burst of light chakra really did the trick. He helped me out of bed and I quickly grabbed clothes for myself and headed towards the restroom.
Itachi's eyebrow raised. "Are you always going to change in privacy?"
I shot a look over my shoulder. "The people at this hospital have seen enough of my body for one week."
I heard him chuckle to himself before I went in to change. To my distaste, Angel had brought me one of her girly dresses. It's a lavender, laced halter top dress that fell mid-thigh. She even brought black stockings that came up just below where the dress ended. I was grateful for the matching lavender ninja sandals, however I wasn't happy about having to go see the Hokage this way. I reluctantly reached for the door handle and emerged with obvious discomfort written all over my face.
I blushed when Itachi's eyes scanned me from head to toe, then grinned. "You look pretty..."
I scowled. "You mean I look like a school girl."
He was trying not to laugh at my dismay. "It's good for you to look girly from time to time. People shouldn't always see you only as a deadly kunoichi."
I laughed. "Coming from you, that's hilarious."
He had a gentle smile as he poked my forehead. "Give Angel a break. She's probably wanted to dress you like a doll since day one."
I let out a small sigh. "Yeah, okay... let's get out of here before I decide to just wear your shirt again."
...
Chapter 60: Children's Section
It was time to meet with the Hokage. I went with Itachi to Shisui's house to get Angel, who was waiting excitedly on the front step.
"Shikara!" Angel ran to me and took my hand. "We're going to be late!" She gave Itachi a quick greeting before pulling me away. "Let's go!"
"Ah! Wait-there wasn't a specific time to meet..." there was nothing I could say to ease my lighter half's excitement. She seemed really happy to go see Lady Tsunade. Little did I know, she had her own motives.
...
Itachi blinked away his astonishment. Angel was full of energy. He wondered how Shisui was faring before knocking on the door.
"Come in!" Shisui's voice called.
What was he so busy with that he couldn't answer the door...? Itachi stepped in and saw Shisui examining five different kimonos. A smirk appeared over Itachi's face. "I see she's keeping you busy..."
Shisui turned to him, looking a bit strained. "Angel was up before the sun, window shopping until the stores opened..." His eyes returned to the kimonos again. "She told me to pick one before she returns..."
"You two plan to marry soon?"
Shisui grinned. "Yep, and you know what they say...happy wife, happy life..." Shisui rubbed the back of his head, looking to each kimono again. "What if I choose the wrong one...?"
She's going to break him with so many choices... Itachi thought with a light smirk.
"Man...can you help me out?"
"Just pick one...she wouldn't have gotten one that she didn't like." Shisui looked like he was struggling, so Itachi sighed before just pointing at one.
"Ah, thanks...I owe you..."
Itachi would have to speak with Shikara to have her remind Angel that Shisui is a simple man... He can keep calm and collected, even when he's surrounded by enemies...but trying to please Angel with having so many choices stresses the poor guy out.
...
The whole way to the Hokage's residence Angel and I kept getting stares from many of the passing patrons. Their expressions ranged from wonder to disgust. I didn't want to think about the rumors that must be circulating for the latter. Angel didn't seem to notice and kept a cheery attitude the whole way. I was glad to have her company. Is it strange to think this way about oneself?
When we arrived at the Hokage's office, Angel excitedly knocked at the door. A split moment passed before Lady Tsunade's voice called out. "Come in."
Angel practically flew the door open. "Good morning Lady Tsunade!" Her excitement nearly startled our Hokage...
I blushed in embarrassment as we entered and knelt before Tsunade. "Good morning..." I appeared to be calm and collected but Angel was starting to freak me out a little.
"My...you're quite excited this morning..." Lady Tsunade said with a smirk.
"It's such a nice day, isn't it?" Angel beamed a huge smile before kneeling down as well. It is a nice day. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the morning rays of the sun were warm and inviting.
The Hokage chuckled before regaining her composure. No one could deny how adorable Angel is, even if her excitement was a little obnoxious. "It's good to see you two in good health. I've heard that you've had an interesting last few days..."
I blushed and gave a nod. To my horror Angel wanted to elaborate. "Oh my gosh! It has...Shikara and Itachi-sama got hitched and then Itachi-sama fell ill and then Shisui had to come to the rescue..."
I lightly nudged her. "Um...maybe we don't need a recap...Angel..." my voice was a murmur.
Angel's hands flew to her mouth and she looked apologetic. "I'm so sorry! I've been so excited...I don't know what's come over me!"
Lady Tsunade was eyeing me now. "You've named your other half and married Itachi Uchiha?"
My blush returned. "Ah-yes...Lady Hokage..."
"Congrats." She appeared amused by us. I was grateful for that because it beat annoying her. I've heard that she's incredibly strong... "Anyways, do you two know why I wanted to meet with you privately?"
My eyes looked up to her with a gleam but I didn't want to make a premature assumption. "I may have an idea but please tell us."
"Hm." Lady Tsunade smiled. It was so genuine that I couldn't help the corners of my lips turning up as well. "There are a few things, however I'll get a couple out of the way before dismissing Angel. The last part is only for you, Shikara."
My head tilted at this and Angel looked completely confused. "Yes, Lady Hokage." We said in unison.
"Right, well the two of you have certainly become the talk of the village...along with your...men...the people are excited to have you as a part of our village, however the Uchihas I'm sure will have some trouble reestablishing themselves." She sighed. "Despite Shisui having been a loyal shinobi in the past and Itachi anonymously feeding us information about the Akatsuki and remaining loyal...they will need help to regain the trust of the people."
Angel's head tilted. "I'll do anything to help them."
I gave a nod. "How can we help?"
"Well...it already helps that you chose to marry Itachi Uchiha...maybe it will help others see that he isn't the enemy by being with our local hero..."
"One of us." I said softly. "Angel and Shisui plan to be united as well."
Lady Tsunade's head tilted. "Do you wish to stay this way?"
"If it's okay with you...I would like to remain separate."
"Hm." Tsunade's eyes turned to Angel. "How do you feel about this, if any different?"
"It would be nice to view my other half as a sister and be with Shisui without judgement." She gave a sweet smile and her light aura started to form around her. I gave her a light nudge but it was too late.
Lady Hokage's eyes had already widened, witnessing it. "Is that...chakra?"
"Oops..." Angel whispered before it dissipated.
I sighed, hoping that it wouldn't cause us issues. "That's Angel's light chakra. She mentioned it before at the hospital. When she becomes excited or happy, it tends to radiate from her."
Tsunade eyed us. "Yes, I remember the mention of it...along with something about dark chakra."
My eyes met Angel's and she was giving me an apologetic look. I couldn't be upset with her. I knew the feeling of having trouble controlling the light chakra. It was overwhelming at times. I looked to the Hokage again before speaking. "I contain the dark chakra. It's opposite from the light, which had healing, energizing properties to it."
"So what does the dark chakra do?" Lady Tsunade asked curiously.
"I haven't used it purposely before and know little about it. It seems to have more damaging effects." My eyes met the floor. "That's why I've requested to see the scroll our clan left behind...it could contain more information so that Angel and I can learn how to use the chakra without losing control."
Lady Tsunade smiled. "Well...though I, too, wish to know more, I have some good news for you..." she stood from her desk and approached the two of us, holding an old scroll, lined in silver. "The scroll you seek was not labeled forbidden...only because no one could read it." She held it out to me. "In fact after much searching it was eventually found in the children's section of our library."
My face fell flat and Angel giggled. "No way..." I gently took the scroll that she offered to me but she didn't release it right away.
"Before I hand it over, you must look to see if you can read it...and if there are any abilities that are considered forbidden, you must tell me."
Forbidden scrolls are usually labeled as such for having god-like abilities or abilities that cause too much suffering. It's usually very obvious to decipher for what is acceptable and what is not.
"If there's anything, I'll tell you...Lady Hokage." I meant it. If there were any abilities that shouldn't be used, I would tell her. Honesty is the best policy, however I would do my best to memorize any abilities that could help Itachi-sama before having the scroll locked away forever.
"I'm putting my faith in you..." Lady Tsunade released the scroll and I bowed my head. "Thank you."
"Open it, Shikara!" Angel said excitedly.
I looked up to the Hokage and she gave a nod to grant permission. I sighed nervously. This was it...all of the answers we could ever need were in this scroll. I placed it on the floor and carefully unrolled it. For whatever reason it was in very good condition for being in the children's section...no one seemed to have touched it in years.
As I unrolled it, my eyebrows knitted together. It was written in an ancient language, somehow the letters were familiar. The pictures were just as Shisui said, they told a story and as I continued to unroll, the pictures became visuals of moves, used by the Tenshi clan. I could tell by the depiction of the chakra wings.
"This is...incredible." I whispered. Angel scooted over to see. I pointed to the people with their wings. "Look, Angel...this is our clan's history. These people who wrote this were our ancestors..."
She let out a shaky breath. "Shikara..." she hugged me from where she sat, still peering at the scroll. "...with this we can finally understand who we truly are..." small tears developed in her eyes.
A small smile played across my lips. "Yes...finally..."
Tsunade knelt down with a gentle expression. "You haven't known who you were this entire time?"
We shook our heads. "Only what a demon has told us...which of course was mostly all lies and half truths."
"Take the scroll home with you..." Tsunade stood. "You are still required to tell me if there is anything in there that is forbidden...but it is yours, afterall." She crossed her arms.
"Thank you!" Angel exclaimed happily.
"However..." the Hokage continued, "...if either of you use a forbidden technique from this point on, you will face consequences to the fullest extent."
Angel dropped her head. "Yes, Lady Hokage."
"I understand." I said with a light smile. "We will heed what you've said and not use any techniques that are forbidden and tell you if there are any."
She nodded, then turned her attention to Angel. "As for you...now that you two have decided to stay as you are...what is it that you wish to do?"
Angel's eyes widened. "Uh-um..." She peered over at me and I gave her an encouraging smile. Her eyes seemed to shine with excitement. "I'd really like to work with the medical ninja!"
Lady Tsunade seemed very pleased by her response. "We could always use more medics in the field. If that's what you truly want, then I'll have you meet with Sakura at the hospital tomorrow morning. She can show you the ropes."
"Oh, thank you!" It took every bit of Angel's self control to not hop up and hug the Hokage. Her aura radiated all around her.
"That light chakra...it energizes anyone near it?" Lady Tsunade was perplexed by the feeling it gave her.
"Sorry...!"
Tsunade blinked. "No...you're perfect to have in the hospital. Your energy will be of great use to the people there."
"T-thank you!" Her energy emitted more.
"You must learn how to control it...though..."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade!"
The Hokage smiled before bowing her head, eyes closed. "All right, you're dismissed, Angel."
Angel blinked. "Oh-okay!" She quickly stood before peering at me. "Come to Shisui's as soon as you can!"
I gave a nod. "See you soon."
With that she skipped out of the office like a school girl who had just met her first love. My expression went flat again. She's going to make lots of friends, I'm sure.
"She's very sweet, that one..." Tsunade commented.
I rolled the scroll back up and tied it before softly smiling. "Yes, she's full of positivity energy."
The Hokage chuckled before returning to her desk. "Now...we must discuss who you've chosen for the Shadow Ops."
Luckily, Shisui had kept the papers with everyone's information with him when I had burst into two. I was grateful for him because if I had lost those papers, I would have been in deep shit. I reached in my bag to pull out the eight I had chosen and stood to go place them before the Hokage, along with all the others that I chose not to include. Information about any ninja is sacred.
She eyed the eight. "I could have sworn that I asked for you to choose six?"
I bowed my head, ashamed. "I couldn't choose the last two to discard...all these here balance each other out almost perfectly."
Her eyebrows creased. "I see that. You've chosen well." She peered at me for a moment in thought. "You will have to go through an elimination process, I'm sure."
I gave her a nod. "I'd like to meet with the eight and test their skills in combat."
"Very well. It will be arranged."
"Thank you, Lady Hokage."
Tsunade knew of Itachi's illness and asked for me to have him observe the trainings in secret for now. I was grateful for this, I didn't want him to push himself but it still made me a little nervous. I wanted to pick the right ninja and train them to his standard. She asked for a time and place where they were to meet me. I received her permission to meet outside the village walls at a private location which used to be an old training ground for myself. Nakia's place of death. It was Kakashi's favorite place to train me before and it had become a place where I learned to fight through my weaknesses. They would meet with me tomorrow night, just as the sun's rays slipped from the sky.
"Everything is set, then." Lady Tsunade had a serious look upon her face as she observed me for a moment in silence. "Good luck with your elimination ...and... remember to take heed to my warning about that scroll of yours."
I gave a nod. "Yes, Lady Tsunade."
"You're dismissed."
