Yosh. So this is the last part of Kokoa's backstory/clan history thing. I just needed to give her a place to come from, a story for her parents and all. It's a longer chapter, woohoo. Some things are explained, and we finally get a glimpse of Itachi. He's on the move, so there will be more of him in chapters to come.

Akihiko wanted to know who hurt his precious daughter, and Kokoa was going to tell him. So she started from the beginning, the very beginning; her lonely childhood and the empty house she returned to each day. She told him it was hard and sometimes exhausting. How she envied the other children and their families. How she couldn't be proud of her parents because no one told her who they were or what happened to them.

She told Akihiko how she forced herself to move forward and enroll at the academy because she wanted to be strong. She wanted to be strong, and useful, and well-known. She wanted to be a somebody instead of the nobody who sat invisibly in class.

She told Akihiko how it all changed when the instructor assigned a project where she was too shy to pick a group or partner and found herself confronted and paired up with the one person who would forever change her life.

She told Akihiko about Uchiha Itachi, about the kind boy with the gentle smile and troubled eyes; the pride of the Uchiha; her best friend. Itachi helped her grow and move on in ways she could not have on her own. He pushed and challenged her, praised her, mentored her, laughed with her, and along with his beloved little brother gave her a family, people to return to.

She told Akihiko how at a certain age, though she had held feelings for Itachi much earlier, the two grew closer in ways friends did not. How something blossomed between them, affection, trust, kindness that neither had experienced before. And before she knew it, Kokoa had fallen in love with the boy. And though she felt too afraid to let him know, she had decided he was the one she wanted to be with, to stand by and love, always. He had given her more than anyone ever had, understood her in ways no one ever cared to, made her feel like she never thought was possible. He became her world, and she lived for him.

She told Akihiko how hard the relationship was. They had to keep it a secret from most Uchiha, especially Fugaku. How they had to sneak around at times or go days without seeing each other. Of course it was worth it, and Itachi put in just as much effort as she did. She trusted him. She trusted him and thought he knew what was best, but things started to change. He acted out and oddly, even worrying his brother and best friend. She had been warned about the history and conflict of old clans like the Uchiha, and she began to fear her Itachi had become caught up in something she could not understand.

She told Akihiko that despite Itachi's behavior and outbursts that they tried to make it work, and amidst the chaos they still shared the fondest of moments. But it all began to crumble after a certain letter, after a certain encounter one evening where he told her he was forced to choose between her and the clan, using Fugaku's disapproval of her as a non-Uchiha for an excuse. How when it came down to it, he turned his back. The moment he said their dreams would not come true, that she could not stand beside him, that they would never watch the sunset.

She told Akihiko about the horror that followed, the tragedy that forever changed the way anyone looked at her or spoke her name. She told him about the massacre. That everyone was killed. How she found Sasuke crying in his empty home where Itachi had slain their parents. She told him how she decided to take Sasuke in without question because she loved the child and wanted to honor the promise she made to Itachi.

She told Akihiko how Konoha turned her into a criminal, suspecting she may have been involved. How they labeled and abused her, sent shinobi to watch her always. They threw her in a cage because of what Itachi did. It took a toll on her, and in turn affected Sasuke as well. She told him how they struggled to be happy and together but he gave into darkness, and now he had left. He was gone.

And lastly, she told Akihiko that despite all that happened and all he did, she still loved Uchiha Itachi with all her heart. That no matter what happened in the future, she would always love him. She could never stop. She did not want to.

"Uchiha Itachi…Fugaku's son, huh?" he said.

"You knew Fugaku?" Kokoa blinked in surprise.

"You could say so," he said, lowering himself to sit down. Kokoa followed. "Fugaku was at the head of the Uchiha, the one running the show. I don't know how much you know, but Konohagakure also suspected the Uchiha. There has always been conflict and struggle within the clan. They were pushed to the outskirts, given the measly title of police to shut them up. And even though they obeyed most of the time, Konohagakure still kept an eye on them.

I was a Kuroki, a dangerous outsider. And Fugaku was at the head of the Uchiha. If I associated with him, it would have caused the Uchiha more trouble, and if he associated with me, the village would have been even stricter with me. He was a good man who cared for his people, and I'm sure he and I had a few things in common, but to help each other and avoid problems, we kept our distance."

"I see. He was strict and came off as cold, but I knew he wasn't evil. He was just intimidating. I was convinced he hated me because I was just some silly girl and a non-Uchiha who hung around his sons too much," she sighed.

"Well if he didn't know about your relationship with Itachi…I think Fugaku's behavior towards you was not to hurt you, but to ward off suspicion instead. You are my daughter after all, and I'm sure they were still watching the Uchiha clan even after I died. He was being cautious is all. At least, that's what I think. He wasn't cruel or unreasonable."

"It makes sense now that I know more." She gazed off to the side, chewing on her lips. He watched her with hooded eyes, saddened to see her like that.

"So you still love the boy?"

"Hm?" She glanced up. "Oh – uh – " She rubbed her arm, shrugging her shoulders with a defeated expression. "I know, you're probably disappointed your daughter is wasting her life chasing after someone who doesn't care anymore."

"Oh?"

"How stupid must I be? How insane, to still love a man who did what he did…but no matter how hard I tried moving on, how hard I tried convincing myself, no matter what I did, I couldn't shake the feelings. I couldn't forget the time we shared together." She met his eyes, tears slipping from her own. She held her chest.

"He gave me so much. So, so much." She took a minute to calm down before flashing Akihiko a look. He furrowed his brow questioningly. "Why?"

"Oh?" He crossed his arms.

"Why aren't you saying anything? Why aren't you angry? You made it seem as though you were going to kill whoever did this to me. Why aren't you insulting him? Threatening him? He killed everyone and fled the village. Left me behind to become Konoha's target. Tortured Sasuke! Why?"

"There must be a reason why you still love the Uchiha."

"Hu –" She nearly choked.

"You're not dumb, Kokoa. You are my daughter after all," he said with a grin that left her confused more than anything. "You still bearing feelings for him…there has to be some reason."

"I..." She stared at her hands. "I don't think it happened the way I was told."

"What do you mean?"

"Itachi did kill his clan, but there has to be more to the story. He said it was to test his abilities and that there was nothing left for him in Konoha, but in all the years I've known him, he never once spoke like that, ever. Nothing ever slipped. It just sounds like a load of crap to me. And the fact Konoha was so quick to jump on my case and point the finger, the fact Itachi didn't kill me when we met even though he had the kunai against my throat, the fact he would let Sasuke grow older and stronger so they could one day fight…there's just so much going on. I refuse to believe he did it just to test himself. There has to be more."

"There it is."

"That's why I've been so obsessed with finding him. I need to hear it from his own mouth. I need his truth. Konoha lied to me about you and Mother. They could have lied to me about Itachi for all I know. Something doesn't feel right. The night he broke it off with me…the last time I saw him there was something in his eyes. And when we met in the forest years later, he was hesitant to kill me. And it's not in my head like people keep telling me. It's real! Itachi is real! The things I saw and felt are real, and he's out there right now. I have to hear his truth. It's the only way I'll ever get peace. He owes me. He owes me everything. And I…I just really want to see him again."

She fiddled with the bottom of her shirt, waiting for her father to say something. When he didn't, she shook her head with a sigh.

"You aren't upset with me? Embarrassed? Disappointed?"

"No, Kokoa. I am not."

"Why?" She nearly laughed. What was he thinking?

"Because I would have done the same for Sakiko," he said firmly, making her purse her lips and stare on in disbelief. "Sakiko was my world. She was my rock. She was loving and kind, but also patient, intelligent, and understanding. She gave me courage when I lacked it, and strength when I felt weak. I said before, she was stronger than I was. If something happened to her suddenly, if she left, or disappeared, or got into some sort of trouble, I wouldn't rest until I knew the whole story, until I heard it from her own mouth, until I was with her again."

"But –"

"I loved her as much as you love Itachi. Seeing you so miserable and hurting, it's upsetting, Kokoa. If I could take your pain away and make it better, I would, but I can't be there for you. I am dead. You have to live on and decide what you want, and if Itachi is what you need, then go after him. I would have gone after Sakiko. I won't lie. I would have thrown it all away if it meant being with her again, if it meant seeing her, saving her.

You're right, the thought of my precious daughter abandoning everything for a man who ruined her isn't very comforting, but because you are my daughter, I trust you. And because you are my daughter I want you to do what will make you happy. If Uchiha Itachi makes you happy, you shouldn't let anyone get in the way. And you say Konohagakure is no longer a home but a hell. In that case, you have nothing to lose, especially now that Sasuke is gone. If you have no family, no Sasuke, and no village binding you, you should go after Itachi. Even if things don't work out, you deserve a chance, and you deserve your peace."

"But –"

"And all Konohagakure ever did was harass and torment Sakiko and I. All they ever did was put us in a cage, watch us like animals and treat us just as bad. They made others hate us because of our Kuroki name. This village tore us apart. They took your parents from you, Kokoa. They took your freedom. For all you know, they might have even taken your Itachi." He shook the hair from his eyes. Kokoa swallowed hard. Was there really more to Itachi's story? And if so, did Konoha know?

"So it's ok?" she whispered.

"You do things for those you love, Kokoa. Like I said, I would have done the same. I can't lecture you when I'd be just as desperate for answers. If it's what you want, then yes, of course it's ok. And no matter what you decide to do, Kokoa, I will always love you. I loved you the second Sakiko told me she was pregnant. I loved you with all my heart, and I only wanted to protect you. I can't do that anymore, but I'll give you my approval if that's what you seek right now. Yes, go after him. Live your life, my Kokoa. Don't let anyone dictate how you live. Don't let anyone tell you you're wrong for loving him."

He stiffened when the girl fell forward, wrapping her arms around him, sobbing into his shoulder.

"Kokoa?"

"All anyone ever did since the day he left was tell me how wrong I was for ever loving him. I was a monster and a traitor for loving him. Hearing you now – telling me it's ok – I've never had that. No one's ever understood. No one's ever cared to listen." She bit her bottom lip, crying quietly against him. Akihiko pulled her close, resting his head atop hers as he gently combed through her messy hair.

"You know, I only got to hold you a few times. You're a lot bigger now," he said with a smirk. She laughed softly through the tears. "This world…love and hatred. It's an endless cycle, especially for shinobi. Things will only get harder from here, Kokoa. I need to talk to you about one last thing before I go."

"What is it?" She pulled away, rubbing red eyes.

"Whether you decide to go after Itachi or not, you have to leave Konohagakure."

"Huh?" Her eyes widened. "What do you mean? Why?"

"They hate you, Kokoa. They always have. And you said this is not the first time they've taken you into custody. They will only tolerate so much," he warned. "If you slip again or give them any reason to suspect anything, they will jump on the opportunity, and they won't waste time locking you up. Next time they may kill you. Danzo might end you before you become troublesome like I was. You have to leave. I know Konohagakure is all you've ever known, and I know the thought of starting over is terrifying, but Sasuke is gone. This is your chance to finally live for yourself, Kokoa. You must be cautious, and you must take action before Danzo and the elders do."

"Tell me," she said, meeting his eyes with determination. "What must I do?"

"Leave as soon as you're released from prison, but you do it gracefully. You request a transfer from the Hokage. You say she's a friend of the Kyuubi's host, right? The boy you've become close to? And Hatake Kakashi? They can vouch for you, help you plead your case. Request a transfer and get out of the village."

"Where do I go? All the villages know my name. They know I was with Itachi. I'm a suspect everywhere. And you tell me the Kuroki were known too. Where would I go?"

"Sunagakure."

"Suna?" she said with a tilt of her head. "Of all places? Why?"

"You could say the Kuroki were nomads. We never had a home. We were always on the move. There was a time where we settled for a bit near Sunagakure. In exchange for land and resources, the Kazekage used our abilities, hiring us for missions every once in a while. We kept up our end of the deal as did Sunagakure. They have had their fair share of trials, and are different than the "perfect" Konohagakure. Request a transfer. When they hear your name, they'll know. And when they see you, they'll know you're my daughter. You might be able to be an active shinobi, or perhaps they'll keep you in the village. You might still be monitored, but nothing like what you're dealing with now."

"Suna…"

"You'll have the chance to start over and find yourself. You'll be at peace. You'll be safe. You'll have time to think, and plan, and grow as a person and shinobi. If you stay in Konohagakure, you will die young just like I did."

"Ok. Ok, I understand. It's like you said, there's nothing left for me anymore. If Suna can give me a chance to really figure out my life, then I'll go." She nodded in agreement.

"Good. But before you go, there's one thing you have to do."

"What is it?"

"Clans often have documents, books, or some sort of record of their history and abilities. We travelled a lot, so ours was small. There's this document with information about the Kuroki and our kekkei genkai. I inherited it when I inherited leadership of the clan. No one can read it, because it takes our chakra to reveal what's in it, but I've heard there are certain jutsu out there that might be able to unlock certain parts of it, and I know certain eyes might be able to see, like the sharingan.

When I came to Konoha I at first kept it on me, but as they tightened security around me, I knew I had to hide it. If anything happened to me, I had to make sure it wouldn't fall into the wrong hands. Danzo's for example. So one day I hid it deep within the library, deep in the restricted section so not just anyone could happen across it. It was the only choice I had. I had to protect it. You have to find our document before you go. It belongs to you now, Kokoa. Find it and keep it safe."

"Where do I even begin? The library is massive, and it'll be hard scanning the shelves without someone suspecting something."

"Take on an information type mission within the village. Research something, anything. Think of any excuse. You have to find it. I sealed with a sort of chakra barrier, my own chakra, which would make it difficult but not impossible for someone to get through. You're familiar with my chakra now. That means you can follow that trail. Sniff it out that way."

"Your chakra? Right, right, of course."

"And if it's not in the library it means someone has it. Find it."

"Hai."

"And then leave."

"Hai."

"And when you leave make sure you do it proudly. The Kuroki faced a lot of trouble, but we never forgot who we were. You are my daughter. Don't let them forget it."

"Hai."

"You are strong. Don't you ever let Konohagakure stop you from achieving your goal. Never back down. Even if they throw you in prison another hundred times, don't you ever let them break you. They preach about peace when they are the ones causing wars." His voice rose with each word.

"They oppress those who they fear. They ostracize those they do not understand. They harassed the Uchiha, Fugaku and his family included. And they made our life hell. They made your life hell. Don't you ever let them forget it. You are Kuroki Kokoa. Grow older and stronger so that one day everyone comes to fear that name just as they did mine."

She stared on, awestruck by his speech. He truly was a leader; dominant, powerful, intelligent, aggressive.

"I already suspect your ability will be beat my own. I've had the feeling since the day you were born."

"What do you mean?" She found herself pushing for more answers every time he spoke.

"The clan document talks about our abilities. I said before that it's different in everyone. I could read minds while others could not. The common denominator is that all Kuroki abilities are ways of reading the enemy, whether it be their thoughts, intentions, how they move; reading people in ways that normal jutsu cannot. It's hard to explain, but I think you understand."

"I do, I do."

"By what you've told me, the way you behave, your feelings and beliefs, Kokoa I think you have a power stronger than my own. I could read minds, but someone who was skilled enough could control their thoughts, manipulate them into lies, and other times people could be under some control jutsu to keep them quiet. It was rare for anyone to counter my ability, but as awesome as reading a person's thoughts is, there is something even greater. And that, my Kokoa, is the ability to read one's heart."

"Their heart?" She sat up, all attention on Akihiko.

"A person cannot deny what's in their heart. No matter how skilled or powerful, no one is able to control their heart. The heart bears all feelings, all intentions. You often hear people struggling with their mind and heart. The heart cannot be altered. It is a person's core. It is…well it's their truth."

"Truth…"

"There was talk of a Kuroki possessing that ability a long time ago. It hadn't been seen or heard of since. When you were born, when I first saw you, there was something…something different. It was the look in your eyes, and Sakiko saw it too. We weren't sure what it meant or if we were just being foolish new parents. We hadn't picked a name out yet, but the moment I saw you…love. Love of the heart. Kokoa." He tapped over his own heart.

"I could have been out of mind, too excited over your birth, confused because of my head, but I just had the feeling you were different. I knew you were special. And now I think I was right. I think you have the ability to read people's hearts, which is why you've always been so kind and compassionate, why you've experienced such overwhelming empathy, and why you're so convinced you saw something in Uchiha Itachi the night before he left. Why you believe he's still the same boy you fell in love with."

"All I've ever wanted was to hear his side. When I was around him in the forest, there was this feeling, this tension in the air, and I felt it even more when he didn't kill me. I felt his hesitation. I was begging him to kill me. I was right there and ready, but he didn't because there was something. Do you think that's it? Do you think I was seeing through him? Reading him?"

"Perhaps."

"When people look at me, it's a strange feeling too. I see the fear and disgust in their eyes, but then I feel this sadness because they're acting towards me the way Konoha wants them to. Am I feeling their struggle?" She stared at her hands, going over numerous scenarios where things didn't feel quite right.

"You will have to find the document and read it. You will also have to explore your own mind and heart. I don't think your power will fully blossom until you've made peace with yourself. Starting over in Sunagakure will give you that peace. And then you can grow and do what it is you must do. I know whatever you decide will be the best for you, and in the end that's all I ever wanted, Kokoa."

"Arigato, Otousan. Thank you for giving me this – this moment. I never could have imagined – I never thought I'd ever get something like this. For the longest time I was convinced no one loved me. I just wanted to be happy, to love and be loved, but now I know that I was loved. Kaasan loved me. You loved me all this time. And I love you. I love you more than I thought was possible. Like Itachi-san, you have given me something I can never forget. Something no one can ever take from me, and I am so very thankful."

"Mmm," he hummed softly with a smile.

"You would have been the best father. No, you are the best father. Everything you've done in your life was for the clan, for my mother, and for me. You are an honorable man. I'm proud to be your daughter. I'm glad to have gotten to know you, Kuroki Akihiko," she grinned.

"The Kuroki Akihiko. Remember it." He ruffled her hair.

"You remind me a lot of Itachi-san."

"Is that what you saw when you first looked at me?"

"Hai. I see him sometimes…in dreams and shadows. But just the way you carry yourself. Itachi-san was quiet like you, and when he was serious he had dangerous eyes, like you. I think what I saw most was that you both were so filled with love even though you tried to hide it from others."

"Oh?"
"You're intimidating, but I know you loved my mother more than anything. And Itachi-san had to keep up a cool and detached front, but he loved his precious brother so much I couldn't even believe it sometimes."

"Sometimes we meet people in our lives that truly change us for the better. It may be selfish, but if possible, never let them go, because they have seen all of you."

"I never really let him go," she said. "I told him I'd always be there for him. What kind of person would I be if I went back on my word?"

"I thought because you looked just like me that you'd act more like Sakiko, but I don't think that's the case."

"Huh?"

"You are just like me. Make sure you don't get into more trouble, ok?" He nudged her playfully.

"No promises," she grinned.

"So you know what you have to do now."

"Hai. You've helped me sort everything out. I'm…I know what I want and what I have to do to get it. I'll fight for it, and I'll make you and our clan proud. If I really am one of the last or the last Kuroki, I'll do all that I can."

"Yosh. It seems the jutsu hasn't worn off yet," he stated, glancing around their white surroundings.

"No more sad talk. I've been sad all these years. Tell me."

"Tell you what?" He peered at her from the corners of his eyes.

"About you and Kaasan. Tell me about your life together. I want to hear your story, Otousan."

They sat together, a father and daughter, chatting about Akihiko's past and the future he wanted to build. She found it easy to speak to him, easy to open up to. She held nothing back. Eventually the jutsu began to wear off. Akihiko began to fade, and the white world crumbled around them. She held his hand firmly, eyes locked with his.

Kokoa did not cry or throw a fit. She did not fall to her knees in hysteria as she might have in the past. No. This time she stood tall and with a smile. A sad smile, but a smile nonetheless. She knew it wouldn't last. She knew from the beginning and forced herself to accept that Akihiko would leave soon, that he could not stay, that he was dead; however, despite that unfortunate fact, she felt blessed, honored, loved to have had that moment, to have met the man the world feared, the man who had loved her all her life.

"I'm fine. I knew it wouldn't last," she told him, tightening her hand around his. "It sucks, and it'll take me a second to process this, to get over it, but I know you can't stay."

"You know if I could…you know I would be there for you, Kokoa."

"I know that now. I know." She nodded, shaking away tears. "Like I said, you've given me something no one else has, something no one can ever take away from me. You've given me peace, love, and truth. All that you've said and done for our clan, for my mother, and for me, I will carry it into the future. I promise. I am your daughter, and they will know that. And I will not let them forget Kuroki Akihiko."

"Now I see it," he said, taking her other hand in his.

"What? See what?"

"Sakiko's determination in you." He pulled her close for a quick hug. "I wish you a long and happy life, my dear Kokoa." He pulled away, enough to see her trickling tears. He brushed them aside.

"That Uchiha Itachi better realize all that you're doing, or else we'll have a problem," he smirked. She laughed softly. "Often, the key to a good life is to have no regrets."

"Hai." She nodded in agreement, but paused suddenly when Akihiko bent down to kiss the top of her head.

"This is it, I believe." He embraced her once more. Kokoa clung desperately to her father, face buried in his chest, eyes shut tight, fisting his shirt, biting her lip so hard she nearly broke skin. He moved close to her ear, pinning back wild hair.

"Sayonara, Kokoa."

She jolted, eyes wide, stunned to find herself in the all too familiar darkness of her prison cell. In a quick second, the brief encounter with Akihiko flashed before her eyes. She fell over, trembling on all fours, her head hanging low just above the cold ground as tears threatened. Kokoa forced herself to sit back up, resting against the wall with her legs sprawled out before her.

It was neither the place nor time for mourning Akihiko, for tears and anguish. She knew she would break soon. She knew she would need a moment to process all that had happened, a moment to remember her father along with his last words, his last smile, but not there in that prison cell. What she would remember now was her promise to Akihiko; that she would be strong. That she would survive and fight for what she believed in, and that no matter what the village decided, she would never let them forget she was Kuroki Akihiko's daughter.

The door slid open. She raised an arm, shielding her tired eyes from the sudden light. And in he stepped, slow steps, arrogant steps, making his way towards her. Zaji paused, a smirk hidden behind his mask, gaze fixed on the battered girl. It satisfied him, seeing her so defeated, so helpless, so broken. The list continued in his head, but the Root member eyed her when she began to stand on shaky legs.

Kokoa placed a hand on the wall for support at first, but soon enough stood on her own across from Zaji with clenched fists and a grin all for him. He furrowed his brow, thankful in that moment for his mask hiding the sheer shock in his face. Right then and there he saw something, a look in Kokoa's eyes that he had seen before but never in her; the same hatred, hostility, and hunger he had seen in Akihiko.

Rain. Heavy, violent rain. Not that it mattered. He had made his choice and received permission just this once. He put on his shoes, and as he neared the exit, gracefully slid into his crimson clouded cloak, collar up.

"Packed and ready to go all on your own? Just what exactly are you planning, Itachi-san?" Kisame hovered in the dark, watching his partner.

"I'm going to Konoha."

As always, thank you! I was thinking of doing the time skip to Shippuden soon, now that Sasuke is gone and everyone is off doing their own thing. Of course I will transition into it, meaning there will be a few more chapters during this time that will lead into Shippuden. Chapter 50 should be the last one before the skip. Arigato! ^^