This is only 8 pages, and it took me a long time to get through some of it, but I hope you like it. I'm very close to where I wanted to be at the end of this chapter. I should be able to have the next one up by mid June, if not then def the end of June, I promise. I apologize for rushing through a lot of this, but I figured, better to skip over long boring pieces of nothing, than write the same filler crap over and over. Next chapter will be better I promise. ^_^

Everyone was busy training, but Sakura would not stand idly by. She made sure to, with Rin, Temari, Hinata, and Ino to have meals prepared for their lovers and friends. Her and Rin also spent time teaching Hinata and Ino to become more efficient medic nins. Rin also began to monitor Itachi's Mangekyo Sharingan in a latent state to try and come up with an understanding of how it worked and why it caused blindness, hoping to counteract it somehow. Temari's son Tatsuya, and Mitsuki started playing together, one being only 3 months shy of the other. She was constantly healing Sasuke, who was pushing himself way past his limits. Itachi wasn't as bad, because he had sense enough to hold back a little. All anyone could do was wait, and wait they did. Another 2 months passed as though it were nothing. Sasuke was making great strides in his progress although at one point he had to be taken to the hospital because Sakura was a bit worn out from constantly healing him.

Karin started to stop by every so often to visit Sasuke at home and Sakura would invite her to dinner, which she always politely refused. She didn't want to push Sasuke and get him angry with her; she just wanted him to know she was still there waiting. Itachi and Sasuke's relationship had pretty much gone back to the way it was before the massacre. Naruto and Sasuke were spending a lot more time together as well. Sakura's father came to meet his future son in law while her mother still refused to see or speak to them.

Another month of training went by, and this is when Sakura started to worry. Kakashi was training Sasuke to unlock the Mangekyo Sharingan. The time was fast approaching where he would reach Itachi's abilities. She was now 8 months pregnant and if the battle broke out soon she would not even be able to go out and heal the wounded. It was her stress that brought on early labor and put her in the hospital. Sasuke stopped training and rushed to the hospital to see if she was ok, although there was nothing he could do. Itachi did what he could to keep her calm, but they couldn't suppress the labor. This baby was coming whether or not they were ready. She had another girl who she named Misaki. Mitsuki was ecstatic.

Sasuke took it upon himself to move out so that Sakura and his brother could have a separate room for the children. Mitsuki was ready to be in her own little bed and Misaki was ready for Mitsuki's old crib. Though they insisted he didn't have to leave, he did. Naruto decided at this time, that he needed more space than he had. The two ended up getting an apartment together to share which worked out well. Once Sakura returned home and Sasuke got back to his training, she sat Itachi down to have a serious talk.

"We have to send the children away," Sakura began. Itachi narrowed his eyes as he waited for her to continue. "Sasuke is getting closer to getting the Mangekyo Sharingan. It won't be safe here for them. I won't be able to protect them alone, and the shinobi of the village will need me to help heal them," she explained.

"Where do you think will be safe?" Itachi asked.

"I think they will be safe in Suna, with Gaara," she replied. He stared at her for a long while before asking his next question, of which he already knew the answer.

"Have you already discussed this with him?" Itachi asked. Sakura nodded. "Then I assume you've made the necessary arrangements already," he added unable to keep from sounding bitter. He knew she was right. He knew the best place for the girls would be far from Konoha. He just wished this had been their decision and not just her own.

"Temari is returning with her son tomorrow, Gaara has demanded that she at least bring his nephew home if she intends to stay in Konoha to fight with Shikamaru. It was her that gave me the idea. Tsunade has arranged for Sasuke, Karin, Kakashi and Anko to escort her and the children back at dawn," Sakura said.

"I thought you were more interested in arranging for our marriage. Don't you want them here for that?" Itachi asked.

"They will be here for it. I've decided that I'll only marry you if we live through this attack," she said, "so you'd better make sure we do."

"Sakura…" Itachi began, but he could say nothing. He promised never to lie to her again, and so he could not promise that she had nothing to worry about. He couldn't tell her that they would live through this and grow old and die together. He couldn't tell her all the things he knew she wanted to hear him say, because he still couldn't quite put his finger on what his father wanted… "We should spend as much time with Mitsuki and Misaki as we can."

"Please don't think badly of me," Sakura whispered, sensing the distance Itachi was putting between them. He came close to her and wrapped his arms around her.

"I could never do that. I know you're right, but it's just so sudden… I worry how Mitsuki will react…"

As she got into the caravan of sorts, Mitsuki stared at her parents. Her father had told her she needed to protect Misaki. She had nodded but still she could not understand. She knew her mom had gone away to find ways to protect them and their home and had always come back. The fact that she was sending her children away made her panic. If they were being sent away, she feared she might not see her parents again, but she knew not to make a fuss. She would need to be strong for her and her baby sister, because they would be all the family each other had…

"Goodbye… forever?" she asked quietly, diverting her gaze to the floor. Itachi moved close to her and wrapped her tightly in his arms.

"You and Misaki can come back when the fighting is over. It's just for a little while, I promise," he whispered to her.

"Love you mama, dada," she said, looking between the two when Itachi broke away. Sakura hugged her then.

"Don't worry about anything baby, we'll be here waiting for you," Sakura promised. She looked deeply saddened, as did Itachi. They both knew that she was a bright enough child to realize the truth of the matter, and it killed them inside. She was far too young to face this kind of thing, her parents being shinobi or not. Sasuke joined her in the covered wagon ruffling her hair to lighten the mood.

"You know your dad will never let anything bad happen to your mom Mitsuki. You don't have to worry," Sasuke assured her. "And I won't let anything bad happen to either of my nieces." She looked up at her uncle and half smiled. She nodded once and leaned against him. She waved to her parents as the cart started to move. Their image was burned into her mind, because she feared this might be the last time she would see them. Sasuke bowed his head to his brother, to assure he would take care of the girls, and raised a hand to Sakura for the same reason.

"I can concentrate on my training now as well," Sakura remarked leaving Itachi to watch the departure of their family alone. He waited until they were out of sight down the road and walked to the training fields, where Sakura had started destroying the landscape. He watched her for a long time, until she was on the verge of exhaustion before he stepped in. He grabbed her from behind, holding her wrists to prevent her from turning on him. She clenched her hands into fists and started to tremble in his arms.

"You can't hide your feelings from me Sakura," he whispered in her ear. He nuzzled her cheek with his own. Her legs gave out from under her and he lowered them to the ground as she let out a scream. He let go of her wrists and she turned to face him and buried her face in his chest. "I know you're afraid, and despite my inner protest you did the right thing. They will be safer if they're not in Konoha. Madara may not have the intention to harm them, but there's no way to ensure that they'll be ok once the battle starts," Itachi said. He tilted her face up toward his own so he could look in what he knew would be tear filled eyes.

"What if this really is a battle we can't win? They'll be orphaned like so many of us already have been. I don't want them to-" Sakura began, but was stopped by Itachi's lips on her own.

"It's the risk a ninja takes when deciding to have children Sakura. We have something more than Konoha to protect, and that thought alone is what is driving me. It is because of you I am still alive Sakura. It is you, Mitsuki and Misaki that will keep me alive through all of this. If I should die, it will only be after the very last of my strength is gone, I promise you," Itachi said, cupping her cheek. His thumb wiped away the last of her tears and she half smiled at him. "Let's go home and spend the day together without worrying about this. Let's pretend that there's nothing to worry about for just a few hours so I can get you relaxed."

"What do you mean by relaxed?" Sakura asked, raising an eyebrow. He smirked and picked her up. As they walked toward their apartment he whispered in her ear.

"Whatever you want it to mean…"

Hours later they were curled up in bed, Itachi wrapped around Sakura. After making her food and giving her a very nice massage they ended up making love. Itachi planted chaste kisses on her shoulders, neck, and back while tracing designs across her stomach. Sakura let out a contented sigh and locked her fingers with Itachi's over her stomach.

"Are you in such a rush to have another child?" she joked.

"I do have to repopulate my clan," he teased.

"I'd like to take a break from having children until our girls get older. Two is good for now until they get older and won't get as jealous," Sakura said.

"You're a great mother you know," he said making her smile.

"It hasn't been easy for me without you Itachi. I was lucky that Mitsuki was not a very demanding child, but Misaki is very different."

"Well I'm here now. You don't have to worry so constantly about them both. I'll make sure you get all the rest and breaks you need. I know it can be quite stressful for you," Itachi said softly, kissing her shoulder blade.

"Do you think they'll be ok?" Sakura asked.

"I don't think they'll be attacked by anyone of consequence, if at all," Itachi assured her. Every now and then thieves would attack caravans travelling through the country to turn a profit, but if someone should dare attack them they'd regret it indefinitely. Sakura snuggled back against Itachi and let her eyes fall closed. Word came a few days later from Gaara that they had arrived unharmed, would spend one night to rest and would leave the morning after.

The next few days Sakura took to refine her techniques. She was sparring with anyone who had the time to improve her skills. She could feel the day was fast approaching that she would need to apply these skills in order to survive. Sasuke returned with the others, and they all resumed their training. It was no more than 2 weeks later that Kakashi had taught Sasuke to finally reach the next level of his Sharingan. This same day was also the day that saw Rin compose an antidote for the blindness that was threatening to overtake Itachi, and prevent it from affecting Sasuke and him ever again. It hadn't been easy to work out either. Every time a likely antidote was composed it had had debilitating side effects when tested. After all her hard work she had finally found the solution Sakura had asked her for. It was also that night that Sakura awoke to find Itachi gone.

"You knew I would come again did you?" Madara asked from the shadows as Itachi stood in the clearing once again.

"I did. I know you've been watching," Itachi replied.

"Why are you here Itachi? Have you still not figured out what it is I seek?" Madara asked. Itachi stared at his father who emerged from the shadows, saying not a word. Madara put a hand over his mouth thoughtfully. Itachi could see the smirk from beneath his hand, obviously amused.

"You don't have to do this," Itachi said.

"What if my goal is to see you suffer?" Madara asked.

"Then you would not have waited. You would have killed Sakura and my children long ago," Itachi replied.

"Itachi, if I wanted to see you suffer, I'd do much worse to Sakura while you watched, and then I would raise your children on the knowledge that Sakura did not lie about you. That you are the monster you don't believe yourself to be. Murder is so clean and simple, not nearly as complex and painful as other torture…" Madara said.

"What is it that draws you to desire Sasuke by your side?" Itachi asked. "Is it because you knew I was not truly following you?"

"It's not like you to be so frank, Itachi. It must be eating you alive that with all your intelligence you can't figure it out," Madara said with another smirk. "I knew from the moment I attacked Konoha when you were still a small child that you would never condone my methods. I guess I foolishly hoped to change the first time we met and killed the rest of the Uchiha. I knew when you agreed that it was not for me, nor was it for yourself. You were always trying to protect your little brother who so looked up to you, as did my own. You were willing to make the sacrifices my brother had made, to ensure the safety of a family member. You may be stronger than Sasuke now, but his potential far outreaches your own.

Sasuke has felt a betrayal like no other has felt, and no matter what happens he will always carry those feelings of hatred and pain. He will always be jealous and bitter over your relationship with Sakura. He will hide it for both your sakes because he does still love you both. But just think how easy it would be to turn those feelings around… I could still gain an ally in him, because I have felt the same as he has felt. All the betrayal and shame we have faced is because of Konoha. While it would not erase those feelings to see this city in ruin, it would prevent anyone from having to feel such loss and desire for revenge ever again. He laid the blame on you for what happened, when it is this place that made you what you are," Madara said.

"You're insane. Sasuke would never join you now," Itachi began. "Are you really telling me that you're trying to give him closure?"

"I may not be the best father Itachi, and it goes far beyond your comprehension to understand what I have faced, and what you've forced Sasuke to endure. While I hoped I could make you understand, it became apparent very quickly you would never sway. Sasuke deserves to feel appreciated and loved and embraced for what he really is, what you made him," Madara started, only to be interrupted.

"I'm sure he'll overlook the fact that you murdered the clan the same as I did. You're just as guilty as me," Itachi said. Madara scoffed.

"I've never lied about my desires to destroy Konoha. All the decisions made that night were your own. You turned Sasuke into a shell of the person he would've been if you had taken him with us. I had no desire to separate you or perpetuate your lie. I wanted to kill everyone that night, but upon your insistence to leave Sasuke I had to come up with a reason to excuse your behavior that would not cast suspicion on me for still allowing you to join me. This is why I told you about his eyes. I may have helped kill off the rest of the Uchiha, but I never would have done what you did. For all the sins I have committed, I have never seen one as evil as yours. My brother loved me with all his heart and yours did as well. I never would have left him thinking he meant nothing to me, no matter the reason. You don't deserve his forgiveness Itachi, you deserve to die just the same as the rest of them," Madara said, obviously irritated.

"I can only do what I think is right. Sasuke knows now that the decision I made was correct, even if he does not agree with it. I can never take back the pain or anger he has felt, but he knows now that I never stopped caring for him. I did everything I did to protect him, contrary to your beliefs. I will not deny that Konoha's safety played a part in my decision, but I also knew he was too young to understand. He was too young not to be corrupted by you and your ideals. I knew he would become stronger than me, and he would be able to do what I could not," Itachi said, bitterly.

"Then we shall see what happens. We'll see who Sasuke really trusts," Madara challenged. Itachi's eyes became red at the statement.

"This isn't a game! Sasuke finally feels like his life is coming back together! Who do you think you are to steal that from him? You've preached to me that my actions were wrong but you did nothing to stop them. He's suffered enough for a lifetime, and you want him to suffer more?" Itachi yelled, furious at the man who stood before him. Madara stood there, staring slightly amused at his elder son. Suddenly another thought hit Itachi. "This was never really about Sasuke was it? This was always about me. You're bitter that as powerful as you are you could never change me. Now you want me to suffer for it, by turning Sasuke against me. You want him to destroy Konoha because I wanted to protect it. You want him to fight by your side because I wanted him to stay away from you. If you had cared about Sasuke as much as you now claim, if you really despised me for proposing to leave him, you wouldn't have let him face it. You wouldn't have come up with justification for my actions. If you knew Sasuke was going to be stronger than me, you would've insisted he come as well. Did you even really care about us at all, or has this all been a game to you?" Itachi demanded. Madara's hand was around Itachi's throat, lifting him off the ground in the blink of an eye.

"You should really remember who you're talking to Itachi. You may not respect me as your father, but I could crush you and everyone you love in an instant. I'm much more powerful than you are," Madara warned.

"If you killed me now, you wouldn't have any fun," Itachi gasped, managing a laugh at the man. And as quickly as Madara had gotten mad, he became docile again. He dropped Itachi on the ground and shrugged with a sigh.

"I suppose you're right," he said. He turned around and began to walk away. Itachi stood up and dusted himself off. "I don't like to admit it when you are, but perhaps you know more about me than I thought," he added. He stopped and turned his head to look at Itachi behind him. "We'll see how it all works out," he added, narrowing his eyes, "soon…" He was gone after that, leaving Itachi to wonder if he had really been right. Madara had played mind games with him before, and he was never quite sure when the man was acting or telling the truth. Either way, he had to get back to Sakura, and he had to have a conversation with Sasuke about what had just happened…