Yo! I know it's been a while. Sorry about that, but something happens this chapter ;)

I was trying to post this earlier yesterday and today, but was having trouble. Stupid internet and computers haha.

As always thanks for reading and reviewing, all that jazz. If I haven't replied yet, I apologize. I've been busy recently and haven't had the chance to get my crap together and sort through emails and messages, so I'll try to stay on top of that. Once again, thank you!

"Perhaps you can fight him evenly," Kisame commented. "But I cannot. He's too strong."

"Yes. If we both fought him, we'd both be killed. Or, in a good case, he'd be killed and we'd die along with him. Even if we had more men, that would not change."

"His caretaker is a legendary Sannin. Konoha's Uchiha clan and the Mist's Seven Shinobi Gatana seem petty before his name."

"True, but all strong opponents have a weakness."

"You have a point, Itachi. Speaking of Konoha, you have yet to tell me what everyone was talking about, or who, I should say. This Kokoa seemed to have played a role in your life before Akatsuki."

"It's nothing. She no longer matters."

"Well she must if everyone assumed you were back for her. Was the Uchiha Itachi in love before slaughtering his clan and fleeing the village?" he teased.

"She was a part of my past, someone I walked away from a long time ago like everything else. She has no place, holds no value in my life anymore."

"A bit harsh, even for you, but I see your point. I was just curious."

"Ah. Anyways, we should get going. We don't want to lose them."

"Right behind you, Itachi-san."

Kokoa sat impatiently with Kurenai, Asuma, and Gai, worried about Kakashi, wondering where Sasuke was, and eager to chase after Itachi before he got too far away.

"Based on how they're acting, they haven't found Naruto yet," Gai's voice brought her back to reality.

"About that, isn't something funny?" Asuma sat up on the desk in Kakashi's room. "They were already in the village. It's easy to find Naruto around the village. Itachi also knows his face-"

"Ssshh," Gai silenced him. Kokoa's eyes shifted to the door. Her next move would depend on what Sasuke decided to do.

"Kakashi?" he called out, stepping into the room. He furrowed his brow at the group sitting there. "Why's Kakashi asleep? And why are you jonin gathered here? What happened?"
"Nothing much," Gai shrugged.

"Nothing much? He's out cold!" He spotted Kokoa. "Kokoa, what's going on? Why are you here?" he asked frantically. She opened her mouth to speak when,

"Is it true the Uchiha Itachi came back, and that he's after Naruto!?" Aoba announced, barging into the room. Asuma and Kurenai shrugged with a sigh. Gai made a face at the jonin. There goes keeping it a secret from Sasuke. Kokoa's eyes never left the young Uchiha. Itachi was back, and now she was aware of Sasuke's goal for revenge. As much as she hated it, she believed she could use it as an excuse to do something instead of sit around Kakashi's unconscious body. Sasuke stood frozen in place, eyes filled with anger and hatred; a thirst for revenge. Jolting suddenly, he pushed Aoba aside and bolted out the door. Now was her chance.

"Sasuke! Sasuke wait!" Already on her feet, Kokoa rushed out after him.

"Hey – tsk…why did it turn out like this?" Gai sighed, rubbing his face.

'He's back in the village and he's after Naruto? What is he planning?' Sasuke dashed through the village, checking the places Naruto would usually be found. Nothing.

'If Itachi gets him, Naruto is dead. I won't let that happen!'

Kokoa followed close behind. Sasuke's only goal was to find Naruto. She wasn't sure what he'd do if he spotted her, so she laid low. He had run out of Kakashi's room without saying anything to her. He was emotional, ready for this chance to get his revenge. She didn't matter at the moment. As much as Kokoa worried about what he'd do, she had her own goals as well. The first step for both Sasuke and Kokoa: locate Uchiha Itachi.

"Ni-san? Could you teach me some shuriken techniques after school today?" Sasuke inquired. Turning his head to his brother,

"I am busy. Why don't you ask Father to help you?" Itachi suggested.

"But you're better at shuriken techniques, even I can see that." He pouted. "You always treat me like a burden."

Lifting a hand, the elder motioned for Sasuke to come. Eager to answer his brother Sasuke rushed over, only to be greeted with a signature poke to the forehead.

"Yuruse Sasuke, mata kondo da. Next time," he said kindly, staring off to the side. Sasuke noticed the strange, the almost pained expression in his brother's eyes.

"I don't have time to play with you today," Itachi explained, rising to his feet, his back to Sasuke.

"Hn, you always say "forgive me, Sasuke" and then flick me in the forehead." He sighed, rubbing the red mark.

"And then "some other time" but that never happens." He fell quiet, watching Itachi leave the room.

'Thank goodness, Ni-san is still the same.' He smiled to himself; however, it soon faded when the cracked Uchiha crest came into view.

'Why are these memories back? Why now?' Sasuke fought to control himself.

"Amazing, Ni-san! You even hit the target behind the rock!" Sasuke exclaimed. Itachi rose to his feet, lightly dusting himself off.

"Yosh! I'm going to try. I can do it too."

"Sasuke, we should head home in a minute."

"Not fair." He pouted. "You said you'd teach me a new shuriken jutsu. We just started, Ni-san."

"I'd love to stay and help you, Sasuke, but I have an important mission tomorrow. I have to go home and prepare," he explained.

"Brother, you liar," he mumbled, turning his face. Itachi shook his head with a smile.

"Oi." He motioned for him to come.

"Hm?" Sasuke turned, rushing to his brother with a smile. Poke!

"Forgive me, Sasuke. Next time, ok?" He chuckled. Sasuke stumbled back with an irritated look, slightly embarrassed for falling for Itachi's trick…again.

"Hn, watch me!"

'Why is this happening to me? Why can't I shake them?'

"You have to have some rules, Kokoa."

"That's your job Itachi. You're the brother. Me? I'm just the girl who's dating the brother."

"You two together are dangerous." Itachi sighed, holding his head.

"Like I said, I'm not going to baby him. He's old enough. I'm his friend. High five!" She turned to Sasuke, hand in the air.

"Yes!" he cheered, smacking it with his own.

"Well I'm his brother," Itachi stated before picking the child up off the ground, putting him over his shoulder.

"Let me go! Itachi!"

"Why don't you ask your friend, Kokoa, for help?"

"Itachi!" he cried, limbs flailing.

"Alright, alright. Here." He set him down, pushing him back with a poke to the forehead.

'And Kokoa…where is she? She knows now. What will she do!'

"I've never seen you lose your cool before Ni-san," Sasuke smirked.

"Shush." He pushed him with two fingers.

"You always do that…"

"Calm down, Itachi dear. Why so worried?" Mikoto inquired.

"She's convinced Father hates her, and he's…well you know. If she's with him, she's probably walking on eggshells."

"She's a tough girl. I think she'll manage. If she can handle enemy ninja, I think she can handle Fugaku," she giggled.

"I hope so."

"Look at you, worried over your girlfriend. How sweet."

"Sasuke, don't tease him."

"But it's fun."

"So is locking you in your room," Itachi muttered.

"Hu-"

"Too late." He picked up his younger brother, throwing him over his shoulder.

"N-Ni-san! Put me down!"

"Shouldn't have teased me, foolish little brother."

'I thought I had forgotten them. I thought they were locked away, that I lost them the day I lost my family, the day I lost everything. Why are they back!? Maybe…maybe because he is. It ends here. Today Itachi dies.'

Kokoa ran fast and hard. If she lost him, there's no telling when she'd ever see him again. Sasuke was out for revenge. If he left in search of his brother, others would understand, but she couldn't leave so easily. She was after Itachi, but if anyone asked, she ran after Sasuke to make sure he was all right.

"We're human beings. Don't put yourself down so much, Kokoa. You don't give yourself enough credit. I think you're very strong, and extremely talented, especially in tai-jutsu."

'Itachi…'

"I always walk away from you, leave you with excuses, and all you ever do is smile and take it. You tell me you understand, and then I'm gone. Hearing you cry, the smashing of the cup…I know it's difficult, I know it hurts, and if I could make all that pain go away, Kokoa, I would. You've been so strong, for the both of us, and it isn't fair for you to have to keep it all in.
I want you to tell me when you're sad, when you miss me, when you're angry. I want you to speak your mind, to have some input, to be honest and real. No more fake smiles, no more blindly agreeing to whatever I say. I want you to talk to me. That's why I've been ignoring you. I wanted you to open up. I wanted you to tell me the truth without me having to force it out of you."

"Itachi."

"We can longer see each other, Kokoa. It was never meant to be. As I said, it was only a dream…nothing more. I have my path, and you have yours. This is it. This is where it ends, where we have to walk away and turn our backs. Don't ever look back. We're never going to see the sun set."

"Itachi!"

A large explosion threw her off balance. Rising to her knees, she glanced up, spotting a smoke trail. It had to be him. She followed it through town. The hairs on her neck shot up straight when a horrified scream met her ears.

"Sasuke?" Her gaze fell on the inn, a hole blown in its side. Swallowing hard, she mustered the courage and ran in.

Itachi let go of Sasuke's collar, letting Jiraiya's technique hold him, the kuchiyose: Gamaguchi Shibari (Summoning: Toad Mouth Bind). He shifted in place. Kokoa was close and he knew.

'I have to get out of here before she finds me again. I can't let that happen.'

"Kisame, come," he called out, stealing one last glance at his little brother.

"Itachi, the wall is faster than us," Kisame gasped. "At this rate we'll –"

"Amaterasu." They managed to escape, leaving a perplexed Jiraiya and a shaken Naruto.

"They broke through these walls?"

"Why must we retreat, Itachi? You could have easily…"

"There's no need to hurry with Naruto at his current level. Also, I need to rest for a little," he explained.

'I was forced to use Tsukuyomi and even Amaterasu. There's also the fact I had to control Sasuke and escape Kokoa a second time.'

"Jiraiya-sama? Naruto?" Kokoa jogged over, taking a second to catch her breath. She spotted the sannin with a scroll. Glancing out before him, she stepped back in shock.

"Amaterasu? He was here after all?"

"You just missed him," he sighed.

"Kokoa? You know what that is?" Naruto inquired.

"Don't go near it. I heard an explosion –" She noticed Sasuke against the wall. Jiriaya dispelled his jutsu.

"Sasuke?" She lowered him to the floor. "Wake up. Sasuke?" she whispered, shaking the boy. She looked up at Jiraiya with sad eyes. "He used Tsukuyomi, like he did to Kakashi. He's out, gone." She stared out at the opening Itachi had made.

"Go, Kokoa," Jiraiya said.

"Hu?" she blinked in confusion.
"You came all this way to find him. Go after him. It could be your only chance."

"After who? That Itachi?" Naruto jumped in. He knew about Kokoa's history with him, but with Kakashi and Sasuke both injured, and all the chaos the Uchiha had caused, he found it hard to find any justification for her going after him.

"After what happened, you want to go after him, Kokoa-chan?"

"If you don't do it now, Kokoa, you'll regret it. They couldn't have gotten far. Besides, you're fast. Coming here, you obviously made up your mind, so don't doubt your decision. Just go while you can, before other Konoha shinobi arrive."

"Ne, Ero-sennin, why are you encouraging her?"

"Yes, Jiraiya-sama. Why are you saying this?" She rose to her feet.

"I lost someone important to me once. He left the village and left behind a lot of questions without any answers. I chased after him for the longest time, trying to bring him back, trying to fix it all. I understand your position, and how much more difficult it must be because he was your lover. As a friend, and as someone who understands, Kokoa, I'm letting you, I'm telling you to go while you can."

"Jiraiya…sama…" She saw the pain in his eyes as he spoke of Orochimaru. "Arigato."

"Go quickly and do what you need to do. Once you're done, try finding me first. If not, head straight back to Konoha. Don't be suspicious or make a scene. You'll wait for my arrival, understood?"

"Hai! Look after Sasuke. Ja ne."

"You're just letting her go?" Naruto gave his mentor a look as Kokoa fled the inn.

"There are some things a person has to do, Naruto. I don't agree or like the idea of sending a Konoha shinobi alone after two Akatsuki members, but she has business with Itachi that she needs to solve in order to move on in life. I can't be the one to stop her, not when I myself have been in her shoes."

"Hmmm, whatever. We need to help Sasuke though."

"Mmm, you're right."

Itachi sat slumped against a tree, holding his head. He had overused his eyes, and the two partners had been on the run for some time. He was exhausted. Kisame gripped his sword, eyes scanning the bit of forest they occupied. Itachi's head shot up, a single bead of sweat slithering down the side.

"So how would you like to die? I'll give you the choice," Kisame smirked. Kokoa held her side, coughing and gasping from running so much. Her eyes landed on him.

"Finally." She stood up straight. Itachi was on his feet. "Why did you run? I've been calling for you. You couldn't have waited?"

"Ne, Itachi-san, who's the chick?"

"What do you want, Kokoa? I don't have time," he said dully.

"Ho? So you're Kokoa. How interesting. I hear you have quite a history with Itachi, although I don't know the details. Regardless, we have things to take care of, and we can't have you getting in the way. So like I said, I'll let you choose how you die!" He charged. Itachi's eyes shot wide. Taking advantage of her speed, Kokoa dodged, leaping up into the trees.

"Up there?" he sighed, leaning against Samehada. She jumped back down, putting a bit of space between them. She had to be careful. Two Akatsuki members: one she knew nothing about, and although she knew Itachi's techniques, it didn't mean she could evade or defeat him.

"I just want to talk. I didn't come here to fight. I ran all this way. I'm tired and in pain. Please. I don't want any trouble," she stated.

"Hard to believe a Konoha shinobi who was wronged by Itachi would come here to chat –"

"Kisame, stand down," Itachi spoke, walking up beside him.

"Hmm?"

"She's not a threat. I doubt there's anything she can do against two of our level."

Kokoa flinched at his cold tone.

"So what have you decided to do, Itachi?"

"I just want to talk," she assured them.

"Give us a minute, Kisame-san. I'll catch up to you when I'm finished here. I don't intend to stay long."

"Are you sure?"

"Ah. I would appreciate it. I'm curious what brought her all the way out here. It must be important," he remarked.

"Understood. Have fun, but not too much." Kisame left. Itachi hated being so cold. He hated having to wear this mask, but he didn't have a choice. For one, he figured Kisame wouldn't venture far. The swordsman was already suspicious. Seeing Kokoa now and how Itachi was willing to speak with her, he wouldn't leave them alone, no. He was somewhere, watching. Also, being kind to her, if Itachi really talked to her, it would give her false hope. He had to play the bad guy. This was the path he chose. There was no going back.

"Well?" He took a step forward, cracking his neck. Kokoa stood in place, not once looking away. For the first time in years she took a moment to look, to see the man he had become, and oh what a man he was. Much taller than before, he stood there, lean and threatening, the same dark eyes and facial features only older, more mature. He wore the same hair; bangs in his eyes and a low ponytail pulled back. Many years had passed, and although several things about him changed, she still saw him; she saw her Itachi; the boy she fell in love with; the boy she still loved. Seeing him now standing before her, bangs dancing in the light breeze, it took her breath away. It hurt her heart. She could look, but it dawned on her that she'd never be able to have him.

On the brink of tears, she regained her composure. She marched towards him, fast. He narrowed his eyes. Swiftly, she jumped in front of him and shoved him hard. Not expecting such a basic attack, he stumbled back, hitting the ground. Kokoa glared at him, breathing heavily, ready to explode.

"Not the most polite thing to do to someone who's wasting their time waiting for you to get to the point," he scoffed, rising to is feet. "This won't be long, will it?" He brushed the dirt from his cloak.

"After all that happened, after all that you did, all the shit you caused, the hell you raised, you can't even spare a few minutes? After crushing my heart, abandoning Sasuke, and then suddenly returning all these years leaving me with more questions than answers, I think you owe me! Wouldn't you agree!?"

"Raising your voice will cause both of us trouble. If you don't want Konoha shinobi finding you with me, I'd keep it down if you know what I mean," he warned. He was right.

"Itachi-san…I just want to talk. Please…" she said softly, catching him off guard. She still respected him. She still knew her place.

"Go ahead then. I don't have all the time in the world. Let's see what so important, Kokoa."

"You've become so cold, Itachi. Then again, I have no room to talk. I'm the same way just to different people," she sighed, staring at her feet, something she always did when feeling low. Now his turn, Itachi took this moment to take in the girl before him. He had become a man, and while Kokoa technically was a young woman now, eighteen years old like himself, she kept a lot of childish features. Her hair was one; short, messy, even boyish, stopped just above her shoulders. It was obvious she didn't care much for it. And while she had grown a bit taller and developed in ways a woman would, she was thin, small and…she looked, she seemed hollow. He did this to her, and he knew it. He destroyed her.

"I've waited so long to finally see you again. Now that you're here, I don't know what to say. I almost can't believe it," she shrugged. "There's a lot on my mind; a lot of questions and things I just need to get off my chest, but before you run off again, or your partner decides to chop me up, I just have to ask, why?"

"You're going to have to be more specific –"

"Why did you kill your clan? Why did you leave Sasuke? Why did you run away from me? Why, Itachi-san? I just want to understand. Everyone, from day one, everyone jumped to the conclusion that you murdered everyone and left for no reason; simply because you could, but I fought for you."

"Oh?"

"For a little while, I didn't know you had confessed to Sasuke, that you showed him what happened with your mangekyo. So I believed in your innocence, claiming you were framed or in some sort of trouble. For as long as I could I believed you weren't the monster everyone made you out to be, that you were still that gentle boy from my childhood. I don't understand what happened. And even though I can't deny that you killed everyone, I still want to understand. This is what I've been waiting for, Itachi-san, this moment. I want to hear your side of the story. I want your truth."

He blinked in surprise, hiding the fact his heart twisted and turned deep in his chest. She was willing to stand there and let him explain himself. She was willing to give him the chance no one ever would. Even after being so cold and mocking her earlier.

'Kokoa…why are you so…why can't you let me go? Please…' He struggled with himself.

"It's the same as what I told Sasuke. I killed them all to test my abilities. There was no hope for the Uchiha; a clan obsessed with tradition and pride. They were headed for their downfall. I left before any of that happened. I ended it and left Konoha for bigger and better things. I was stuck in that village, playing silly games and following silly orders. The outside world holds so much more."

"I find that hard to believe, but perhaps that's because I still have the image of you as you were years ago still printed in my mind. Just like me, I guess you've changed. Still, I can't shake these memories. I can't shake these emotions. They're always there, always haunting me, reminding me of what I lost. Why didn't you tell me? I would have listened. I would have tried to understand. Why did you run!?" she shouted in the end, frustrated and on edge. "The day before, we were fine. We went on a date. We were happy. Then you leave me some letter. You end our relationship, you break my heart, and then I wake up the next day to learn everyone's dead, and Sasuke's in the hospital, and you! You were gone! No answers, no explanation, no warning! Just like that, you flipped our world upside down and fled like it was nothing…like I was nothing. Was I, Itachi-san?" she whispered, staring at her shoes once again.

"Were you what?"

"Something. Did I ever mean anything to you? I cared about you deeply. I still do, even now. Did you ever care, or was I just a tool? Was I just a pawn, a cover for you? Did you use me to seem normal? Did you hide behind me so no one would suspect? Did you like me? Did I mean anything?"

He remained silent, staring ahead with dull eyes. She bit her lip to keep from crying out.

"You used me –" she choked. "I was – I was just some silly girl who fell for you, and you took advantage, right? I threw myself at you and you took it as an opportunity, right!? I went out of my way for you. I cared about you, wanted to make you happy, but you…you never really cared?" she said as more of a question. Itachi closed his eyes momentarily, saddened by her words.

"You're not saying anything?" She rubbed her face. "Even if it's true, I still can't shake my feelings. Even if you never cared, I did. I still do. I always will. You were my everything, Itachi-san; my friend, my mentor, my family, my partner, and when you left you took all that away from me. You left me with nothing; hollow; empty. You…this doesn't sound like you. It doesn't feel like you. The man before me, how can you be the boy from my childhood? How can you be my Itachi?

We – we held hands in the crowded streets because no one would notice. We trained together, grew and became stronger. We shared secrets and kisses in the forest when no one was around. We had dreams and goals. We wanted to watch the sunset. Was that all a lie? As skilled as you are, could you have faked all that? Was it that easy to lead me on? I just – there's something – I can't bring myself to believe, to accept it. I just…"

He moved his fingers slightly, clenching and unclenching, fighting to keep a straight face. She was on the verge of tears, pouring her heart out; years of pain, sadness, and agony, and all he could do was stand there with a stoic face like the villain he was forced to play.

"I…I miss you, Itachi-san," she shrugged, sniffling. "I miss you so much…so much that it hurts. It hurts a lot, my heart." She clutched her chest. "You know, there was something I realized back then, back when Shisui was alive and everything was fine. I was so scared when it hit me because I thought we were young and I didn't know if it was the same for you, but Shisui knew, and told me it was ok. He said it was ok to have those feelings. He wanted me to tell you, and believe me, Itachi-san, I also wanted to, but I was so afraid of what you'd say, of how you'd react. I wanted to wait, but things didn't work out. Shisui died, and you left, and I've kept it locked away deep inside all this time. But now you're here, and I can finally tell you. I can finally get it off my chest. For the longest time, Itachi-san, ever since we were young, I ha –"

"I thought you said this wouldn't take long," he interrupted, not wanting her to finish the sentence. He couldn't let her. He wouldn't.

"For the longest time – I just – I need to tell you. Always, I've always –"

"Kokoa, I don't want to hear it. Don't waste your breath on trivial things. I'm obviously uninterested," he spat, worry clouding his mind. She couldn't finish. She had to stop. Now. He wouldn't be able to handle it.

"Itachi, I lov –"

She swallowed hard, shivering from the cold kunai pressed against her throat. Lowering his head to meet her eyes,

"I said that was enough," he spat, kunai in one hand, his other gripping her shoulder. She drew a shaky breath, never looking away.

"Do it," she whispered. He narrowed his eyes, perplexed. "Do it. I'll beg if I have to. Kill me." She gripped his arm with both hands, pushing the blade harder against her pale flesh.

"Kill me, please, Itachi. End it. Put me out of my misery Everyone would be better off without me. Just do it!" she cried. He didn't move a muscle, just simply watched her and listened, too stunned to say anything.

"Fine!" She pulled out her own kunai, holding it just above his, hands trembling violently. "I tried once. I tried, but I couldn't do it. I couldn't take my life. I was too afraid. I was too guilty. I didn't have it in me." The weapon slipped from her fingers, falling at her feet. "So please, please do it for me. If I die, then no one would have to worry, and I could finally have some peace. Let me die by your hands, Itachi."

"Some peace?"

"Ever since you left, I've been as guilty as you in the eyes of the Konoha elders, villagers, and even other shinobi. You and I were close. We were romantically involved. I followed you, did everything for you, and they knew it. When you killed everyone and escaped, they blamed me. They suspected me. The looks and whispers, the rumors, the lies. The hokage and his ANBU dogs harassed me, tortured me, showed up at random times for no reason to "question" me, humiliated me in front of colleagues and Sasuke.

I'll always be known as the girl who was associated with you. I'll always be a suspect in their eyes, treated like a monster, a pariah. My home, my life, it's one big hell! I haven't had a good night's sleep since you left, and I have nothing, no future to look forward to because I'll always be an outcast, a suspect, and you're gone, and one day Sasuke will leave me for revenge. So go ahead! Kill me! End my miserable life, my pathetic existence. I'd rather die right now by your hand than waste another chunk of my life moping around a village who wants me dead anyways. I'm begging you, Itachi! Please!"

He stared, staggered, stunned, speechless, and it showed on his face; horror in his eyes. Kokoa was too hysterical to notice anything, fortunately for him. Still…he figured she would be heartbroken and depressed. He knew she would be in pain, but this low? To want death? She wanted to die because she couldn't bear being away from him? This boy took a happy, strong girl and turned her into a self-loathing, cynical, monster who begged for death. His mouth went dry. He couldn't speak. He could only listen, listen to her pleas as she sobbed hysterically; to his heart shattering all over again. He didn't think it was possible to hate himself any more than he already did, but he was proven wrong.

'I'm the monster. I ruined her. I killed her. Because of me, Kokoa is…because of me, she's…because of me…' He cleared his throat, beginning to unravel. He wanted to leave. He easily could; pull back and disappear, but what right did he have? This was all his fault. In the past Itachi hated himself most whenever he hurt Kokoa. When he was irritable or away for missions, when he couldn't be there for her…he was the one who caused her so much pain, but she always rushed to his side with open and forgiving arms. And she still did. There she stood, wanting him back more than anything. He forced himself to stay and watch, to listen to her cry. He deserved it, his punishment.

She jerked, coughing hard. The kunai had slipped beneath the chain around her neck, breaking it. The old locket hit the ground, popping open, and out tumbled the Uchiha crest. His lips parted at the sight. Itachi still had the blade to her neck and a tight grip on her shoulder. By now Kokoa could barely breathe, and her legs felt weak. Hunching over slightly, she held onto his arm with both hands, tugging at his shirt as she cried. She cried out of pain and loneliness. She cried for him. She became more hysterical, if that was even possible, as she held him. This was the closest she'd ever get, but this was the first time she had touched him. And Itachi felt the same, taking a sharp breath when soft hands brushed across his skin.

In that moment he realized he was losing control and that he had to make a decision. He could tell her the truth. Kokoa would understand. She would understand why the Uchiha needed to be stopped, and why he had to be the one to end it. She would understand why he kept it from Sasuke, why he left the village. She would understand, and he knew she would. He knew! But if Kokoa knew the truth about him she would forsake everything. She would walk out of Konoha, leave her home, and follow him. If he let her, if he asked, she would throw it all away and join Akatsuki, but he couldn't let her do that. He couldn't let her betray the village and become a criminal even if she had good intentions. She couldn't know the truth. She couldn't know his truth.

He straightened, eyes scanning the trees. He felt someone coming. He had to get out of there fast. There was more than one person approaching. While he most likely could handle whoever it was, previous battle and his encounter with Kokoa left him drained and hurting.

Slipping the kunai up his sleeve, he had her by the hair, tugging hard enough to elicit a cry. She threw her hands up, clawing at his hands, begging him to let go, but he only pulled harder.

"Kill you? Why would I help you? Why would I let you take the easy way out just because you're too much of a coward to do it yourself?" he hissed, never loosening his grip.

"No, Kokoa, I'm not going to kill you. I wouldn't gain anything from doing so. You're not even worth it."

"I-Itachi –" He curled his wrist, wrapping as much of her short hair as he could, tighter.

"I'm going to let you live out the rest of your miserable life, but know this, if you do decide to get in my or Akatsuki's way again, I will not hesitate to destroy you. I will kill you." His eyes flickered red for a moment. Yanking her towards him, he threw her back down against the dirt. She hit hard, barely able to prop herself up. Itachi began to leave, but stopped in his tracks. He turned only his head, glancing down at her over his shoulder.

"You're still naïve, Kokoa. That's one thing that hasn't changed. " He was gone.

She crawled to her knees, coughing, gasping, spitting wads of blood from biting her lip when she met the ground. Her head throbbed, her heart beat violently against her, and her vision blurred from nausea, unsteadiness, and hot tears. Lurching forward, she vomited, shaking terribly as she did so. Kokoa took a minute to gain a bit of control. She sat back on her butt, breathing deeply and in a daze.

"Kuroki Kokoa." She turned to the source of the voice, her eyes growing wide in horror. There he stood, the same Root member that had spent the last several years mocking, watching, and popping in for surprise visits. Zaji was his name, or the name given to him by his organization. Using the tree as a guide, she rose to her feet, leaning most of her weight against the trunk, clearly exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her breath hitched when four more ANBU descended from the trees, surrounding her.

Itachi hid in a tree not too far off. He dug his nails, aggressively picking at the bark, fighting back tears. He confronted Sasuke the night of the massacre. He settled it, made Sasuke believe what he wanted, but Kokoa…this was the first time facing her, and it was the worst pain; as terrible and heart wrenching as killing his own blood.
He had to get out of there and find Kisame. He didn't want to leave Kokoa, especially not in their hands, but there was no other way. Besides, it's not as if he could save her. He was still Uchiha Itachi, the man who slaughtered his clan and joined Akatsuki. He wasn't allowed to be the hero.

"Tsk…" He moved off, blood trickling down the sides of three fingers.

Zaji stepped forward, casually cracking his knuckles. With a tilt of his head, he locked eyes with Kokoa, his smug expression hidden behind the mask. The girl swallowed hard, unsure of what was to come.

"Kuroki Kokoa, you're under arrest."