"It's rude to ignore me," he pouted, standing shoulder to shoulder. The girl turned her face, crossing her arms as well.

"Kokoa if I said something, I'm sorry. I don't remember though. Like I said, you've been avoiding me," he mumbled in the end. He sighed, figuring she was going to be stubborn about it. He decided to give her space and aimed to leave when his eye caught the tears inching down her cheeks.

"Koko…a?" He moved closer, but she turned away again in embarrassment. "Why are you crying, Kokoa?"

"You're leaving me."

"Leaving you?" Itachi furrowed his brow.

"The academy. You're graduating. You finished before everyone else – before me."

"Oh."

"For so long I worked so hard to be the best. Even then I still came second to you." She pushed away the last of her warms tears. "But I realized I still accomplished a lot. I was able to stand beside you, Itachi-san. Now you're graduating, about to join the real ranks and squads while I'm left in class."

"I didn't do it on purpose Kokoa. I don't mean to make you feel bad," he said.

"It's not you I'm angry with. It's myself, for not being able to keep up. I just wasn't good enough," she shrugged.

"You are. I told you to stop comparing us. I have the sharingan, I – I don't know, Kokoa. I just finished early. It's not that I think I'm better," he explained. "You're strong too, and very smart. Just because we didn't graduate together doesn't mean we aren't on the same level. I told you you're strong. I believe in your abilities, Kokoa. I always have, you know that," he smiled softly.

"I know, I know."

"Could there be something else bothering you?"

"When you leave I'll be alone again," she whispered, rolling a rock beneath her foot.

"Alone? You have friends, silly. The others like you."

"Yeah, but they're not you." She glanced away with twisted lips.

"We'll still have time to be together. What? Did you think just because I'm a genin I'm going to forget about you? Because if you did that's dumb," he chuckled, poking her. She giggled shyly.

"And if there isn't time, I'll make some. You're my friend. You're important to me, Kokoa. I'll always be there. I won't just walk away."

Sasuke spotted what seemed to be a sleeping Kokoa on the couch. He quietly tiptoed over to the kitchen, in the mood for some food.

"Sasuke?" she said softly, peeling open her eyes. He cursed under his breath before facing her with his usual passive expression.

"Hm?"

"What are you up to?" She sat up.

"Hungry is all. Sorry if I woke you," he replied.

"Hn, you didn't wake me. I haven't slept in the last few hours."

"So then what were you doing?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Sitting here counting the tiny lines and cracks in the ceiling. Literally. I'm at 42, although I may have lost my place and count," she pouted. He said nothing. Shifting in place, she turned to face him, her hair, now a bit longer, hung in a low bun, frizzy and loose. The circles beneath her eyes grew darker each day, and her lips always either frowned or sat pursed.

"What is it?" she inquired when he didn't respond.

"Hm? Nothing. It's nothing."

"Something's obviously bothering you. No need to hide it. It's me after all," she managed a smile. A smile just for him. A smile that went straight to his heart and almost made him clutch his chest.

"I just…" He didn't know what to say, how to start, or if he should even open that door. He'd hate to upset her, but their life together had changed drastically since Kokoa began experiencing the headaches. She was a complete mess, and no one knew why. She also didn't do much to help herself. Staying inside alone and in the dark, she rarely ate and never tried to improve her situation. She was at rock bottom, and it was obvious.

"You…"

"Go on," she pushed.

"You've been off lately."

"Off?" She furrowed her brow.

"You've been down before, upset and depressed, but you always recover, or you at least let me help. But lately nothing's changed."

"There isn't anything you can do, Sasuke," she sighed.

"But you won't even let me try. You lock yourself away, and you just lie there like your paralyzed. It's scary, Kokoa. I just don't know what to do anymore. It's suffocating. It all sucks."

"It all sucks? What does? Is it the hospital visits, the creeping Root, or my blinding migraines, Sasuke?"

"See! That's it. I get you're feeling like shit, but lately you've been taking it out on me, and it's pissing me off. I want you to be better, to be happy, but you just lash out every time."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I – me – the girl who has given you everything is pissing you off, Sasuke."

"I didn't ask you to –"

"Excuse me? I was just as affected by this whole Uchiha tragedy. I was a mess, worse than you because at least you're a victim whereas everyone thinks I killed your parents! I was still a child too! I was young, and innocent, and naïve, Sasuke. I didn't have to take you in. I didn't have to be there for you. I didn't have to keep my promise to Itachi, but I did! I did because you both mean everything to me! I could have let you waste away. I could have let them take you and drop you off at some random orphanage or force you to live on your own once you were old enough to feed yourself the same way they did to me!

But no, I took you in. I cared for you, comforted you, hurt myself and my heart and lied for your sake. I was in hell but I kept it quiet for you. Don't you ever fucking say I didn't have to or that you didn't ask for it. I still did it. I did it because I wanted to, and because of my promise! And now you're standing here like the ungrateful little brat you are talking down to me."

"I'm not talking down! It's just that living with you has become so frustrating. I care about you, and I want us to be happy, Kokoa, but you're out of your fucking mind! I can't even fall asleep at night without hearing you cry or throw a fit."

"You said you'd be there even if I was crazy!"

"You're not crazy, you're not sick, you just have a bunch of issues that no one can solve, and it's driving me crazy."

"Poor you. Here, take my headaches then. Take the blame. Switch with me for a day and maybe then you'll think before you start ranting at me for things that are beyond my control –"

"Hah! Things beyond your control? You want me to stop blaming you for things that are beyond your control? Fine. I'll blame you for still crying over my bastard of a brother! I'll blame you for lying to me all this time. I'll blame you for making us both miserable because you refuse to get over Itachi! How about that, hu!"

"You – you can't tell me that it's ok, that you accept my feelings and then throw it all back in my face! You said –"

"I lied, Kokoa. Just like you. You still love him, the man who took everything from me. You still believe in him. You met up with him for God's sake, Kokoa! Behind my back! The only reason I haven't flipped shit and left you is because I –" he choked in the end, shutting his mouth before saying anymore. How foolish was he, to have almost confessed his feelings right then and there? Kokoa knew Sasuke cared deeply about her, but love never crossed her mind, not that kind. Was she blind to his feelings, or was he careful not to show them?

"Well? What!" she urged. He shut his eyes.

'The only reason I haven't flipped shit and left you is because I love you…' he had gone over that phrase hundreds of times in his head as he did now; how he would tell her – or if he ever even would.

"The only reason is because we have a history," he finally said. "We're supposed to be there for each other. Because like you, I also made a promise."

"Please, Sasuke," she scoffed. "You and I both know that's bull." She shook her head, holding herself.

"What?" He gave her a look.

"We both know you're going to leave me," she whispered, meeting his eyes.

"Leave you? What on earth are you talking about?"

"You want power, and you want revenge. You're going to leave. Am I wrong?"

"I –"

"You did well hiding it from me over the years, keeping your cool, but I began noticing a while back. It's gotten worse recently. Each day the hatred in your heart grows. It has taken you, and that very hatred has blinded you. Revenge and power are all you think about. I've realized we're not so very different when it comes to Itachi, Sasuke. Both of us living our lives bound to him. Think about it. The only difference is that I want to hear his truth, and you want to end him. Although I wouldn't forsake my friends and sell my soul to the devil to get to him."

"Oh please, Kokoa. The second you heard he was in town you rushed out there like a maniac. He owns you –"

"And he doesn't own you!? You're throwing everything away – leaving to get power from that Snake!"

"How do you…"

"It's obvious, Sasuke. The curse mark. He's marked you, tempted you, tainted your heart. He promised you power, and power means revenge. I'm not stupid. If I remember correctly, the mark responds to hatred, and you've been struggling with it lately. You're slipping."

"Look, Kokoa…the minute Itachi killed everyone our lives changed. I'm not that innocent child you knew back then. My path, my destiny, I'm an avenger. Itachi left me alive so I could kill him. Out of guilt, he left me so I could one day kill him with my own hands, do to him what he did to my parents. This is my road. This is what I must do. If I ever want any peace in life –"

"And what about me!? Do I just let you leave so I'm alone to be harassed? Do I let you kill Itachi before I get to him? My answers are just as important as your revenge. His truth is my closure, is my peace. How is that fair?"

"It isn't…but it's how it is."

"You're so cold. You've never been this cold to me. Why are you doing this?"

"The gap between Itachi and I is still the same. Nothing has changed, Kokoa. I'm leaving to get stronger. I can't face him yet. It will take time, and in that time is where your opportunity lies."

"You can't go. Revenge is one thing, but going to him is another. There are other ways, other paths, Sasuke –"

"I'm going. That's my decision. Don't hold me back, Kokoa. You can't always protect me. Take care of yourself for once."

"Sasuke I'm not patronizing you. This is serious. Don't you understand what – who that is?"

"Of course, and that's why I'm going. Nothing you say will stop me, and don't you dare think about reporting me, Kokoa. If you go behind my back, if you betray me…"

"Sasuke…" She dropped to the sofa, eyes blurred by tears.

"Seeing you like this hurts my heart, Kokoa. You're not well, and nothing I do helps. This is something you have to figure out on your own. In the meantime I can't sit around waiting for things to change. You don't need me anymore."

"Yes I do," she whispered. "I do need you."

"No, you don't, and you know it. You want me here. You want us to stay together, but you don't need me. And right now while I figure all this out, I don't need you," he said as gently as possible.

"I don't want to hurt you. I don't want to cause you heartache, but this is what I need to do. Please, Kokoa." He watched her. He watched the droplets inch down her face. He saw the desolation in her dark eyes. Once he realized she would say no more, he quietly left her alone.

Kakashi strolled through the village, fist in pocket, book in hand, giggling ever so slightly under his breath. He paused, catching a figure from the corner of his eye.

"Kokoa? Strange to see you out…in daylight."

"Ha…ha…" She stared blankly at him.

"What are you up to?" he inquired, shutting the book.

"Just came from the Hokage's."

"Did you do it?"

"Yes," she exhaled.

"You resigned?"

"Eh? Resigned?" She gave him a look.

"The other day you said you were considering resigning or stepping down as your mother did, that you didn't want to be a tool for the village that hurt you."

"Oh…I still haven't decided about that. I was very upset then. Believe it or not, I just did the opposite."

"Meaning?"

"Danzo needs some of his Root for something, meaning that bastard Zaji will be gone for a second. After pleading my case and throwing a bit of guilt in the mix, I convinced Tsunade to let me out on a mission."

"Why the sudden interest in a mission?"

"It's been ages since I left, and I'm not quite ready to quit being a shinobi. I have things I must take care of."

"Kokoa," he warned.

"I swear it has nothing to do with Itachi," she whispered. "Not this time. This is different. It affects me, and it affects you."

"Does it now?" he sighed.

"Hai. I promise, Kakashi-san, I promise it's something I need to do. I have to."

"Just be careful, Kokoa." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Take care of yourself. You have a whole life ahead of you. Don't throw it all away so quickly." He gave one last pat before walking off. She stood in place, gaze low.

"Oi, Naruto, I appreciate the invitation and all, but I'm not feeling up to it."

"Nonsense, Kokoa-chan. Who can refuse ramen?" he stated.

"I'm not hungry. I'm tired. I can't find Sasuke," she sighed deeply.

"The jerk's gone and run off again. Just give him time. He'll be back. In the meantime though, come have lunch with me and Sakura-chan."

"But I'm not hungry. NOT hungry. And I barely know the girl."

"More of a reason to come." Grabbing her hand, he dragged a reluctant Kokoa off.

She sat quiet for most of the time, hardly touching her food, staring into her bowl as she thought deeply about how she would make her move.

"Do you not like it?" Ayame inquired. Kokoa looked up in surprise, taking a moment to remember she was at Ichiraku with Naruto and Sakura.

"Oh, no, no, it's very good. Thank you. I'm just not feeling too well," she said kindly. Ayame nodded with a smile.

"Liar. You said you weren't hungry. Now you're sick?" Naruto faced her.

"I wouldn't have to lie if you'd listen to me, Naruto." She narrowed her eyes.

"It's not like you'd be doing anything productive now. You'd be at home being miserable with Sasuke," he grinned.

"Where is Sasuke-kun by the way?" Sakura asked.

"No idea," Kokoa shrugged. "He goes off sometimes, and I just never know where he ends up."

"Did you guys get into a fight?"

"A small argument the other day, but he always does this."

"He's just a jerk," Naruto pouted.

"Shut up, Naruto." Sakura punched him. "Sasuke is just complicated is all. He needs his time and space."

"Hn," Kokoa shifted her gaze away. "That's why you're always chasing after him?" she said quietly. Unfortunately not quiet enough, because Sakura caught her words and faced her fully.

"What?"

"You." Kokoa pointed a finger as she sat up. "All you're ever doing when I see you is staring at Sasuke, yelling for Sasuke, following Sasuke, annoying Sasuke, hell your entire existence is for Sasuke, and you're telling me he needs time and space? You, the girl who's nearly attached to him at the hip."

"He's my teammate and my friend –"

"So is Naruto here." She threw a hand on the blonde's head. "I don't see you treating him the way you do Sasuke. Besides, it's not like Sasuke actually enjoys any of it."

"Kokoa-chan, it's because she…well she likes him," Naruto said sadly, keeping his own feelings out of this for the sake of his teammate.

"Oh?"

"I don't just like him. I've been with him for a while. I know Sasuke. He's angry and in a lot of pain. I understand. I'm just always trying to help –"

"Bull. I know your kind; conceited and obsessed with him because of his looks, because of his abilities and his name. You're shallow and empty."

"I am not! I love Sasuke-kun! I would do anything for him!" Sakura exclaimed, slamming a fist against the counter. Kokoa leaned back.

"Ho? Love? You love Uchiha Sasuke?"

"Hai!"

"No you don't." She pointed another finger. "No. You. Don't."

"I do! I have always."

"Nu uh. You don't love Sasuke because you don't know Sasuke. You know nothing of him or what he's been through. You couldn't possibly understand the agony and despair that plague him, the horror he's lived through. You say he's complicated, but in reality he isn't. If you understand him then it all makes sense."

Sakura wiped away a few runaway tears, taking a moment to really look at Kokoa. Who was she? Who was this thin woman with messy hair and hollow eyes? Who was she to humiliate and talk down to her?
"Just who are you?" Sakura snapped. Naruto aimed to intervene but fell back at Kokoa's glare.

"Me? Kuroki Kokoa. I'm sure you've heard the name," she said casually, picking at her nails. Sakura had heard of her indeed. She knew she was involved in something, that the village suspected her for some reason, but like many her age, Haruno didn't know much of the Uchiha massacre and what exactly happened; only a few rumors here and there, and surely she'd never have the nerve to ask Sasuke for details.

"What did you do? I used to hear your name a lot, and I see the way others look at and treat you. What did you do?"

"Sakura-chan, it's not a good –" Naruto fell quiet when Kokoa rested a hand on his shoulder.

"It's fine. Everyone else knows. What's adding one more little girl to the mix?"

"Ugh…" He dropped his shoulders with a sigh.

"I didn't do anything. I'm only a suspect. They have no proof."

"In what?"

"The eradication of the Uchiha clan."

"What –"
"They think I conspired with Sasuke's older brother, that I helped him kill everyone and escape."

"So that's why – and when people said – it was you? You killed –"

"I didn't kill anyone," Kokoa snapped. "I wasn't even there. I was at home that night nursing an aching heart for something that happened earlier." She clenched her jaw at the memory.

We can longer see each other, Kokoa.

We're never going to see the sun set.

"I heard you ran after Sasuke-kun's brother when he came for Naruto recently. You did work with him. Why else would you have gone to him? Why else would you leave everyone and go after the monster that hurt Sasuke-kun?"

"Because unlike you I truly love him," she stated, firm and proud. Green eyes widened at the confession. Sakura nearly fell off her seat.

"You love him? You love S-Sasuke-kun?"

"Hmm?" Kokoa furrowed her brow. Was loving Itachi so out of the question, so ridiculous Sakura didn't even consider it?"

"I speak of Uchiha Itachi." She eyed the genin.

"What? You're kidding, right?"

"No. I don't joke."

"You…you really did do it then."

"Again, no I did not. I wasn't involved in the massacre, but I was involved with Itachi before it happened for a long time. That's why they suspect me. And that's why I went to see him, because I love him. Because I needed answers as to why it all happened."

"But – but…" Sakura looked on with wide eyes, afraid of the woman before her.

"And don't get me wrong, I do love Sasuke. He's the only family I have. We have a history, and it's because of that history that he and I have stayed together. It's because I know Sasuke and love Itachi that I know you don't truly love Sasuke. You can't see who he really is, the true ache in his heart, and that's why he's always pushed you away. Think me weird, call me names, give me looks, but don't ever talk to me about Sasuke as if you really know what's going on," Kokoa warned, rising to her feet. She pulled out money for her share. "And you were smart keeping your trap shut about Itachi, because if you opened that door you would have regretted it."

"What's gotten into you, Kokoa?" He paced the room.

"What do you mean, Sasuke?" She looked over from the kitchen.

"What do I mean? You know damn well what I mean," he spat, crossing his arms. "Kakashi and Naruto told me. You made Sakura cry? You threatened her? What made you do that? I didn't think you even knew her."

"Naruto dragged me along for lunch. She said some things, and well so did I." She shrugged.

"You made her cry, and she's terrified of you now. You told her everything didn't you?"

"Like it matters. Everyone else knows."

"Still."

"It's not as if you care about her. You don't love her like she claims to love you, do you?"

"Of course not."

"So why throw the fit, Sasuke?"

"You're messing with my teammates, asking the Hokage for missions, and you're wearing that fucking necklace again," he spat with narrowed eyes.

"This?" She lifted the Uchiha crest. "I never stopped. I just hid it well."

"Tch, this is what I'm talking about when I say things are out of control. You are out of control!"

"Says the boy willing to abandon everything for a snake."

"Coming from a girl throwing her life away for a rogue, S rank criminal who slaughtered his own parents."

"I am sorry you're upset with me Sasuke. She pushed me. I was a little off, but I have plans. Don't worry, Sasuke. I'm going to fix everything."