CHAPTER 26- Ghosts
The day of his funeral, it rained.
It was a hard morning for everyone attending and after hours passed by of countless people offering her their condolences, the Godaime felt nothing but numb.
The sun set by the time she was the only one left at the cemetery and stood in front of the stone that bore his name, that one she had prayed she wouldn't have to face until she was close to passing on to the next world herself but it seemed like luck hadn't been on her side.
As always.
As the blonde stood there and memories she had long forgotten resurfaced, she couldn't help the bitter smile that ghosted over her lips. It seemed like fate really didn't favor her and for the split of a second she even dared wonder what she had done to deserve to feel the loss of not only one, but two of the people she loved more than herself.
"How could you be so selfish?" Tsunade whispered as the rain continued to drench her, numb to the water drops that harshly bit on her skin as she gritted her teeth. His death had hit her just as hard as the one fifteen years ago and the mere knowledge of who was responsible for it was breaking her slowly from the inside.
Regret washed over her as she thought of all the times she brushed him off for her own hearts sake, knowing that she was unworthy of his unyielding love for her to prevent her heart from getting broken once more after the death of Dan.
Whereas Dan's death had broken her heart, nothing could have prepared her for the way her heart shattered upon hearing that Jiraya would return to the village once again only this time, it would be for the last time and to lay him to rest.
She had spent the past night locked away in her office, attempting to dull the pain with the help of the intoxicating liquid she loved but with every gulp she took, she found herself more disgusted by it.
She knew that it was pathetic and that she should have known that this day would come sooner or later, but one never expected it to happen this fast and unexpected when it finally did.
She loved him, and he died.
Just as they always did.
Tsunade clenched her fists as she stared down at his stone as a wave of hurt overcame her, but before she was able to act upon it, her chakra sensed the faintest of signatures brush against hers that made her freeze in place.
She would never forget this signature, the one that once brought her a sense of security and comfort but now, brought her nothing but pain and anger.
Rage shot her through her veins as her body shook, jaw clenched so tightly that she believed her jaw would break as she forced her eyes shut as an attempt to keep herself from loosing it.
"How dare you show your face after what you've done." Tsunade hissed, fists clenched so tightly that her nails drew blood from where they dug into the flesh of her palm. She couldn't believe that he would be as daring as to show his face in front of her, them, after all that happened and he had done.
The sound of the rain hitting the pavement followed her words, the tension in the air suffocating as she felt his signature halt a few steps behind her, the feeling of his eyes boring through the back of her head sending a chill over her skin.
"I came for the same reason you did."
His voice, oh so familiar voice caused her heart to painfully clench in her chest as she heard it for the first time in long years. How many times did she imagine hearing it when she thought back to her youth, and how many tears had she shed for the very man that had turned his back on them for the sake of power.
"You have no right." She muttered, voice strained as she opened her eyes once more to look at Jiraya's tombstone, the irony that the first time they'd meet as three after all the years would be on his funeral causing her heart to clench painfully in her chest.
"I have as much of a right to be here as you do." He spoke, voice calm and Tsunade felt herself snap as her temper flared and she whirled around to finally face him.
"You killed him!" She roared, voice laced with sheer fury as betrayal gripped her like a cold hand and blazing honey orbs clashed with solemn golden.
He was standing only a few steps away from her in the rain, the past years not having changed him as Tsunade suddenly found herself once again feeling like the hurt, young girl that watched her teammate abandon them. All of the emotions that she had kept to herself for the past years resurfaced, all the resentment, hatred and anger she held for him gripping her as the blood in her veins burned hot. Yet when she looked at him, that one emotion that out weighted the others was the sharp sting of betrayal.
She could have sworn that regret flashed in his eyes but just as fast as it appeared, it faded out of existence, lips pursed into a thin line as he looked at her.
"I never intended for him to get killed." He told her, voice grave as Tsunade felt her irritation spark.
"Your men attacked them on your orders!" Tsunade shouted in rage, chest tightening as she saw a light frown appear on his face. "He died protecting his comrades from the one he once trusted with his life!"
Orochimaru remained silent and even though it should have allowed her irritation to decrease, she felt it rise instead.
"How could you." She whispered, the betrayal and hurt that filled her voice barely audible over the rain as her eyes softened with defeat. "He loved you like a brother and you took his life because of your sick hunger for power."
Tsunade saw his jaw clench ever so slightly and she knew that she had struck a nerve, the realization that he had cared for Jiraya still causing the deep ache in her chest to worsen.
"It wasn't supposed to go this way." Orochimaru muttered, and Tsunade's eyes flashed with cold fury at his words.
"But it did." She coldly snapped, unable to understand how the man in front of her had once been the very same one she would have given her life for without a second thought. "How can you still not realize that the path you have chosen will bring nothing but pain and grief?"
Orochimaru's eyes flashed with irritation as his frown deepened. "You should know best that the path to gaining true power is harsh and unforgiving, Tsunade."
The way he said her name caused her throat to tighten as she felt the tears prickle the back of her eyes, all the pain and rage she felt finally turning into sheer frustration.
"Do you even realize what you leaving has done to us?" She hissed, the memory still like a fresh wound as that very day flashed in her mind. His departure had struck her deep even though she refused to show it and she knew that Jiraya felt the same way but instead of becoming bitter as she did, he hid it behind his careless grins.
She gritted her teeth as she looked at him, allowing him to see all the hurt and pain that he had put them through as tears filled her honey orbs. She knew that he cared, she could see it by the way his eyes softened, the mere fact that he was standing in front of her speaking volumes and that was the greatest source of her dilemma. How could he still care after all he had done?
How can you still care after all he had done?
"There was no other way." The sanin spoke, voice low and expression loosing some of its hard edge but Tsunade merely scoffed at hearing his words.
"There always is." Tsunade told him, the words leaving a bitter taste in her mouth as her eyes hardened despite of the hurt evident in them. "But you made your decision, and I will make sure that the cost of it will be your very own life."
Orochimaru's lips curled upwards into a small smirk as he saw the fire return to the blonde's eyes, a small part in the darkness that drowned his heart happy to see that it didn't die together with their former team member as his eyes sharpened.
"I'll look forward to it."
For the second time in her life Tsunade could do nothing but watch as he turned his back on her and left her standing in the rain once more, disappearing in the mists as with him, the last part of her heart left.
Tsunade felt her legs buckle before they fully gave out and she fell onto her knees, her jaw clenched before she harshly rammed a glowing fist into the concrete.
She wanted nothing more than to scream until the hollow ache in her chest disappeared but she didn't find her voice, hot tears mingling with the cool raindrops as they run down her cheek.
She was beyond exhausted, hurt and wanted nothing more than to wake up from this nightmare that she found herself in but Tsunade knew that the pain would never disappear, only fade over time.
It was the same all these years ago when she thought he had died after all.
As she knelt on the ground in front of her teammate's grave, she promised that she would make Orochimaru pay for all the pain he had caused and lives he took, even though she knew that Jiraya was probably giving her a disapproving frown from wherever he was watching her.
The past had to be laid to rest and in order to do that Orochimaru would have to die.
She couldn't deny the way her heart burned at the thought of loosing him a second time, the only one she had left but in the end, she knew that there was no way around it.
Orochimaru would die, and she would personally ensure that this time, it would be for good.
X
"That's ridiculous!"
Itachi's eyes narrowed from where he was seated at the head of the long conference table, dark orbs fixed on the visibly enraged council member. It hadn't even been five minutes ever since the meeting with the two remaining council members and the Clan elders started and even though Itachi knew that it would be anything but pleasant, he had hoped that it wouldn't immediately start off this way.
Seemed like he was wrong.
"What about it is ridiculous?" Inoichi asked, expression stern as he crossed his arms above his chest. "He is a traitor, the evidence proves what many of us had suspected for the past years."
Homura seemed beyond furious by now, obviously disagreeing with the Yamanaka Clan elder but before she could speak up, Itachi's smooth voice interjected.
"Starting from today, ROOT is officially disbanded." The Uchiha heir announced, voice curt and laced with authority as he looked at the room's occupants with hard eyes. "Danzo will be questioned in the following days before I will decide upon a suited sentence based on the crimes he committed against the village."
The room erupted into loud murmurs as some exchanged their opinions on what sentence he should receive whereas others wondered how it could have gotten this far in the first place, obviously taking a jab at Itachi for not taking care of Danzo sooner.
"We will need a new council member to replace him."
It was his father who spoke up, his deep voice instantly shushing the others as they looked at him in surprise, having clearly failed to think of that detail.
Itachi however was prepared and had already spent some thoughts on who the best replacement for Danzo would be.
"I have one person in mind whom I'd like to propose as council members." Itachi declared, much to the rather obvious surprise of the Clan elders. "As long as they agree, of course."
"You do?" The head of the Akimichi Clan asked, clearly caught off guard that he had already found a replacement for Danzo. "You must have great faith in them if you want to request them this fast."
Itachi fought the smirk that dared to tilt his lips upwards as he interlaced his hands in front of him, expression calm and ever so collected as he looked at the faces in the room.
He knew that some of the Clan elders hoped that they'd be offered the vacant position in the council but he knew that he would have to disappoint them since in his eyes, none of them were qualified for the position.
"I would like to propose Hatake Kakashi for the position of the council member."
"The copy-nin?" Someone from the far back asked, not bothering to hide their surprise as they narrowed their eyes at Itachi. "What would make you think that he would be suited for the position?"
"He is one of the most skilled shinobi Konoha has and the Yondaime's pupil who managed to make a name for himself." Itachi smoothly returned, obviously confident in his choice. "He is also well trained in the fields of politics and brings enough experience after his years of being on the field."
Murmurs followed his words and Itachi allowed himself to lean back against his seat as he watched the Clan elders exchange their opinions in hushed whispers and low voices, already knowing that they would eventually agree with him and his choice.
Kakashi was, after all, the best choice and they all knew it even though many would probably not like to openly admit it.
"I agree with the Hokage that Hatake is the best choice we have." Shikaku said from where he was seated to Itachi's left, expression hard as he looked at the others.
"Hatake may be a skilled shinobi, but I doubt that he'd make a good council member." A woman from the far right scoffed and Itachi fought the urge to roll his eyes at her rather weak argument.
"I agree with Nara." His father spoke, followed by a few murmurs of agreement in his wake that caused Itachi to straighten once more.
It seemed like the majority agreed with him and accepted his decision, so there was no point in discussing it any further.
"It's settled then." Itachi spoke, his voice causing the others to turn silent once more before he continued. "I will personally seek out Hatake and propose the position on the council to him. I will inform you as soon as I have received an answer, what shouldn't take longer than until our next meeting."
He watched in content how the Clan elders nodded, though some visibly more reluctant than others, and moved on to the next topic.
The following two hours passed by rather uneventful as the Clans exchanged their current progress and information regarding their projects in Konoha like the Konoha Military force.
It wasn't until all of them finally left that Itachi returned to his office where Shikamaru was already waiting for him with what seemed to be a report, the Uchiha offering him a nod in greeting that the Nara returned as the former moved to sit back down on his chair.
"Nara." Itachi acknowledged, his dark eyes drifting to the file in his hands in mild curiosity. "You got something for me?"
Shikamaru handed him the file before he dug his hands back into his pockets, expression as bored as ever as he spoke. "Godaime-sama wanted me to bring you Jiraya-sama's autopsy report."
Itachi opened the file and carefully read her report, not surprised to find that most of it was just as Sakura had told him upon arriving at the scene.
The Chakra scalpel only disappeared after they had extracted it but before it did, Tsunade managed to confirm that it was indeed based on Sakura's chakra what confirmed the pinkette's theory on as to why she was unable to extract it and heal Jiraya.
Itachi sighed as he closed the file and placed it back on his desk, expression thoughtful as he glanced up at Shikamaru.
"How is she?" He asked, and Shikamaru let out a heavy sigh.
"Not good." He admitted, the brief moment he had seen the Godaime enough for him to know that Jiraya's death had struck her hard but it was expected considering that they were life-long friends and former teammates. "She's distracting herself with work."
Itachi's lips thinned as he nodded, having already expected it. He had known that the death of Orochimaru had hurt her all these years ago and still hurt even after his betrayal, so he could only imagine how hard Jiraya's must have been on her.
He made a mental note to pay her a visit once he finished his work.
"Do you know where Hatake is currently at?" Itachi asked, receiving a thoughtful look from the young Nara in return.
"I think he just returned from lunch with Asuma-sensei." Shikamaru told him, a shrug following his words. "My best guess it that he's at the training fields with the boys to get Naruto's mind off of Jiraya-sama."
Itachi once more nodded, having now found his next stop as he shot Shikamaru a grateful look. "Thank you, you are free to go."
Shikamaru inclined his head before he did as told and left, Itachi rising to his feet right as the door to his office closed before he took off his Hokage gown and placed it over the back of his chair.
He then made his way to the Training ground he knew his little brother's team usually occupied and just as Shikamaru had guessed, he caught the three males in the middle of a spar.
For a few minutes Itachi simply watched them as they moved, striking one hit after another on each other and he was surprised to find that without the use of his Sharingan, Kakashi was not holding back as much as Itachi expected him to.
It seemed like his brother and his teammate's really did grow considerably stronger under his supervision.
It was when he finally unveiled his chakra that Kakashi called the battle on halt and turned to look at the tree that he was currently standing under with mildly surprised, yet not unkind eyes.
His little brother and Naruto have seemingly not noticed his presence just yet, too caught up in the fight as they exchanged a weary glance at Kakashi abruptly halting their fight.
"We have a guest." Kakashi told them just as Itachi pushed himself off the tree, visible eye crinkling as Naruto's widened considerably and Sasuke's narrowed.
"Teme, what is your brother doing here?" Naruto asked, earning a shrug from Sasuke as he straightened, the suspicion in his eyes clearly visible.
His brother didn't just visit without having a reason and Sasuke hoped that whatever news he brought were good ones, especially after all that happened during the past week.
"I didn't mean to interrupt." Itachi's smooth voice filled the clearing as he moved to stand a few feet away from the trio, eyes catching Kakashi's. "I wanted to have a word with you, if you have a minute to spare, Kakashi."
Kakashi nodded and Itachi could easily see the curiosity that brightened his visible eye before he turned to look at the younger duo with a small smile beneath his mask.
"Consider this our break. We'll continue as soon as I am back!" Kakashi called over his shoulder as he made his way towards Itachi, hands in his pockets as he approached him.
Itachi's dark eyes slid from the copy-nin to his brother and Naruto who were still looking at them in curiosity, obviously wondering what Itachi could possibly want to talk to Kakashi about and even though they would find out sooner or later anyway, Itachi wanted to give Kakashi some time to think about it before he'd be bombarded with opinions from others.
"You improved." Itachi suddenly spoke, noting the way his little brother's eyes flashed with surprise while Naruto's blue eyes widened. The Uchiha heir offered them a small smile, obviously amused by their reactions as he noted that he should pay them a visit during their training sessions every once in a while to see their progress. His eyes then slid to Naruto who, like his brother, was covered in sweat and some dirt, the dark circles under his eyes not going unnoticed by him and Itachi allowed his eyes to soften for the slightest of bits at the blonde who turned the pain into strength that he used for the better.
"You're getting closer to your goal, so keep it up."
Naruto's blue eyes snapped open wide at his words, clearly not having expected them but when he looked at the current Hokage he realized that his comment was not only meant as a compliment, but also as a motivation.
He wanted him to keep on going and know that he could still do it, even after what had happened.
Naruto's expression softened as he inclined his head, sky-blue eyes filled with gratitude as a familiar grin crept onto the jinchuuriki's lips.
"You better not get too comfortable in the Hokage's seat." Naruto told him, the teasing glint in his eyes causing Itachi to smirk in satisfaction as he looked at the blonde who was the spitting image of his very own father.
Itachi's eyes then slid back to his brother, earning a small nod from him that he realized was meant as a sign of gratitude before his eyes fell back to Kakashi who was now standing next to him and looked at Naruto with a fond expression.
"Let's go then." Kakashi said and Itachi nodded before they turned around and made their way deeper into the training grounds, their pace slow and comfortable.
After a few minutes of walking in a comfortable silence and making sure that they were at a safe distance so that Naruto and Sasuke wouldn't overhear them talk, Kakashi stopped and looked at Itachi with a solemn, yet grateful expression.
"Thanks." He said, a sigh passing his masked lips as he thought back to his blonde student. "He really needed that."
"It's only the truth." Itachi returned, though he was glad that he was able to lighten up Naruto's understandable glum mood. "He's getting closer to his goal, it's only a matter of time until he reaches it."
Kakashi nodded in agreement, although his calm expression betrayed the content he felt upon hearing it from someone else. Kakashi didn't need to tell Itachi how hard Jiraya's loss had been on Naruto, knowing that the Uchiha was very well aware of the relationship the blonde has had with the Toad Sage. Itachi was a highly perceptive shinobi who didn't give out compliments too easily, especially not as an act of pity and to hear him praise Naruto was relieving to hear.
"Yondaime-sama would be very proud of him." Itachi mumbled, a face of the past flashing in front of his mind as Kakashi's expression softened.
"He would." He agreed, the thought of his former sensei bringing up memories of a better time, a time in which Itachi and Kakashi had still been young members of Anbu. The two went way back and even though the Uchiha was rather reserved, the silver haired copy-nin still considered him one of his friends. "Well, what can I do for you?"
"I came because I'd like to propose something to you." Itachi told him, Kakashi arching a surprised brow as he looked at the Uchiha with open curiosity.
"I see." He drawled, head tilting lightly aside as he looked at Itachi whose expression gave nothing away. "And what would that be?"
"A position on the council."
At that Kakashi's second brow shot up in surprise, causing the corner of Itachi's lips to tilt upwards into a smirk. Silence followed his words as Kakashi obviously considered his proposal, his low hum echoing through the clearing before he finally spoke.
"You know that I am not too fond of spending my time arguing with old people, and I am sure that there are countless of others who'd die to be on the council." Kakashi smoothly returned, though the curious spark never left his dark eyes. "So why me?"
"I need someone I can trust."
Silence followed his words and Kakashi's brows pinched together upon hearing Itachi, noticing the way the Uchiha heir let his usual blank mask fall, his expression revealing all of his thoughts and concerns.
"I see." Kakashi mumbled in understanding as he considered Itachi's offer. He knew that becoming a member of the council would not keep him from going on missions or limit his free time in any way and even though he normally wouldn't have even considered an offer like this, he could understand Itachi's reasoning, especially after what happened with Danzo.
He needed someone with enough knowledge of the village's history and who was better suited for the position than someone who had witnessed the darker parts of it himself first hand?
"I don't expect an answer right away." Itachi told him, knowing that Kakashi probably needed some time to think it over but when the silver-haired male merely waved his hand, Itachi lifted a surprised brow.
"I'll do it." Kakashi agreed with a sigh, already knowing that even if he would think it over he wouldn't be able to reject the position. Itachi's reasons were understandable just like his concerns were valid and if Kakashi were honest with himself, he himself couldn't think of anyone he'd trust enough for the position.
"Thanks, Kakashi." Itachi mumbled, dark eyes flashing with gratitude as he felt a small burden getting lifted off his chest. Now that Kakashi was willing to be part of the council, Itachi found himself more at ease knowing that he had one of the people closest to him take over Danzo's position.
"It's easier to suffer together than alone." Kakashi good-naturedly returned as he gave Itachi's shoulder a small pat, the Uchiha's lips turning into a smile as he looked at the copy-nin, the truth his words held assuring Itachi more than he realized.
"I won't keep you any longer, then." Itachi said, intending to return to the Hokage Tower to resume with some paper-work but Kakashi was faster.
"How about you join us for a fight?"
Itachi's brow shot up in surprise at the offer, clearly caught off guard before Kakashi elaborated. "I think the boys could use someone whose fighting they're not familiar with." A smirk then formed beneath his mask. "Besides, I think you could use it as well."
Itachi considered his offer, not as opposed to the idea as he thought he'd be and to receive the opportunity to engage his little brother as well as the blonde Jinchuuriki in a battle sounded quite tempting as well.
He didn't have to voice his answer for Kakashi to get it and together, the two males made their way back towards the clearing that they'd left the other two at.
"Kakashi-sensei, you're back!" Naruto called as he noticed them, confusion flashing in Sasuke's eyes as he noticed that his brother returned as well instead of leaving.
"There's a small change of plans." Kakashi announced as he stopped at a good distance from the duo, his cheery tone causing Naruto to look at him in confusion before Kakashi explained. "Instead of all three against each other it will now be you two against us."
A long moment of silence followed his words before Naruto finally broke it with a confused shout. "You want me to fight against asshole's brother?"
Sasuke didn't even seem to hear Naruto calling him an asshole as his surprised eyes fell on Itachi who held his gaze with a smirk from where he stood next to Kakashi. He couldn't remember the last time he'd sparred with Itachi since most of the time he was either busy with missions, Anbu business or now, Hokage business.
To say that he disliked the idea of proving his brother just how much his strength and power increased however, would have been a lie.
"Well, in order to not blow up the entire village we'll do this without using the Sharingan or the Kyuubi's chakra." Kakashi declared, his usual eye-crinkle in place as he looked at his students. "Deal?"
"Deal." This time it was Sasuke who spoke, dark orbs fixed on Itachi whose eyes flashed with amusement at his brother's obvious anticipation of the battle.
Naruto's head whipped to the side to look at Sasuke in surprise but the young Uchiha was already getting into his fighting stance, leaving his blonde teammate utterly confused before he dropped his shoulders with a huge sigh.
"Sakura-chan will kill us once we're done." Naruto muttered, wincing at the thought of how the pinkette would give them an earful while she patched them up at the hospital after the battle was over because considering whom they were up against, they were bound to end up there.
Itachi, who managed to pick up the blonde's mutter, allowed his smirk to deepen, the thought of her getting all riled up once she realized what they had done enough to fuel his motivation.
"Ready?" Kakashi asked as he glanced at Itachi who in return nodded before he looked at Naruto and Sasuke who mimicked his action, though the blonde seemed rather hesitant.
The copy-nin's eye crinkled as he felt the tension on the battle field palpably grow, knowing that this would turn out to be an interesting fight indeed.
"Go."
All four disappeared in a blur as they charged at one another, Itachi noting with a smirk that Sasuke instantly dove for him as he grabbed one of his kunai and met Sasuke's sword halfway, his younger brother's eyes shining with determination while Itachi's flashed with amusement.
The sharp hiss of the two weapons clashing echoed through the clearing before Itachi moved a step back and lifted his leg to kick Sasuke who blocked it with his sword but the moment he did Itachi's other leg shot up and hit him right in the jaw, knocking him a step back.
Itachi left him no time to rest and jumped up in the air, grabbing the back of Sasuke's shirt in the process and lifting him in the air before slamming him harshly onto the ground below.
Sasuke let out a grunt as his body collided with the grass before a growl passed his lips and he swiftly moved onto his knees, forming a set of seals just as the bright lightening engulfed his hand.
"Chidori!" Sasuke called as he dashed towards Itachi who eyed his hand with interest before he as well moved, once again meeting Sasuke halfway.
Sasuke's hand went for his shoulder but before it could connect with it Itachi moved on the heal of his foot and twirled around, barely aware of the sudden signature behind him as he formed a series of seals and placed his fingers to his lips before he blew.
The bright flames filled the clearing as Itachi jumped back but just as they were about to fade did a flash of blonde enter his vision. Itachi's eyes narrowed as he felt the air next to him shift and he moved just in time to dodge a punch that Naruto aimed at him, sidestepping it before he dodged the blonde's leg that came for his head.
The same instant he dodged the kick however he felt Sasuke's signature appear to his left but before he could move out of the way a flash of silver appeared behind his little brother before he got hurled against the closest tree.
"I am still here you guys." Kakashi called with feigned hurt at them going for Itachi who shot him an amused smirk as he straightened.
"Sorry sensei!" A voice behind him suddenly called and Itachi spun around just in time to catch Naruto's fist with his hand, the blonde shooting him a grin before he realized his mistake and too late felt Sasuke return to land a kick to his ribs.
Itachi was forced aside but he didn't release Naruto's fist whose expression fell at the realization before he threw him against the nearest tree, a shout of surprise escaping him but as his body hit the trunk he disappeared into a puff of smoke, causing Itachi to smirk before he turned his head to narrowly avoid the kunai that came for his head from his right before Sasuke entered his vision once more and swung his sword at him.
Itachi channeled chakra into his hands to grab its blade without injuring himself and yanked it towards him before kicking Sasuke in the chest, forcing his little brother a few steps back as Itachi released his sword while the younger's eyes narrowed in annoyance.
Sasuke once more disappeared into a flash but Itachi already anticipated his next move and caught his ankle from where his foot almost collided against the back of his head.
What he didn't anticipate however was for him to suddenly turn into a piece of wood and before he could doge his attack Itachi felt a sharp pain in his side.
His eyes snapped to the side to catch Sasuke's smug smirk before he jumped a safe distant away, the tip of his sword covered in blood as Itachi's hands found the now bleeding injury with surprise.
"It seems like you did grow stronger after all, little brother." Itachi admitted as he straightened from his crouch, onyx eyes flashing dangerously as his smirk once more returned to his lips. "Let's see how much you improved."
With that, he charged.
X
The sound of heels clicking against the marble floor of the hospital was all the warning they got before the door crashed open to reveal a visibly pissed Sakura that made everyone in the room freeze, the nurse that meekly stood behind her looking rather nervous as the medic took in the sight that greeted her.
Sitting on the patients bench were Naruto and Sasuke, the blonde sporting a blue eye and a bruised jaw while Sasuke was holding his arm, the long gash on his forehead dripping with blood while Kakashi was seated on the small rolling chair next to them and Itachi was leaning against the cupboard that was filled with medical supplied next to him.
Naruto attempted to shoot her a grin but winced right after before he elbowed Sasuke who in return grunted in pain as Naruto shot him a glare.
"Told you it'd be a bad idea!" The blonde hissed as Itachi smiled at the blonde and Kakashi decided that it'd be best if he took care of the situation.
"Ah, Sakura-chan." He cheerfully greeted but Itachi could have sworn that the copy-nin stiffened when burning emerald eyes fell on him. "As you can see, training got a bit out of hand."
"A bit?" She gritted out through clenched teeth before her eyes briefly flickered to Itachi and her anger turned into irritation before the realization of what happened hit her.
Oh they had to be kidding her.
"You four fought each other?" She asked in disbelief, earning a sheepish smile from Kakashi as Naruto scratched his head and Sasuke pointedly avoided her eyes. Itachi seemed to be the only one unbothered by her rage and if anything, seemed rather amused by it as he watched the pinkette walk over to Naruto and Sasuke to examine their wounds.
"I told him that it was a bad idea." Naruto mumbled in his defense as Sakura moved his hair out of his face to get a good look at his gradually swelling eye, lips pursed into a thin line before she gently grabbed his chin and tilted it up to get a better look at the bruise on his jaw.
"How many times have I told you guys not to overdo it?" She scolded as she moved on to Sasuke, frown deepening as she gently reached out to pull his arm towards her, his wince confirming her suspicion that it was broken.
"Sorry." Naruto and Sasuke muttered in unison, much to Itachi's amusement but his smirk dropped the second her burning eyes fell on his, the disapproval on her face clearly evident as she planted her hands on her hips.
"How could you two even allow it to get this far?" She demanded to know as she looked between Kakashi and him, the copy-nin glancing at Itachi for help who in return arched his brow at Kakashi's hesitance.
"I wanted to see how much they progressed since your last mission as three." Itachi smoothly returned, leaving out the part where Kakashi invited him to battle them and Sasuke more than obviously challenged him. "They did well."
Itachi noticed Sasuke and Naruto perking up at his comment but kept his eyes fixed on Sakura who still seemed not too pleased but otherwise remained silent, merely looking at him as if trying to read him.
The pinkette eventually sighed and removed her hands from her hips to rub her temples before she turned to look at Naruto and Sasuke with a frown.
"Next time I'll make it two blue eyes and two broken arms." Sakura snapped before she glanced at the duo behind her with narrowed eyes. "Did you two get hurt?"
Kakashi and Itachi simultaneously shook their heads but Sakura wasn't as naive as to believe them and looked back at Naruto with expectant eyes.
"Kakashi sensei was limping on our way back." He instantly said, earning a disapproving frown from said sensei but Naruto returned it with an apologetic smile. There was no way he would lie to Sakura, he had learned that first hand the painful way.
Sakura then turned to look at Sasuke whose brows were pinched together as he thought back to their battle. "I don't know if he got any injuries but I did land a couple of hits."
Itachi's eyes sharpened as he shot his brother a sharp look and he could have sworn that he saw the ghost of a smirk hover on Sasuke's lips as Sakura's frown deepened.
"Where?"
"Ribs and shoulder."
Sakura glanced over her shoulder just in time to catch Itachi's glare directed at his brother before it disappeared the instant he caught her eye. Sakura didn't waste any time and stomped towards the Uchiha, expression set as she stopped right in front of him.
"Which shoulder?" She asked him but Itachi merely remained silent, causing her emerald eyes to spark with irritation before she reached out to place both of her hands onto his shoulders and the moment her hand squeezed his left, he flinched.
"Left one it is then." She muttered, eyes snapping up to catch his light frown with an arched brow.
She didn't even bother to ask which side of his ribs Sasuke hit, knowing that she would receive no answer anyway and within the split of a second she pulled him forwards by the front of his shirt and pulled it up.
She could practically feel the others surprised glances and ignored the light gasp from the nurse that accompanied her as her trained eyes took in the damage that greeted her.
A large purple bruise covered the lower part of his rib-cage, a shallow cut right below it causing her brows to furrow in surprise before her eyes snapped back up to his dark ones.
Did he really think he could get away with that?
"Oi, teme, you really did manage to hit him?" Naruto called with a surprised grin whereas Sasuke smirked, clearly proud of himself.
"I should really break your other ribs for trying to hide it from me, Uchiha." Sakura muttered, the threat only half-hearted as she caught sight of the small smirk on his lips.
"It's nothing big." He mumbled as an attempt to dismiss it but Sakura's frown deepened, her lips pursed into a thin line.
"Nothing big?" She scoffed in disapproval as she lifted his shirt a bit higher so that he as well could see the extend of the damage Sasuke and Naruto caused. "This doesn't look too good to me."
Itachi merely remained silent and locked his eyes with hers, enjoying the way they sparked with anger while Sakura huffed.
"Don't look at me like that, it won't help you." The pinkette dryly told him as she released his shirt but Itachi merely tilted his head lightly aside.
"I recall that it did worked rather well last time." He returned, velvet voice holding the smallest teasing hint as Sakura suddenly thought back to the day he told her that he planned to make her his.
Her eyes widened for the smallest of bits before she narrowed them, well aware of the curious stares that the others shot her at the rather familiar way they interacted with one another while Itachi seemed smug.
Sakura shot him a look that would have made others cower in fear but apparently only fueled his amusement before she turned around to look at the wide-eyed nurse that had watched the exchange with obvious surprise with a stern expression.
"Yuna, please get Shizune so that she can help me heal these idiots." Sakura told her and the nurse swiftly nodded and left. Sakura stepped away from Itachi and made her way back to Naruto and without another word started to heal him, focused on the task at hand while the blonde conversed with Kakashi, Itachi and Sasuke occasionally joining in.
When Sakura was done healing Naruto and moved on to heal Sasuke she heard the door open and briefly glanced up to see Shizune enter with an amiable smile.
"You called?" She asked Sakura who shot her a small smile and nodded her head to Kakashi.
"Could you please take a look at his leg? It looks like he sprained his ankle." Sakura told her before she turned her eyes back to Sasuke's broken arm, eyes reflecting the green light that engulfed her hands as she frowned in concentration. " And check his right arm."
She didn't need to look to know that Kakashi's eyes widened with surprise, most likely wondering how she managed to find out but Sakura's lips merely curled upwards into a smug smirk.
She knew her boys well enough to notice whenever something was off and judging by the way Kakashi's right arm seemed stiff, he tried to hide his pain.
"Of course." Came Shizune's warm reply as she turned to look at Kakashi with a smile. "Follow me."
Kakashi stood with a sigh before he reluctantly left with the brunette to the examination room next door, leaving Sakura to heal Sasuke's arm as Naruto and Itachi watched her work.
The room was filled with a comfortable silence and after a few minutes Sakura finally pulled back from her raven-haired friend, a small smile on her lips as she looked at him, obviously proud of her work.
"All done." She told him, her chakra fading as she took a step back. "No training for the next two days and after that, I don't want you to overdo it, clear?"
"Crystal." Naruto returned, his blue eye now only slightly bruised as he shot her her his usual grin and hopped off the examination table.
Sasuke followed suit, his eyes finding his brothers who merely gave him a nod at the silent question in his eyes.
"Let's go dobe." Sasuke said, earning a confused look from Naruto before he found himself getting dragged out of the room.
"Thanks Sakura-chan!" Naruto called over his shoulder before he looked at Itachi, smile never leaving his lips as he added. "Let's have a rematch one day."
Sakura's eyes darkened in warning but before she could say anything, Itachi was faster.
"I think that that can be arranged." He returned and with one last smile directed at the duo Naruto and Sasuke left the room, leaving Sakura and Itachi alone.
The pinkette let out a heavy sigh before she looked at Itachi, brows furrowed as she nodded her head towards the examination table.
Itachi did as told and moved over to sit down, Sakura following and taking a seat on the small rolling chair that Kakashi had previously occupied.
"Shirt off." She ordered, a strange sense of deja-vu overcoming her as she watched Itachi remove his shirt without hesitation, seemingly knowing better than to rile her up any further.
Sakura let out a small hum as she once more caught sight of the bruise, brows pinched together in concentration before she allowed her chakra to flow to her hands and placed her palms gently against the bruise.
"You really need to stop getting yourself injured." Sakura muttered, eyes never leaving his bruise as she felt his gaze on her as she worked.
"It's not as unpleasant knowing that you're the one healing them." He smoothly returned, deep velvet voice causing her chest to warm as she fought the smile that played on her lips.
"You're really too much." She mumbled, though there was only warmth in her voice and not even a moment later did she feel him gently grasp her chin and tilt it upwards so that she would meet his gaze.
The way onyx eyes softened in silent question caused the pinkette to shoot him a reassuring smile. She knew that he was worried about her after her little break-down the morning after Jiraya's death but she was slowly starting to get better, the small ache in her chest still present but not as prominent as before.
It helped that he stayed with her that day. They had spent most of the day in bed with him simply holding her, providing her with the comfort she didn't even realize she so desperately needed and for that, Sakura was beyond grateful.
She had last seen him yesterday morning at the funeral and even though its only been a day ever since, she had to admit that she had missed him.
She was slowly becoming used to having him around and when she woke this morning she found herself disappointed at not having him beside her, his familiar warmth replaced by a coldness that irked her.
"I missed you."
The words left her lips before she realized it, her voice barely above a whisper as she took in his softening expression. In the next moment Itachi leaned forwards to capture her lips into a chaste kiss, his lips softly brushing against hers before he pulled back so that their noses were touching, onyx eyes shining warmly as he looked at her.
"I'm sorry." He apologized, thumb tenderly brushing over her chin. "I tried to drop by after work, but there was too much to take care of."
Sakura's lips curled into a smile at his unexpected apology, warmth flooding her at his touch. "It's fine, I fell asleep as soon as I got home anyways."
Itachi looked at her for a moment longer, gaze intense as he looked into her eyes as if he searched for something and when Sakura realized what it was, her smile lightened.
"I am fine, Itachi." She assured him. "Really."
Itachi seemed not fully convinced but eventually leaned back, his hand leaving her chin and allowing her to focus on healing him once more.
A comfortable silence filled the room as Sakura worked on healing him, her low humming as she worked making Itachi look at her with a fond smile.
It took her twenty minutes until she was done fully healing him and as soon as she removed her hands from his shoulder she pushed her chair slightly back to look up at him with a small smile.
"All done." She chirped as she handed him his shirt that he wordlessly accepted before he put it back on, Sakura unable to stop herself from taking in the way his abs flexed when he did so.
Damn him and his attractiveness.
She swiftly averted her eyes once he pulled it over his head and stood up before he followed suit. "Back to the office?" She guessed and Itachi nodded, although his eyes lost some of their spark when he did. Sakura smirked at his obvious displeasure, a part of her pitying him for being stuck in that room for the better part of the day but in the end, he took it upon himself. "I'll walk you out."
She didn't wait for his answer and moved towards the small table next to the entrance door to grab a chart that she had previously placed on it before she opened the door, glancing briefly over her shoulder to see that he was looking at her with warm eyes.
Sakura couldn't help but mirror his expression as she held the door open, rosy lips tilted upwards into a smile.
"Are you coming?"
Itachi regarded her for a moment longer before he gave her a curt nod and exited the room, Sakura following behind before she matched his pace.
The two made their way back to the reception hall in a comfortable silence and once there, Sakura headed for the reception desk with a smile. "Tsuki, could you please file this away?"
The young blonde shot Sakura a smile as she accepted the file, eyes briefly widening in surprise when she noticed whom she was accompanied by before she nodded. "Of course, Haruno-san."
"Thank you." Sakura replied with an amiable smile before she turned around to look at Itachi, emerald eyes sparking with a teasing glint. "Well, looks like you're finally freed of me."
Itachi smirked, noting that some of the nurses at the reception desk were obviously listening in on them with curious expressions. "When does your shift end?"
Sakura turned to look at her wrist-watch, a hum passing her lips before she spoke. "In five hours. Why?"
Her heart skipped a beat when Itachi took a step forward so that their chests were brushing, his smirk deepening at the surprise that flashed in her eyes before he reached out a hand and gently placed it onto the back of her head.
"I'll see you then." He mumbled before he leaned forwards to gently brush his lips against her temple, causing the pinkette's breath to hitch in surprise at the unexpected gesture.
He then stepped back with a smile, satisfied with the dumbfounded expression on her face before he turned around and left without as much as a glance back.
Sakura watched him go with her lips slightly parted, blinking as the realization of what he had just done hit her.
But most importantly, where he had done it.
It was then that she snapped out of her trance and heard the nurses behind her whisper furiously, her stomach sinking as she realized that they had witnessed the scene and by tomorrow, the entire hospital would know.
Sakura clenched her fists before she stomped her foot, frustration filling her as she didn't know whether she should cry or go after him and break his nose as payback.
"Damn you, Uchiha!"
X
Tsunade looked up when the door to her office flew open and revealed a clearly annoyed Sakura, the pinkette not even bothering to ask if she could enter as she closed the door behind her and made her way over to slump down onto the love-seat that was placed in the corner of her room.
"Good afternoon to you too." Tsunade dryly returned as she leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms above her chest at the groan she received from Sakura in return, honey orbs sparking with mild curiosity as she looked at her protegee. "What got you in such a fine mood today?"
Sakura covered her face with her hands, the whine that passed her lips muffled as Tsunade arched a brow. Whatever it was that was on her mind seemed to be interesting enough if it managed to put her into such a mood and even though Tsunade didn't appreciate her just barging into her office, she could use the distraction.
Eventually, Sakura removed her hands from her face and instead rested them onto her stomach, expression helpless as she looked at the Godaime.
"How long does it take for hospital gossip to spread?" She asked and Tsunade's lips curled upwards into a smirk, already suspecting what, or rather who this was about.
"Depends." The blonde returned in a drawl. "Where did it happen?"
"Reception desk." Sakura returned, groaning when she saw the smirk on Tsunade's lips turn into a light grin.
"Give or take, two hours." She said, crossing one leg over the other as she watched Sakura stare at the ceiling in defeat. "Let me guess, Itachi?"
"Who else." She darkly muttered, brows furrowed as her lips pursed into a thin line. "Are they all so arrogant or did I just managed to get the most smug one?"
"They're all the same." Tsunade easily returned before she tilted her head aside and looked at the pinkette in amusement. "Didn't think you'd be all whiny about the most powerful shinobi of the village showing you some affection in front of others."
Sakura's eyes snapped to blonde, the annoyance in them clearly visible as Tsunade's smirk deepened. "He did it on purpose because he knew that everyone would talk and I would be annoyed by it-hence my annoyance."
The Godaime snickered from where she was seated behind her desk. "You two really are the perfect match."
Sakura shot her a dry look before she rolled onto her side to look at Tsunade, hands folded under her cheek from where it rested against the love-seats back. "Are there any interesting surgeries to do that will save me from hearing the nurses whisper for the next hours?"
"If there were, I would have already taken them for myself." Tsunade told her, earning a pout from Sakura before her honey eyes turned curious. "Didn't you want to run some tests on the blood sample we took from Jiraya?"
Sakura tensed as she looked at Tsunade, hoping that her surprise at her suddenly mentioning the deceased sanin didn't show. It was the first time ever since they returned with him that Tsunade actually mentioned him and even though the blonde seemed rather calm and collected, the dark shadows under her eyes told Sakura that her mentor was anything but well.
The only reason she probably was at the hospital in the first place was to drown herself in work so that she could push back the haunting thoughts that would surface whenever she was alone.
"I already did, but it will take a couple of hours for the results to return." Sakura told her, voice slightly softer than before as she took in the way Tsunade nodded, the hardness in her honey eyes returning as she averted her eyes from her to look out of the window in her office instead.
The mood palpably dropped and Sakura let out a small sigh before she decided to break the tense silence that filled the room. "I do have a theory though."
Tsunade's eyes once more fell on Sakura before she arched a blonde brow. "Do tell."
Sakura thinned her lips as she straightened, expression serious as she thought back to the research she had done for the past two days. "Orochimaru was able to use my DNA to create new scalpels and masked them with another foreign chakra signature, preventing me from being able to heal the one who was hit by it because my modified chakra rejected mine." She paused, allowing her words to sink in before she continued. "I think that maybe that's exactly what we have to do to protect ourselves."
Silence followed her words as Tsunade frowned, realizing what Sakura was getting at. "You want to inject them a modified version of their chakra to nullify the chakra of the scalpels."
"The blood tests should help us find out how exactly Orochimaru managed to modify my chakra." She explained, and judging by the way Tsunade's expression turned thoughtful she obviously considered her theory. "It's the key to keeping the chakra solid and once we figured it out, we'll be able to immunize our men against that attack."
Silence followed her words as Sakura carefully watched her mentor's expression, the blonde's forehead creased as she kept her eyes fixed on the window.
After some long moments passed, Tsunade finally spoke. "It could work, but we'll have to wait until the results are out."
Sakura's lips curved up into a relieved smile, glad to hear that Tsunade was agreeing with her as she caught her solemn honey orbs that now returned to look at her.
"I want you to notify me as soon as you find anything. If you are right and the key is the foreign chakra surrounding the chakra that the scalpels are made of, we may have found a way to considerably weaken Orochimaru and his men." Tsunade said, voice firm as Sakura nodded, inwardly hoping that she was right so that such an incident wouldn't happen a second time.
Before Sakura was able to say anything else on the matter a shout suddenly sounded from the hallway and the pinkette frowned before she stood up and made her way to the door, Tsunade following behind before she stepped out of the office to see what the commotion was about.
"Sakura-sama!" She heard one of the male nurses call in return, eyes fixed on something behind her and when Sakura felt the air behind her shift she swiftly whirled around and grabbed the kunai just as it was about to bury itself into her forehead.
Now that was unexpected.
"What's going on?" She heard Tsunade bellow as she lowered the Kunai and finally caught sight of the fist fight in the broad hallway a few meters behind her, the dozen of men that were punching and kicking one another causing her brow to tick.
They obviously didn't hear Tsunade or were too focused on the fight to care and when Sakura glanced at the Godaime and caught her honey orbs already looking at her Sakura's frown deepened.
The pinkette swiftly tied her long pink hair up into a high ponytail as the Godaime rolled up her long sleeves, lips pursed in annoyance.
"Don't you dare get hit, Haruno. I don't feel like stitching you up." Tsunade told her, causing her to smirk as she looked at the bloody fight.
This was going to be fun.
X
Itachi entered the cell with an impassive expression, the screeching sound of the door behind him getting closed by the two guards echoing through the room before silence once more fell.
The Uchiha heir looked at the male that was seated on the small metal bed that was attached on the wall with dangerous, dark eyes. He seemed even worse than he usually did, his dark hair tousled and the lines on his face deeper and more prominent as his lips were curled downwards into a clearly displeased frown.
"Shimura." Itachi called, voice hard as he gazed down at the male who tensed upon hearing his voice. "There are some things that I would like to know."
Danzo merely looked at him in silence, his frown not leaving his face before he eventually averted his eyes from Itachi and turned his head aside to fix them on the wall to his right instead, causing the Hokage to frown.
It seemed like he was only making it unnecessarily more complicated and Itachi was not in the mood to spend the remainder of the evening in a cell with Danzo, trying to get him to talk.
"You know of the missing shinobi that are getting abducted when on patrol." Itachi spoke, voice hard as his gaze sharpened. It wasn't a question, rather a statement and when Danzo's frown deepened Itachi allowed his eyes to bleed crimson, the temperature in the room palpably dropping. "Answer."
Danzo eventually turned his gaze back to Itachi, though he seemed anything but pleased. "He does have to run his test on some." He said, voice raspy as Itachi's frown deepened,
So he was right and Orochimaru really was the one behind the abduction, the mere knowledge that his men were being used as labor rats causing the blood in his veins to boil as his orbs darkened. "Tell me where the hideout is."
The corner of Danzo's lips twitched at the demand, his one hand resting on his lap and Itachi noticed how his previously Sharingan covered arm was absent with mild content.
So they did what he told them to after all.
"How are you so sure that I know where it is?" The former council member challenged but when Itachi suddenly appeared in front of him and grabbed him harshly by the throat he stiffened, crimson eyes burning as they looked at him.
"I won't repeat myself." Itachi menacingly muttered, causing Danzo to frown as he obviously weighted his options. Most believed him dead, Orochimaru most likely one of the ones that did after hearing of the ambush and the explosion so even if he told him, the snake sanin would be unable to harm him.
He knew that the Uchiha heir wouldn't hesitate and kill him if he gave him a reason to and even though he didn't fear death, he didn't feel like getting tortured by the Sharingan.
So eventually, he spoke.
"It's in Sound." He croaked out, feeling the air slowly run out of his lungs as he squeezed his eyes shut. "It's the main one, but I just know that it's somewhere close to the border."
Itachi searched his eyes for any signs of a lie but when he found none he released his hold on him and took a step back, leaving Danzo to gasp for air.
"Tell me anything else you know of." He demanded, watching as Danzo shot him a dirty glare from where he held his throat with his only remaining hand.
"I just know that they plan to ambush the borders at the end of the month." Danzo told him, voice rough as he massaged his throat to get rid of the pain in it. "Madara plans on taking the kyuubi then and wants Orochimaru to be prepared for the extraction, hence the abductions."
Itachi's eyes darkened at the piece of information and even though he had already known that they'd eventually try to get Naruto, he didn't expect them to do so this soon. It was just the beginning of the month so that left them with some time to come up with a plan to take them down and yet, Itachi knew better than to fully trust Danzo's words.
He would look into it himself.
Without another word Itachi turned on his heel and left the cell, set on finding a way to ensure the safety of his men.
And Madara's downfall.
X
The plot thickens and it's starting to get serious! What do you guys think? I hope you liked it and if you did, please drop me a review!;)
See you next chapter!
Loves,
Sara