In a forest close to Konohagakure
Itachi lay nonchalantly between two large branches in a tree. He fidgeted with his straw hat before tossing it on the ground. A soft wind gently toyed with the hat, lightly nudging it.
Itachi paid the hat no head, for he was deep in thought. He couldn't get Shiatsu out of his mind. Shiatsu…She willingly complied to help me…for the sake of that man, Kakashi… His thoughts changed to power. She may have more power than she demonstrated when we met…When combined, we could be powerful…but if we work separately, we could be deadly…I must ask of her, reveal the dark side in her heart…and see how she responds…
Tsunade's Home
Everyone was pretty much doing their own thing. Tsunade was folding origami cranes, which had become an unhealthy hobby when she considered what to do with them. Kakashi, who was wearing an origami crane crown, sat on the floor reading his favorite novel. A very bored Shiatsu trotted around the room, getting used to her body and taking a few long peeks at Kakashi's book.
Knock knock!
Everyone turned to the door, staring at it before Tsunade answered it. The black-haired boy from the fight three days ago appeared and Tsunade invited him in.
They sat in a circle around the tea table in silence. All eyes were on Sasuke. He blushed and passed a small envelope to Kakashi. Kakashi picked it up and ripped it open.
"To Mr. Hatake,
By the time you have gotten this message, I will have already died. I am requesting that since you've lost two members of your cell and I've lost one of mine, if you could teach my students, Sasuke and Minari. I hope it won't be too much trouble, my dear friend.
Asuma Sarutobi"
Kakashi trembled as he read the note and crumpled it up. He stowed it in his pocket and bid Sasuke farewell. He sighed and a small tear could be seen in the corner of his eye.
Wanting to change the subject, Tsunade said, "You know what we need? A nice cup of blueberry tea! Shiatsu, would you be a dear and fetch some berries just outside the gate? You know, by that little bush?"
Shiatsu clenched her fists and mumbled, "My parents used to make that…" before leaving.
Once she left, Tsunade frowned and said, "Poor thing…It's a shame her parents died…"
Kakashi hesitated before asking, "Godaime-sama, is there any type of kekkei-genkai in the Hirogata blood-line?" Tsunade looked confused, "Yes, there is…but they call it more of a curse. Why do you ask?"
"Well, when I overheard Shiatsu and Itachi talking, I heard Shiatsu mention that she obtained a kekkei-genkai and she used it against them…her parents…and then she became immensely powerful, more powerful than Itachi!"
A shocked look appeared on Tsunade's face.
"She's obtained that!"
"What's wrong, Godaime-sama?" asked Kakashi.
Tsunade quickly stood up and replied in a serious tone, "I have urgent business to attend to."
In the forest outside the gate
Shiatsu wandered the brush, cradling a small basket in her arms. Berries, berries, berries… she thought. Suddenly, she heard a noise and spun towards it. Nothing was there.
After a few minutes, Shiatsu came across the bush and began picking the berries off. She started to sob as she remembered her family. She wiped tears away and muttered, "Stupid parents…stupid brother…They deserved to die!"
A hand rested on her shoulder and a familiar voice followed. "They certainly did after what they tried to do to you. Wanting to kill someone just because of their power…Tragic."
What! Shiatsu quickly spun around and yelled, "You who do you think you--!"
She stopped in shock, staring into sharingans.
In a small room for a meeting
All the Jounin of the village, including Kakashi, gathered around a table, waiting for Tsunade to speak. She quickly stood from her chair and announced, "It has come to my attention that…" She paused. "That there is a girl who has obtained the curse that almost destroyed our village 25 years ago…the Hirogata Curse!"
Many of the older jounin gasped.
So that's why I didn't know of the curse! I was only a youngster! thought Kakashi.
Tsunade spoke up over the mass conversations. "The curse that has a mind of its own! A homicidal mind! Many have fallen victim to it and once it is unleashed, it can never be sealed!"
"What do you propose we do?" asked an older ninja.
"It's a Hirogata family tradition to rid of such beings, but this time, they've failed. The girl, Shiatsu, killed them once they knew. So now it is up to us…to KILL the last Hirogata!"
Back in the forest
Shiatsu gasped as Itachi stared at her. He took off his hat and his black hair glittered in the sunlight. "Hello, Shiatsu."
She let out a yelp of fright and scooted back into the bush. A kunai dagger was pulled from her pouch and was pointed at Itachi.
"If you do anything to me, I-I…I'll KILL you!" Her stuttering made Itachi chuckle.
His fingers tapped the tip of the kunai and gently brought it down. "I do not wish to harm you…I would just like to talk in private. Come."
Shiatsu hesitated. Should I trust him? But looking at his calm face changed her mind. "Alright," she said.
Itachi led her to a tree and leapt up it. Shiatsu followed and took a seat next to him, glaring. What did her want her for? What will he say?
Itachi unbuttoned the top of his coat to cool off. He spoke up. "Shiatsu, you may not know this but you and I are alike."
"…How so?" asked Shiatsu.
"Our powers…exiled….from your own family….even your own village."
"Whoa, whoa! Hey!" She became furious. "I'm not an exile!"
"Shut-up. Someone has just revealed your secret…to the whole village—"
Shiatsu had a shocked appearance and tears welled in her eyes. "No…" She scooted away from him. "It's not true...I won't believe you! You're LYING!"
Itachi grabbed her arm. "You'll see, but just to let you know, if you have no place to go…no one to turn to…I'll be waiting."
Shiatsu yanked her arm from his grasp and looked at him, scared and confused.
"I'll be waiting," he repeated.
She quickly jumped from the tree and sped towards the village.
No! It's not true! My secret's not revealed! It never will be!
Itachi frowned, remembering his own, similar past….