A/N: Hey people! Thanks for reviewing the past chapter. I'm glad you like it. The previous chapter was actually translated from my parlance. Nay! So hard… Sorry for the long wait. (I think that's long, because I usually update during weekends.) Anyway, here's chapter 19. Hope you'll like it. Enjoy reading!
CHAPTER 19:
THE PERIOD OF TEARS: THE CONFRONTATION BEGINS
I woke up from the sound of clattering footsteps in the stairs. It was light, but it was dragging his feet as if there's something wrong. The clattering became louder as it gets near to the door.
I embraced the pillow next to me. It was been two days since Itachi have gone away and went back to Akatsuki. I already missed him. He told me he'll finish a business at Akatsuki, then he'll return to Konoha to pay for all the things he have done before. He was now looking for redemption from all the faults he had made.
"Subaru-chan, wake up!" I saw Sakura suddenly burst in the door.
"What's wrong, Sakura? Can't you see I'm still sleeping?" I said I slowly opened from my eyes to see Sakura.
She was catching her breath. Her eyes were under the glint of anxiety and fear. There's something wrong. I slowly sat up from the bed and asked her with my sleepy tone.
"Sakura, is there something going on?" I asked.
"The Akatsuki… there are now here!" Sakura blurted.
My eyes widened in surprise. They've arrived earlier than what we expected! Tsunade-sama predicted that they'd arrive or attack during the nighttime. But, surprise! It was early in the morning, and I haven't even perfected the reverse Jutsu yet!
"Are you sure about that, Sakura?" I asked her. I gently rose from my bed and slowly walked to Sakura.
She nodded. I bit my lip as I started contemplating about the situation. I really didn't know how to react on her news. I suddenly remembered Sasuke.
"Ah, Sakura. Can I ask where is Sasuke at this very moment?"
"Uh, probably… any moment now he's on the park. He might be training himself there."
"Possible reason, but he also might be thinking of killing Itachi any moment he wish to."
"What do you mean?"
"Sakura, Itachi is still a member of Akatsuki."
"Huh? But, I thought you'd convince him to turn away from that group!"
"I did… but it was no use. He was too dedicated in finishing his business with Akatsuki."
"How about you?"
I suddenly glanced at the mirror hanging on the wall. I saw a trace of doubt and fear in my face. I still didn't know if Itachi's plan would be for good or for bad. I can't easily read his expressions, but I know he was hiding something from me.
I felt a sudden rush of electricity running to my veins. I remembered that Itachi would be with the first batch of Akatsuki who will arrive. I looked at Sakura with a breath hanging to be released.
"What's wrong, Subaru-chan?" She asked worriedly.
"Itachi… did anyone see Itachi with them?"
"No. No one in the ANBU squad saw him. They predicted that Itachi might be part of a secret attack that Akatsuki will be blowing to us."
"That would be a possibility."
"Ah… Subaru-chan… Tsunade-sensei also wants to see this morning."
"Tsunade-sama?"
"Yes. She told me she would like to talk to you."
"Alright. I'll be coming. I'll just fix myself."
I was about to close the door when Sakura stopped me from doing it. Her eyes were full of anxiety… and even fear. She was thinking twice if she'll spill out what she wanted to say. So, I decided to ask her.
"What is it?"
"Do you think… Sasuke-kun will be alright?"
I placed my left hand on Sakura's shoulder. I smiled sincerely and told her.
"I'm sure he'll be fine. Trust me."
"I know he trusts you a lot, Subaru-chan."
Yes. Sasuke trusted me a lot… even the security of his best friend – Naruto. I knew how much these two lads had been competing to each other. But, deep inside their hearts underlies sincerity and interest in both of them. Naruto manifested his concerns visibly. But, Sasuke did it in other way around. He never manifested it that obviously. You have to read between his actions just to understand. Really a sneaky guy… secretive and quiet.
"I'll try my best to talk with Sasuke." I uttered.
Sakura suddenly embraced me. She was crying. She was shedding tears because of happiness and anxiety. Such a brave girl, I thought. She was never afraid of getting into pain and suffering despite that it was the one she loves that can hurt her very much.
Sakura was a refined and vulnerable girl. But she was expressive, intelligent and notable. I like her sense of tranquility and sincerity that she shows to her friends and people close to her heart. She was not afraid to cry and show her feelings. She was strong to stand firm in the midst of a struggle. Maybe, that's why I trusted Sakura in telling her my feelings. She's more than an emotive lady. She cries because she cares.
"Better go now, Sakura. Kakashi might be waiting for you. You should also help others out there. They need a strong and intelligent kunoichi like you." I smiled.
Sakura slowly unlocked her arms around me. She slowly wiped her tears and looked at me. There were still traces of wetness in her cheeks so I wiped them away. I gave her a heartfelt but weak smile.
"Thank you." Sakura said while she slowly closed the door.
I sighed. I slowly slide down myself to the door. I can feel a heavy burden in my heart. It was aching. It was too much to handle. I buried my hands to my face and silently cried.
My tears were gushing from my eyes. I can feel the sudden rush of blood in my veins as I thought of the things that might happen. I wasn't really ready for this… I wasn't.
I was still weak… stubborn and coward. I never faced any fight before. In my entire life, I kept on running away from the reality. I always ran away from the things that I could get myself wounded or scarred. Everything was too much to take. I didn't know if I'd be that strong for this.
I suddenly heard a squeal. People screaming outside… screaming for their lives and footsteps banging the ground. The war had started…
My weeping became more anguish. I suddenly remembered my past. There were also people who were screaming while my family was slowly being wiped out from the entire earth. I could just easily see everything in my mind. It was like watching a movie… repeating the scenes all over again. The emotions were still here. Fresh and unfeigned. I was now sobbing.
I didn't want another holocaust to happen in front of me. I wasn't that strong enough to face this. Maybe, I should have just runaway and leave this place.
But I suddenly remember Itachi's promise buzzing in my mind.
"… This is too much I can handle…" I whispered between my sobs.
----------+----------
I paced my stride in the corridor of Tsunade-sama's office. I saw different kind of ninjas passing by my sight. I stopped at the red big door. Behind was the office of Godaime Hokage – Tsunade.
I slowly opened the door. My hands were shivering and my whole body was trembling. I didn't know the reason why I was acting this way. I slowly stepped inside the room. I was surprised when Shizune, Tsunade-sama's assistant yelled my name.
"Subaru-chan!"
I looked up urgently to Shizune. She was running to my direction. She suddenly held my hand and dragged immediately at the desk of Tsunade-sama.
"Tsunade-sama, Subaru-chan is already here."
Tsunade-sama was staring at the view. The view can be clearly seen through that glass window. She looked at Shizune. Her hazel brown eyes shining in courage and hope, but at the same time…
… I saw fear.
"Thank you. Shizune, leave us alone."
Shizune bowed down and slowly paced her way out of the room. Now, I was alone with Tsunade-sama. The silence was quite uncomfortable. The sense of disarray was stirring with the tranquility of the place. I knew how confuse and shock Tsunade-sama was.
"You've heard the news right?" Tsunade-sama said. She gently sat at the chair near her desk.
"I did. Sakura-chan told it to me. Where did the ANBU spot them?" I asked.
"Near the village square. An ANBU reported to me that there are three Akatsuki in that place. They have a speculation that the other members are already also here. They might be anywhere."
"I see."
"I requested for your presence here, because Naruto asked to."
"Naruto?"
"Yes. He doesn't want you to fight."
"That darn kid! I'll get him."
"He is so much worried about your situation. He told me that this war is dangerous for you."
"Stupid kid…" I blurted. "Since when in my life I found peace!"
"Subaru…"
"Yes?"
"One of the ANBU found this in the village square this morning."
Tsunade handed me a katana. It had black and white strips around its handle. I suddenly recognized the black tussle at the end of its handle. I suddenly felt confused and at the same time, discombobulated.
"Do you know whose katana is that?" Tsunade-sama asked.
"Itachi's… katana…"
"I see. Then the news is true."
"What news?"
"One of the Jounin doing his surveillance around the East side saw Uchiha Itachi in his Akatsuki uniform. Itachi also, was doing an observation around the place. When another Akatsuki attacked Itachi and both of them disappeared."
I suddenly closed my eyes. I gripped tightly the katana I was holding. My heart was beating faster, and my mind was blinded by hostility.
"After that…" Tsunade-sama continued. "…The Jounin followed their tracks and only to find that katana in the ground. He found no tracks left behind, except for that."
"Itachi…" I whispered.
"Naruto is also informed by this but he requested me to tell you about this, since he was busy in assisting Kakashi. Are you still willing to do the reverse jutsu?"
My eyes were still focused on the katana. There were some memories reminded to me by this katana. This sharp weapon reminded me so much of those memories I've set aside in my mind.
"Ah… Subaru…" Tsunade-sama snapped her fingers near my eyes.
I suddenly returned back to the reality, just to realize I was again reminiscing things. I looked at Tsunade-sama's face only to realize that there were hints of concern in her face.
"Ah… I-I'm sorry. Where are we?" I said. That was embarrassing, I thought.
"It's fine. I'm asking you if you're still willing to do the reverse jutsu." She answered. This time, her tone was softer and gentler.
"Yes, I am. Why?"
"Naruto told me the sacrifice you'll be making."
"I see."
The atmosphere suddenly changed. The mood was darker than before. It became more emotional and as for my case, I was again shut. My heart was shut…
"I want to make sure you'll be fine."
"Sure, I am!" I smiled. A very sincere but faint smile…
I know you'd put that mask, I said to myself. Will I ever learn to be real? Will I ever to learn to say my feelings just for once? The people around me were so much worried, and here I was, making sure everything would be fine? But, the reality is…
I was so much battle-scarred, and I didn't know if I could still manage this.
"You'll get through this, I'm sure."
Tsunade-sama suddenly held me close. Out of the blue, my eyes suddenly burst in tears. I was already sobbing. She embraced me with fragile care and concern.
"You deserve better than this."
----------+----------
I ran at the direction where I saw Hatake Kakashi. I suddenly stopped when people marching, piled up in front of me. I growled.
"Darn! Not now!" I exclaimed.
"Something wrong?" A voice familiar to me said. I looked at my back and saw Kakashi, saluting at me with his two fingers.
I noticed that the people marching was already far away now in my direction. I looked at my back, and the guy I was hunting was not there anymore. I moaned.
"Don't surprise me like that again!" I said.
"Sure, I won't! Anyway, why are you here? You suppose to be with Shizune, right?"
"Ah… supposedly. But, Tsunade-sama requested me to join the team."
"I see."
"But, I'm not here for the team. I'm looking for Sasuke."
Kakashi suddenly looked away from my direction. I followed it. I looked at my side and saw Sasuke, training again with his large 'shuriken'.
"That's really a huge weapon! Thanks, anyway." I said.
"Ah, Subaru…" Kakashi retorted.
"Yes?"
"Sasuke needs you now."
"I know."
I ran at Sasuke's direction. I stopped when he caught his large 'shuriken' in his hand, effortlessly. He looked at me with eyes different from what I've seen last two days. It was filled with fear and doubt.
"Sasuke… I was here, because…" I was suddenly interrupted when he suddenly spoke out.
"Hokage-sama told you to join the team. Am I right?" he said.
"Yeah… and also to talk with you."
"Hn."
He was hiding again his emotions. The typical Sasuke with cold-hearted, complacent and insensitive behavior… I knew he was hiding something. His eyes were almost teary-eyed to describe. He gulped when I placed hands in his both shoulders.
"Tsunade-sama wants you and Naruto to protect me. But, I thought it would be also fair if I'll be also going to protect you both. In everyday, you and Naruto are always there for me. The next days will be the most unpredictable event of my life. I don't know if I would be alive and stay living for the next two years. At least, I can payback all the efforts you've done for me. I requested Tsunade-sama too, to fight in this war. Though, it'll be my first experience." I said.
"WHAT?" A voice came out of nowhere came.
It was Naruto. He heard everything that I said to Sasuke. He tugged my sleeves and I turned to him.
"You should not fight! You'll be using a lot of chakra in performing that jutsu… You'll just waste them if you fight!" Naruto uttered.
"Hey! Didn't you hear you and Sasuke would be protecting me? So, there's nothing to worry!" I said.
Both of them became quiet. Naruto bowed down and Sasuke looked at his side. I sighed.
"You got to understand my part. I know how…" I was interrupted when Sasuke suddenly embraced me. Naruto looked at me with his mellow and teary eyes. I embraced Sasuke back and placed my one hand at Naruto's left shoulder.
"It's not yet my end, it's actually the beginning. I'm here to protect and so as both of you."
Naruto wiped his tears with his sleeves. Then smiled at me with delight.
"I'll protect you even it cost my life!" He exclaimed.
"Sasuke?" I asked.
"I'll do my duty. I won't let you die now." Sasuke muttered. His face was still buried in my chest. (What!)
"It's a deal then." I smiled.
----------+----------
Konoha's gates… I was already facing them.
I stood beside Naruto, Sasuke and Neji. I was actually staring at Neji. He was actually holding a red ribbon in his right hand. It was tight. I recognized the ribbon. It was Tenten's favorite ribbon. Now, I knew why Tenten's hair was already down when I saw her this morning. Lucky Tenten…
On the other hand, I looked at my right side and found Shikamaru and Temari, with their hands interlaced with each other. Since, Akatsuki was also provoking Sunagakure, they already joined and helped Konoha. And, the Kazekage (who was also with us, Gaara.) decided to send himself, his siblings and numerous ninja who can help us.
I was suddenly disturbed by a sound of a bell in the nearby. I recognized the reverberation of the footsteps, walking closer to the gates. I found my hand touching Itachi's katana. I held it tightly as the door was slowly being opened.
I gulped. I blinked. I was even sweating.
The door opened widely. I saw three persons standing in the opening. I suddenly uttered.
"Koichi, Iyasu… and… Makoto…"
Then, a fire suddenly burst in the middle of the village.
A/N: -wipes sweat drops- Whew! And, that's chapter 19, one part of the finale. Oh yeah! Sorry… it's a cliffhanger. (Starts dodging from weapons.) I hope you like it. I even revised this chapter several times. I'm not really good at writing fight scenes, so the next chapters will totally give me a hard time. Final exam is fast approaching, so I have to finish this story before it started. Hope you've enjoyed it, and please leave a review after reading it!
Kisame: Why did you kill me?
Authoress: Because it's needed in the story, shark faced!
Kisame: Stop calling me that, freak head!
Authoress: Oh? I'm a freak head? Good thing I even give you a geisha in my story!
Kisame: That's not bad.
Authoress: Now, stop bothering me because I have a lot of things to do.
Kisame: Like…?
Authoress: Now, you give me an idea. Getting rid you! HAHAHA! (points an arrow to him)
Kisame: I'll call Itachi if you did that.
Authoress: Better call Kakashi too. If they will help you…
See you at the next chapter!
-Delusionized Hatake-
