As always, thank you for swinging by. I truly appreciate it. I'm sure you know where this is going haha I'll try to update soon, but I might let you sit with this and suffer a bit ;) Oh and my Tumblr is Melkor-16 for anyone who is curious. I do say when I'm updating, or at least I'm trying to start using it in that way too.

Kokoa jolted in bed, nearly falling off the edge. Holding her aching head, she sat up slowly, legs dangling. For some time now there had been this feeling dwelling deep inside; a feeling that something was coming. She had no clue what it meant, or why, but she could no longer ignore it. She mentioned it to Kakashi a little while back, but he assured her she was only being paranoid. So far his words rang true, but the foreboding sensation overwhelmed her, and she couldn't bear it anymore.

"Kokoa?"

"Yo, Sasuke," she waved, walking over to him. "What are you doing?"

"I was training. I left a note, remember? You were asleep when I left. I didn't want to wake you."

"Oh? I must have missed it."

"What are you doing?"

"I was with Naruto. I treated him to a bowl of ramen. Would you like some?" she offered.

"Naruto? Why?"

"He's sweet, and I need to ask Kakashi-san something. I figured Naruto might know where he is."

"Naruto isn't sweet."

"Yes he is. He'll lift anyone's spirit. He has a gift I think," she smiled.

"Hn."

"You're sweet too, even if I'm the only one who sees it." She pushed him playfully. "And no need to get jealous. Even though I hang out with Naruto, I still like you more. Besides, he's your best friend, not some stranger."

"He is not my best friend," he pouted, turning his face.

"Yes he is, even if you refuse to admit it. You two have each other's backs even if you're always at each other's throats. Cherish your friends, Sasuke. Uzumaki Naruto will always be there for you. I know it."

"Yeah, yeah," he mumbled.

"And so will I." He looked up in surprise. "Well I have to find Kakashi. Don't hurt yourself and try not to get too dirty or trash the house."

"I won't make any promises." He watched her run off.

Kokoa searched high and low for Kakashi. He usually wasn't too hard to find, but today was proving to be difficult. Climbing up a building towards the balcony, she felt two people nearby.

"I haven't seen you in a while. How long has it been since you last visited the village?"

'Kakashi?' No mistaking it, that was Kakashi, but…who was he with?

"Kakashi," a deeper voice sounded. "I'm going to take care of Naruto. I believe Sandaime's decision to have you watch over him was wise, but you may not be able to deal with some things at the level you're at."

"What are you talking about?" Kakashi questioned. Kokoa scrunched her nose in thought. What was going on? Naruto? Not in the mood to sneak around and risk getting caught, she confronted them.

"I've been searching everywhere for you, Kakashi-san," she said. The two men faced her, both a bit surprised.

"What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to talk to you," she stated, staring at her shoes. She could feel the other man eyeing her.

"About?"

"That feeling I've been having. It's gotten worse, to the point where I'm barely sleeping. Kakashi-san, something is going to happen, I just don't know what. And please don't say I'm being paranoid. This is serious."

"Kakashi, who is this?" Jiraiya spoke. She glanced at him, stepping back in surprise. She could tell by his attire exactly who he was. Word had reached her ear that the sannin was in the village during the attack on Konoha, but this was the first time she had set eyes on him.

"You – you're Jiraiya-sama," she stammered.

"Oh, honored that such a pretty lady knows my name," he smirked. "And you are?"

"Kuroki Kokoa," Kakashi replied. Jiraiya's face softened.

"So you're Kokoa? The last time I saw you or a picture of you, your hair was much longer. I didn't recognize you. Still, a beautiful woman is a beautiful woman."

"So he knows too?" She gave Kakashi a sad look.

"Everyone knows, Kokoa. Even other villages know Itachi might have had a partner."

She sighed deeply.

"Not to be rude, Kokoa, but we were discussing something important," Kakashi explained.

"Right. I'm sorry." She started to leave.

"Hang on," Jiraiya stopped her. He gave Kakashi a look.

"What?"

"I think she deserves to know."

"To know what? Even I'm not sure what you were saying earlier," Kakashi sighed.

"Kokoa, stay. If you hear this from anyone it should be me."

"Hai." She approached the two.

"Back to what I was saying, after Orochimaru left the village, I monitored him. It was clear he was going to come back to the village one day. I just didn't know when. Anyway, I kept an eye on him."

Kokoa clenched her fists at that name. What was Orochimaru planning? Why Sasuke?

"But?" Kakashi gave him a look.

"He joined a certain organization."

"Organization? Any details about this so called organization?"

"I don't know the details, but it's called Akatsuki and consists of nine shinobi. They haven't done anything big until recently. As far as I know, they've just been gathering information, but the main problem is the members. Most of them are sly S-rank criminals in the bingo book, and…" He turned to Kokoa. "Itachi is one of those members."

Her heart dropped. Her stomach churned. She couldn't speak. All this time she thought Itachi had gone off to do his own thing, that he was alone not making a scene, but this? Akatsuki? An organization of S-rank criminal shinobi, ones who were wanted dead? She struggled to breathe. Kakashi looked away as she clawed at her neck, trying to catch her breath. Calming down just a bit, she stood in place, holding herself tight. She still hadn't said a word. She simply stared at her shoes, stunned.

"It's hard to believe that the nine of them are doing volunteer work," Jiraiya continued. "You should know where I'm going with this now," he turned back to Kakashi. "But Orochimaru left the organization recently, and right about that time the organization separated into teams of two and began traveling all over the place...collecting techniques and other things."

Kakashi flashed a worried look.

"Do you have any hard evidence that one of the things they're looking for is the Kyuubi?" he inquired, hesitant at first. Kokoa looked up slowly.

'Kyuubi? Naruto…'

"It's a possibility. That thing is one of the mystical monsters that possess the ultimate chakra. Kakashi, Naruto will have to start watching his back sooner or later. That's the fate he carries. You watch over Sasuke for now. You will have to teach him how to use the sharingan as well. I will raise Naruto for a while."

"Understood."

"Kokoa, you will have to let go of Sasuke," Jiraiya told her. "Although you and I haven't exactly met before, I know your story. Itachi left you and Sasuke. Being a friend of the boy and the lover of his older brother, you took Sasuke in. You cared for him, protected him, and allowed him to grow in ways he might not have been able to if he was on his own. You did well, and I'm sure he knows it, but things are moving. The times are changing."

"I can't just sit back and let you do everything. I can't let others dictate what I do or how I live. Not anymore," she bit her lip. "I'm not just some girl. That changed a long time ago. I'm involved with an Akatsuki member, and now with Orochimaru because of what he did to Sasuke. I'm not naïve. I won't sit back."

"For now you will have to. Itachi will come after Naruto. If you get involved you will have to make choices, Kokoa. Your friend, Naruto, or Uchiha Itachi? Judging by what I know from Kakashi and your reaction to the news he's in Akatsuki, you haven't really forgotten about him. Who would you choose, Kokoa? What would you do?" he pushed. She shook her head, unable to answer.

"Your silence is enough of an answer. I'm not judging or accusing you, but you shouldn't get involved. I will look after Naruto and do what I have to protect him and make sure he can take care of himself, and Kakashi is the only one who can teach Sasuke to use the sharingan properly. You have done enough for him. It's time to walk away."

"Walk away…" She threw a hand over her mouth as she broke out into soft crying. She left the men, rushing off the balcony. Looking down over the rails, Jiraiya spotted her on the ground, back against the wall. Her faint sobs could be heard. How did they expect her to just leave Sasuke, to let him go? How could she walk away from him? She knew how much it hurt. Itachi had done the same to her.

Kokoa spent the next few days in the house, even locked in her room for a good amount of time. Sasuke had no idea why. She wouldn't say anything, and when he asked, Kakashi said he wasn't really sure. Kokoa felt guilty. Guilty for the last thing she told Sarutobi. She was devastated. Devastated that she had to let Sasuke go. She was curious. Curious why Itachi had joined Akatsuki and what he could possibly gain from doing so.

"Kokoa? Please open the door," Sasuke pleaded while knocking. "Kokoa? It's kind of my house too. Open the door."

Nothing.

"Say something. Please?"

"I just need to be alone."

"What happened? No one knows, not even Kakashi. Did someone say something? Was it that Ryuuji guy? I'll kill him."

"No."

"Then what? You always squeeze things out of me and go out of your way for me."

"You don't owe me anything, Sasuke. I did it because I care."

"Then let me help because I care just as much," he stated.

"I can't. Please, just leave me be. I just need some time. I'll be alright."

"The amount of time you need isn't the main issue. The problem is that you're upset and you won't tell me why."

"I'll be ok."

"Kokoa?" He pressed an ear to the door. "Kokoa, come on." Nothing. He sighed, running a hand through his hair before leaving her like she asked. She felt even guiltier for keeping Sasuke in the dark about his brother and turning him away. The girl slowly went insane, but as bad as things seemed at the moment, there was no way to prepare for what was coming.

"Hm, they were able to avoid complete destruction, but it looks like the damage was great," Kisame smirked, eyeing Konoha from the top of the gate. He glanced over at Itachi.

"The village that has prospered like no other...has become pitiful."

"That's out of character. So even a person like you has an attachment to his home village?

"No. I don't." Of course that was a lie. How could Itachi ever sever the bonds he had to Konoha, to his family, to Sasuke, to Kokoa? After all this time, he still couldn't shake certain feelings, and he wondered how things would unfold as he stood there gazing out at the shattered village. He wondered if he'd cross paths with his vengeful brother. Would he set eyes on the shattered girl? He was hesitant, but Kisame was suspicious enough. He always had been. Any odd behavior would give Itachi up. He had to be cool, calm, and detached. He was part of Akatsuki after all, and Naruto was their target. They moved in.

Kakashi casually read his favorite book outside of a small dumpling shop, waiting for someone. Looking up, he spotted Yuhi Kurenai and Sarutobi Asuma heading his way.

"Yo, you two. My, my, you get along well," he teased.

"Idiot, don't be ridiculous. I'm only here because Anko asked me to buy her some dumplings," Kurenai pouted.

"So what are you doing here?" Asuma inquired.

"Well," he smiled, "I came here to buy an offering, and I'm meeting someone here." His gaze shifted to the two oddly dressed men sitting inside. "Sasuke, that is."

Gripping the cup, Itachi's finger twitched at his brother's name.

"Oh? It's unusual for you to wait for someone," Asuma commented. "Is the offering for Obito?"

"Something like that. And me waiting? I do it from time to time, although Sasuke should be here by now. I wonder if he's with Kokoa…"

Tilting his head, Itachi cracked his neck. Sasuke and Kokoa. Keeping his emotions in check was proving to be harder than he thought.

"Kakashi?" Sasuke approached him, a bit confused. "It's unusual for you to be here first."

"Like I said, it happens from time to time."

"I don't like natto or sweets," the Uchiha stated, peering inside the shop. Kisame and Itachi were gone. Kakashi flashed the other two jonin a look. Catching his message, they dashed off.

"Oh, is that so?" He returned to Sasuke, who at the moment wasn't interested in snacks. Something was up, and he knew it. Kakashi watched over Sasuke now. The boy was his responsibility even if he still lived with Kokoa. Kokoa…the Copy Ninja worried. Itachi was back; right there in Konoha. He sent Asuma and Kurenai to investigate. He prayed Kokoa stayed home today. There's no telling what she'd do if word reached her hear that her beloved Itachi was back, and he couldn't begin to imagine what she would do if they met.

Kokoa rubbed her tired eyes as she shuffled into the kitchen for some tea. Sasuke had left to meet Kakashi, leaving her alone to wallow in her guilt and sorry. She hated feeling sorry for herself and crying over everything, but it was hard to fight. It was hard to see the good in her life. How could she? She was a suspect and a girl who lost everything. It just hurt too much. If her mother and father were around, it would have been much different. If she had friends other than Kakashi, perhaps it would have been easier to smile, but she had none of that.

She stared out the window, sipping tea every once in a while. The feeling that had been bothering her for some time now, was the worst it had ever been. Downing the last of the tea, she moved off to get dressed. Something was going to happen, she was sure. She had to be ready for whatever it was, whether Orochimaru was back for Sasuke or someone planned another attack on Konoha.

"You're not from this village, are you?" Asuma inquired, confronting the two Akasuki members with Kurenai by his side. "Why did you come here?"

"It's been a while, Asuma-san, Kurenai-san," Itachi spoke, face hidden by the shadow of his hat.

"If you know us you must be a former member of this village," Asuma commented. Itachi tilted the hat, revealing the sharingan. Both jonin gasped at the sight.

"Y-you're…"

He removed the hat before unsnapping the top of his cloak.

"No doubt about it. It's Uchiha Itachi," Asuma smirked. "What brings you back? Surely you aren't here for Kokoa, not after all this time. I doubt Sasuke is a priority, considering what you did to him."

"Kokoa?" Kisame repeated. "You know these people, Itachi-san? Then perhaps I should introduce myself too. Hoshigaki Kisame. Nice to make your acquaintance."

"Hn, you're not making any friends here. I'm going to eliminate you guys right here, right now." Asuma stepped back, pulling out his blades. Itachi looked past him. No sign of Sasuke or Kokoa. Was Kakashi protecting them, or was he plotting something? Sasuke attacking his brother was understandable. If he showed, Itachi wouldn't be surprised. It was part of his plan; to have Sasuke hate him and one day take him out. But Kokoa…years ago when he first left, he spotted her still wearing the Uchiha pendant. Itachi wasn't sure how she felt about him now, years later. He wanted her to hate him, to move on and not look back, but as badly as he needed it to be so, he was also afraid of it. Sasuke was his brother. They were bound by blood. No matter what, they would always be family, but Kokoa…he was afraid of how much it would hurt if the girl who loved him most turned away.

He sighed, turning his attention back to Asuma. He had no right to be afraid or sad. He did the same to her; broke her heart and turned his back. He deserved it.

"Itachi-san, it looks like you're really hated in this village," Kisame grinned.

"Itachi, you came back after what you pulled? You have guts coming here. Perhaps you have something you forgot the last time, or someone, I should say."

"Why do they keep referring to another person, Itachi-san? First it's a Kokoa, and now someone."

"It's nothing, Kisame-san. It's no one…" He met Asuma's gaze. "Asuma-san, Kurenai-san, please do not get involved in my work. I have no intention of killing you, nor am I here for the reason you think. If I was, I would have come back a long time ago," he explained, hoping they'd realize that Kokoa wasn't a part of this.

"That's not something a guy who killed his own clan members can say. Not to mention torturing your little brother. And what about Kokoa? Was she really was involved –"

"That is enough," Itachi warned.

"So if you're not here for her, what's your purpose?"

"This person is quite annoying, and keeps mentioned the same name. Shall I kill him?" Kisame smashed Samehada down before him.

"It looks like we cannot leave the village without a fight, but…don't overdo it. Your moves stand out too much," Itachi sighed. The fight began.

"This is it for you," Kakashi announced, holding a kunai to Itachi's throat, who at the moment hovered over Kurenai after kicking her into the water. Itachi glanced over his shoulder. Kakashi was alone. The jonin had searched everywhere for Kokoa after taking care of Sasuke, or he at least searched all the places he could before running out of time. She was nowhere to be found. He feared she would spot the commotion and come running. What a disaster it would be. He prayed she was off somewhere on her own, away from this mess.

'Naruto's leaving to search for Tsunade-sama with Jiraiya-sama. Sasuke's off doing God knows what with Kakashi…' She let her shoulders fall. Jiraiya told her he was heading out soon with Naruto, knowing Kokoa had grown fond of the boy. Her stomach growled. Patting it gently, she made her way to a café for some dango.

'His eyes are like they were before. Then again, he is a true heir of the sharingan,' Kakashi thought, locking eyes with Itachi. Kakashi's clone faced Kisame, and just as it was about to engage in battle,

"Stop it, Kisame," Itachi called out. "If you face him head on, you'll deal with unnecessary injuries. Also, if we take too much time, more shinobi will arrive. Don't forget our purpose. You didn't come here to get hurt."

"And what exactly is this purpose of yours?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow.

"We just came to find something we're looking for…"

Kokoa's head snapped to the source of an explosion.

"What in the hell –" She lost her balance when someone zoomed by. "Gai? Oi! Gai-san!" She ran after him, heading towards the commotion.

"Gai! Wait! What's going on?"
"No time!" As fast as Kokoa was, Gai was faster. He was out of sight, however, that didn't stop her. She kept running.

"Is Sasuke what you're looking for?" Kakashi gasped, on his hands in knees. The aftereffects of the Tsukuyomi were brutal. Itachi narrowed his eyes.

"No."

"Don't tell me after all this time you're here for –"

"It isn't that either," he interrupted. Everyone was so quick to throw what he did to Kokoa in his face. However, unknown to him, when Itachi wasn't around everyone was quick to accuse and blame her.

"We're after the Fourth Hokage's legacy."

"Are you after the Kyuubi inside of him?" Kakashi pushed. "I know you aren't the only two moving around. The name of your organization was Akatsuki, right?"

"Kisame, we're taking Kakashi-san with us. Make the other two disappear," Itachi commanded. So Kakashi knew…Kisame charged, ready to take them out with one swing, when,

"Konoha Gōriki Senpū!" Gai jumped in just in time, pushing the enemy back.

"Do not underestimate him," Itachi warned his partner, studying the new Konoha ninja.

'Just as I thought…it is Itachi. This is bad. Kokoa was following me.' He noticed Kakashi fall over. He had reached his limit.

"Gai, don't look into his eyes. You'll get trapped in his gen-jutsu!" Kurenai shouted.

"I know. Fighting with Kakashi, I've learned to counter the sharingan. You can open your eyes. You just have to focus on their feet and try to predict their movements. I've picked up a few tips from Kokoa over the years whenever I asked her about it. She seems to have a pretty good idea on how to avoid it." His gaze shifted to the Akatsuki members.

"Kurenai, you take Kakashi to the hospital. Asuma, cover me. Until the ANBU reinforcements I arranged for, arrive, we will fight them."

"Interesting. You're quite daring," Kisame smirked, thirsty for a good fight. Squinting, Itachi spotted a figure rushing towards them. His eyes widened.

"Kisame, we're going to stop. We didn't come here to start a war. Fighting anymore is nonsense. We're leaving…now."

"Ah, and I was getting excited. Very well," the swordsman sighed.

Kokoa ran. The water was in view. She saw the three Konoha shinobi facing two oddly dressed men.

'Cloaks with red clouds? Akatsuki. Itachi!' She boosted her steps with chakra. 'Could it be? Is it him?' Almost there. Splash! She gasped. No doubt about it. Even though his back was turned, she knew it was him. She felt him.

"Itachi!" she screamed, bending over a bit to catch her breath.

"Oh no." Asuma sighed. The Uchiha stiffened. He began turning towards her, but stopped. He couldn't. Seeing her wasn't wise. It would throw him off, ruin everything. He took a small step before sprinting off with Kisame at his side.

"Wha – Itachi! Wait!" She started after them.

"Kokoa!" Gai grabbed her by the collar, whipping her to face him. "What are you doing?"

"I – uh…" She couldn't mess things up. She had everyone believing she was over it. For so long she had worked to perfect the mask she wore. In Gai's eyes she had forgotten Itachi.

"He hurt Kakshi, and I – I – is he after Sasuke? Where is Sasuke?"

"Sasuke's not here. But you're right, Kakashi's out. He needs medical attention." He turned to his friend. Kokoa swallowed hard. He was right there. He was right there…

'I have to find him. I'll see Kakashi to the hospital with the others, but the first chance I get, I'm going after him. I have to find Itachi. We will talk.' Glancing over her shoulder, she watched him disappear.