Really took long enough to do this chapter. Besides its precision, there was enjoying the latest set of Shippuden in English: the LONG-AWAITED FINAL FIGHT BETWEEN NARUTO AND SASUKE. After the Fourth Great War comes to an end. Lots of tears in both sorrow and joy, as well as Sasuke coming to terms and facing punishment for his actions.

I also have a fun fact I should have mentioned from the beginning: this story as a whole was named after another well-known collection of Japanese stories, "Ugetsu: Tales of Moonlight and Rain".

Chapter titled after episode nine of "Sennenki".

Chapter Nine

Under Dark Clouds of Rain and Snow

She heard that Itachi was going to be in a horse race with Shisui, his cousin and personal guard, so she found it in herself to go out there and watch. The day was the final of summer before the harvest would begin, and the weather would become drier if raining sometimes.

But what she saw shocked her utterly, yet didn't surprise her at the same time: Shisui had beaten his cousin, which was maybe the first time. She knew the man was older than the prince, had great training to be in the position he was in now, but because this was Itachi Uchiha, you'd think he never had a flaw or mistake to make...but she saw it for the first time.

This just shows he is only a human being and not the god everyone thinks he is.

This is also because he is still grieving.

Four months had passed since Izumi died, but it wasn't like you got over loss that easily, and those few months counted. Sakura herself wasn't healed, either, but she was coping enough.

She watched the men get off their horses and go into the nearby shed to perhaps clean themselves off from the breakout after that exercise. So, she waited where she was behind one of the maple trees which was starting to turn into autumn color. Then she saw the men exit, and that was her cue to pick up her kimono and walk head on towards them, calling out to the man himself.

"Sakura...I never thought I'd see you here at a time like this," Itachi said with a smile as he looked down at her kneeling form. Shisui looked between them, smirking, and his eyes twinkling. "What can I do for you?"

She reached into the layers of her robes and pulled out the dagger in its hilt, holding it to him. "I came to return this back to you, Your Highness."

"Oh, Itachi, that's the gift you gave your wife!" Shisui said when he recognized it, whistling, but then his face fell when he saw the look on his master's face - and the way Itachi looked at her made her fall inside like some of the leaves around them.

"Sakura," he said softly, "why do you intend to return it when she had reason to leave it to you?"

She gritted her teeth when she answered him: "Because you gave it to her so that she could protect herself especially from that spirit - and as far as I am concerned, it failed her. I don't see any reason it would be any use to me, so it's fair I return it to the one who presented it to my lady."

Sakura lowered her eyes then and there, waiting for his response or at least to see his shadow loom over to grant her wish...but it wasn't to be. He did kneel before her, but wrapped both hands around hers and pushed the weapon back her way, befuddling and dismaying her. Wh-what are you doing? I came here all the way to give this back to you!

"Its purpose is not only to fight against unseen enemies, but also flesh and blood. Defend yourself as well as my son if you have to. That must have been why she gave it to you, Sakura..."

It was destined to be passed on.

Her grip tightened and pulled it against her, fighting to keep the flood in when it was impossible. "I'm sorry." But she wasn't sure if she whispered it to him, his dead wife, or both.

~o~

They said that when you lived in a perfect world - in a dream - then eventually, all good things would have to come to an end, and that meant the cycle of pain and suffering would take place before it would revert back to something sweet and majestic.

But how long would it be before things get better?

The world of man is ever fleeting.

He'd first lost to Shisui - which was the first time in a long time. He knew why: part of him was dead ever since Izumi died...no, he was only half a man now. Sometimes, he didn't want to do anything anymore besides courtly duties. As of late, his world was mostly under the shadow of a dark cloud - like the ones which obscured the moon and the sun. That which shines brilliantly eventually dims away - the world succumb to darkness.

But two beacons of light remained; if only he could know how to hold onto them when he lost most of everyone else: his son who was cared for well. And his guardian who approached him after his race with Shisui...with intent to return the mother-of-pearl dagger he gifted his late wife during her illness. Her claim: "...so that she could protect herself especially from that spirit - and as far as I am concerned, it failed her. I don't see any reason it would be any use to me..." As always, it was her to be humble and undeserving when it was otherwise with the latter. He knew Izumi WANTED her lady-in-waiting to have her treasures.

He made the mistake of touching her hands with his when he pushed the dagger back towards her, so that she would know that she could use it to defend herself, his son and anyone else.

The spark that he suppressed long ago returned with a vengeance, and he knew he had to act before something happened - or Shisui opening his mouth. Itachi cleared his throat.

"If that was all, then let's walk back to the palace, Sakura."

And when they got back, there was a hysteria about the palace. Itachi held his breath and braced himself for the worst as he hurried on, and it was then that the trio was approached by Ino the wet nurse, with baby Sasuke in her arms. She was the one to report to them what was the cause of the panic they were all returning to:

"The emperor has...taken ill! He is in critical condition!"

Critical condition...

How much more was his heart going to take?! His parents, his brother, then his wife...and now his grandfather.

Itachi shouted the word as he hurried through the corridor. He didn't stop until he reached the emperor's room - and that was when he saw the gathering of not only several nobleman on the other side of the screen, but the physician and his assistants were there, too. All faces were grim. But his attention focused on the one he came for, and he was allowed to kneel beside his grandfather who was now in a state he'd long since gone without seeing, since his father and mother had laid dying.

"Your Highness," Ino told him, holding the baby out to Itachi, "please take your son with you." He was all too happy to do so and now knelt beside Madara who looked up at him with tired eyes. Now he looked much more ancient than the young prince remembered.

His voice was much harsher than he recalled before. "Do not fear, Itachi - I am at peace now that you...and your son are here," the old emperor rasped, feebly smiling and one lid drooping. "I have relished the company of the child I never thought I would live to see. He is a blessing to me as he is to you...if at the cost of his own mother." Madara's face fell further when he thought of Izumi whom he cherished like she was truly part of his family, and it made Itachi do the same. "However, I feel I have regrets in my life, but I cannot think of any...except your wife." No, Grandfather; you did everything you could. It is I who carries the guilt greater than you.

He was saying his last words to his grandson in the best way he knew how. "Only I regret leaving Sasuke's life - and now you, after all this time, the remaining family I have left - but in any event, all who have received the blessing of life must one day return that life. My time has come after a lifetime of suffering and hardship...but now, when the twilight of my life finishes its cycle, I'll finally see my brother, your brother, and your parents. This is the first time my heart has felt such freedom," Madara finished with a smile of content.

"Therefore, Itachi...I leave the future in your hands. Not only our people's, but your son's...and your own. Please make yourself happy again when I am gone."

His glassy eyes had shifted past Itachi's shoulder, and the prince had to turn halfway to see what his dying grandfather was talking about: long pink hair...green eyes muddied like the earth during and after rain...Sakura.

What the dying Madara was saying was this: he wanted his grandson to remarry as soon as his official mourning was complete, but not for necessity; he just wanted Itachi to experience joy again, as if he'd known all along WHO might be the one, and Madara had his reasons he would not reveal to those beneath his wing.

Except he was sure Sakura, the clever woman she was, must have been figuring the hints out all along.

Itachi bowed his head, his son whimpering and his arms subconsciously bouncing Sasuke up and down. Then he granted his grandfather's final request which was to see his great-grandson one more time, even if he was now too weak to hold the baby...and that smile was of the most impeccable innocence on the little face. He and the others all stayed for the final farewell when the day was over and the new season would be at hand.

I've been forced to say good-bye to another significant in my life.

~o~

On the last day of summer before the harvest would begin, Emperor Madara passed on towards the end of his sixth decade of life.

On the next few days afterwards, more rain would come and intensify.

The memorial services would be no different than it had been with the late princess. But internally this time, this was more than just a personal loss for the Crown Prince.

Within days, he would become the new Emperor of Konoha...yet it felt like a heavier burden than he was forced to bear.

~o~

Things are changing far too much.

How time would fly by, yet it didn't at the same time.

A year passed since the deaths of both Princess Izumi and then Emperor Madara. That meant advancement for most and decrease for others. In the case of the former, a certain someone took up the mantle which was predestined since his birth.

You heard correctly: the man she secretly loved was now crowned Emperor Itachi Uchiha of Konoha.

And there was no doubt that, with his "leadership", there might be something to try and change or just accept as it was. She never talked to him about such things, so she had no idea what to expect, except one thing or two. This was discussed the night before his coronation, when Sasuke was sleeping near them.

"Given both our sides -" He was referring to their gender sides. "- seldom discuss matters of state, I feel I could confide in you about this. Because of the threats of thievery especially at night, I am considering discussing this matter with the Oosutsuki in hopes to start making our people safer that way."

Women were educated to know many things, but as he said, matters of state were another. Yet Sakura heard enough talk and had been with her late mistress many times to have a couple near experiences with bandits - each time narrowly getting away unscathed. Even Emperor Madara tried to resolve the issue by decreeing each citizen a partial amount of land, though for some reason, the Oosutsuki rejected the idea. Thus, the nobility didn't own property per se and only got rights to income from the land.

Part of her worried that this time might not work out, and she had to worry about the consequences.

But on second thought, if only to lessen the bandit crisis. I'd rather us be safe...

Though, she could also understand a little bit where they came from. She was from a family that was not even close to poverty but lived in a respectable household. There were people who had it harsher than the nobility. Which gave all the more reason for her to believe in Itachi...

This information made her frustrated that she couldn't take part in the system, because morals alone could do so much.

The issue ended up being debated, and it wasn't like real change occurred overnight, or even into the next year to come. By this time in the present, winter began when the second to last month of the year came to a close. The snow began to take foot on the grounds. The fact the seasons changed even after Emperor Madara's passing signified life changing as it was. There was no such thing as permanent.

This train of thought could be said of her own position which had long been chief lady-in-waiting to the late princess.

Not only was she named guardian of the baby Prince Sasuke, she was also promoted to head of the household, and that was a great responsibility. But she didn't mind at all, because it gave her a purpose in life - and that meant better respect from the women beneath her.

That also included her own sleeping space to keep, and a private area to bathe especially when it was cold and snowing - just like now. After a long day and now to dwell on her thoughts, even comb her long hair out - but she had no intentions of ruining Izumi's comb in water. Hence, she had her own for this job.

Sakura leaned back and exhaled, dipping herself lower beneath the spring, tempted to duck her head since luxury for her status was seldom. She could imagine how she looked from overhead: a formless mass of pink against smoky gray that was the indoor spring. She let herself get lost in the paradise, ready to go to sleep after this...

Despite the bruising force, there was a warmth that made her feel tender and safe, reassured, but it couldn't happen. Sakura managed to break it off and turned her face away, then her body, but that got her cream-colored layer off easily, and next to come as she made way for the outside of the so-called protective screen was the shirt - which ended up exposing her breasts which she had to turn away as quickly as she could...

That bruising kiss he gave her that night as well as the forceful removal of her clothing rose "unbidden" under the water...but it had been going on even long before then. All of which she had been fighting to shove down all this time, haunting her with a vengeance now that his wife was dead.

Ino's statements were no better, either.

Nor is this feeling in my body...and my heart.

Over a year had gone by since Izumi's death, and that meant he had less than two more years of official mourning before he could even think to take another wife; part of her assumed he never would since he already had a son, but besides women dying in childbirth, or natural causes for anyone, even child deaths were just as common. Itachi could need a spare, which was unspoken but known.

It was difficult to not think about Itachi nowadays, especially since he was the emperor now - and a just and fair one, at that. So far, he was able to keep the peace, perhaps better than his grandfather ever did.

Unlike with his brother, he didn't seem to go and visit his wife's resting place at her clan residence; she liked to think that it would cause him further pain and stick in the past. It seems he took what I said to heart, when we were at his brother's grave. In a way, it made her happy, but when the season was over and the snow was clearing, that meant they had to find a way to clear that busy schedule so they could head out to the Miyazaki property and pay respects to Princess Izumi.

She sat back up, deciding she had enough, then hoisted herself out and onto the edge, her rear end firmly cut into without leaving a mark. Her long hair was wet enough to have parts lumped together, which called for her personal comb, and water trickled down her naked flesh to land onto the wooden plank. She shivered at these sensations as well as the ones that she was unable to keep at bay any longer...and it frightened her more than before.

A look into the eyes never lies...he still sees me, and I know that I should love him now. But he's the emperor now, and I am his son's guardian as well as the household head.

She closed her eyes, but it didn't stop the tears from scalding her cheeks which was minor compared to the hot springs. Her breasts were now aching at the same time as her heart, and wrapping her arms around herself, hair now straightened down her back, didn't help any better.

Why did love have to hurt so much?

~o~

Cherry blossom petals were falling before his eyes.

All was black, and the pink was stark against the canvas like a painting.

He was running through it all - towards them.

Father and Mother.

Sasuke - my brother.

Grandfather.

Izumi.

~o~

He hadn't had that dream since Sasuke - his brother - passed on, and it involved just him and their parents, but now his wife and grandfather had been added to the mix.

I keep losing everyone I love.

Itachi sat upright in bed, staring at the darkness which had the single candle lit, and he could only stare at it as this thought came to mind. Over a year had passed, the seasons ever evolving, and no doubt the same with the shifting ocean currents.

Being emperor was far more than he used to live. It was essentially the same lifestyle, but it also meant he was a true puppet of the Oosutsuki clan. It meant intrigue and allies to make as well as enemies. Madara had prepared him for this all his life, but he still learned what it was truly like as soon as he was in his grandfather's seat. The only blessing is that I have Shisui by my side as always, and the minister on my right who has full support.

The same could not be said for the left side, for when he brought forth the idea of advancing the economy for their country - and decrease the threats of bandits upon them during the nights - the Left was outraged that he wanted to turn his attention to the "poor people", but he insisted that it was based on their own safety. There could be other ways to keep their way of life as it was.

He had his work cut out for him, but no one said it would be easy.

Imagine this: always fighting for survival. And there is limited trading within our own country as it is. Give an example that a mere messenger can be given a used kimono or another useful object as a reward rather than something they use for themselves.

It also means there has to be a better police force, which is the reason for the increase in bandits.

Besides these troubling affairs of state, there was the matter of his own heart yet again. He took to drinking lots of wine and decreasing his sweet tooth in his mourning, though Sakura was there along with the doctor. "You shouldn't do things like this when you are suffering immensely. At least let me help you." Those words were enough for him to just listen for her sake - and then his health.

Sakura was now head of the royal household besides raising his son in place of his mother, because Itachi knew she more than earned it. It meant rewarding her a more respectable position, higher than just a mere maid. Only that was not all, and during this confining winter season in which the snow touched the grounds, the clouds dark and gray mostly but no blizzards for the time being, he found the courage to admit it to himself. A year after his beloved wife's passing, with less than two more years to go for official mourning.

This was what his grandfather meant on his deathbed.

Itachi Uchiha tried burying his heart, but he still desired Sakura even after his Izumi died, though because of his experiences with Konan - and despite the fact they could try to express it openly now - there was the fear of the consequences. Possible scorn from the court ladies, as well.

And there was the fact she could feel utter guilt because her mistress and mother of her charge was dead.

I have no idea the official written grieving term during the Heian period, but the anime of "Genji Monogatari" is stated by the prince himself that the time for him and anyone else to grieve for their lost spouse is three years.

Despite the fact the Heian period was an unusually long, peaceful period, it's said the economy was weakened and therefore meant poverty for all but a small percentage of inhabitants, such as the aristocrats themselves. Thus the samurai later took power because of the incompetent nobility. By 1000, the government no longer knew how to handle the currency, and money was dwindling. There was also limited trading going on, as far as anyone knew. The Fujiwara clan rulers also played a part in the economic failure, which resulted in bandits attacking especially at night.

Earlier when I began this story, there was no major focus on the economy, but now with Itachi becoming emperor, I felt it was time to pay a good amount of attention, though since information is limited, you can only do your best.

This brings me now to the matter that is who are his friends and who are his enemies. In Genji's tale, the Minister of the Left supported his end, but when his half-brother (the Crown Prince) came to power, the Right opposed. This faction drew up support for the malicious concubine who was the mother of the Crown Prince; Genji's mother was his father the emperor's favorite was an opponent of this malevolent concubine Kokiden. (demon face) Petty revenge and need for advancement is what this shit is, if you ask me.

Review please. :D Love appreciated for the wait.