Why Do You Fight For Love?

I'm terribly sorry for this chapter being 3 days late! I didn't mean for it to be late, but since I was sick all last week, I had so much stupid homework. (We all know homework takes forever to do sometimes, especially if you're gone for very long!) Anyways, thank you for being very patient with me.

Oh, and I do not know when the next chapter will be up next. I am working as fast as I can to get these chapters up, but I know sometimes that its not fast enough.

I have a special announcement at the end of this chapter for everyone!

Thank you very much for reviewing despite all the waiting you guys had to do! Also thank you for reading this story as well. I'm glad someone appreciates my stories.

Disclaimer: Hmm…Do I own Naruto? –Thinks a few seconds- Oh wait, no I don't. :(

Chapter 8: Deception and Disbelief

Itachi resisted the urge to sigh in frustration, his face barely impassive. This was definitely a major waste of time. Why should he help the village, when he had left it so long ago after destroying one of the greatest clans of Konoha? His lips formed a grim line, crimson casually watching the village below from a giant tree branch that hung over the wall of the village.

The war between the two quarreling villages was pointless. It was already evident who would have victory over the other. The Leaf Village's defense was much weaker than Itachi had anticipated. From his spot in the tree, he could see many fallen bodies sprawled across the streets like thrown away toys.

The majority of corpses that lay in the streets were Leaf shinobi.

Sakura shouldn't even be trying to help. She has joined the Akatsuki, but she insists that she still protect the village. Itachi's crimson gaze flickered from the streets to the Hokage Tower. From his distance, he could sense only a few familiar chakra signatures, yet he couldn't sense Sakura anywhere.

Sakura…You had better not die here. It will only prove to me that you weren't strong enough to protect things precious to you and never had any great potential. Itachi lowered his head slightly as something caught his mild interest.

Naruto…

Itachi straightened himself, ignoring the rain that poured down on him. His target, the Kyuubi holder, jumped from rooftop to rooftop his eyes searching everything within his eyesight. It was rather a pathetic sight, watching his objective unguarded while he could be actually capturing the boy.

Why should I listen to Sakura? How can she possibly stop me from taking Naruto for extracting the Kyuubi? Something that felt like guilt filled him, but he brushed the feeling off quickly. He had never had use for such emotions, but now that Sakura had come into his life…He had changed unwillingly, feeling himself change as the days passed by with his weaknesses growing.

Even if I have been changing unwillingly, it doesn't mean I cannot fail my task. Itachi leapt onto the nearest rooftop, still not seen by Naruto. I still have must have the Kyuubi…whether or not Sakura likes it.

Sakura's form appeared near the village gate, still wary that Kabuto could show up anytime. Her vision was slightly blurred from the small teleportation, but her eyesight was well enough to tell her where Itachi was. He had just jumped off a large tree branch overhanging the village wall into the streets below. Something like nervousness built up inside her.

I said I would protect the ones I love, even Itachi, yet why do I feel as if he doesn't want it? She blinked once, feeling foolish. Cause he doesn't need it…

Sakura sighed, slowly making her way back into the village. Why did I even tell that answer to Hikaru? Was I foolish to say something like that? What do I really fight for? Is it really love?

Not soon after Sakura walked through the village gate, a cry of pain pierced the sky. Without even thinking, she sensed for familiar chakra signatures as she jumped onto the nearest rooftop. She gasped in confusion, feeling Naruto's chakra signature fading away quickly. Once she landed on the rooftop, she felt shock and anger sweep through her like a giant tidal wave.

Sakura's mouth dropped open slightly in disgust. Uchiha Itachi…why? She could only stand, frozen, her heart slowly turning to ice. The scene in front of her shocked her to the core and it seemed to make everything she promised Hikaru lies.

Itachi carried Naruto under his arm casually, jumping from rooftop to rooftop quickly. He seemed unbalanced, stumbling a lot when he landed each time. It was obvious he was taking Naruto for extraction of the Kyuubi, yet she found it unbelievable.

"You promised never to harm anyone in this village long ago…yet here you can complete this vile deed and carry away my teammate, the Hokage, for the Kyuubi's extraction." Her body felt numb with pain, but something in her system allowed her to move despite it. It was like the mind's will to move even if the body refused.

"You broke a promise!" Sakura screamed, but he didn't seem to hear her. With inhuman speed, she leapt gracefully from rooftop to rooftop as Itachi jumped up to the village wall. "Itachi!" She shouted after him, but he still didn't hear her.

Without hesitation, he dropped to the grounds outside the village, away from her line of sight. …I may fight for love…but I will not-

Something grabbed her by the waist in mid-jump, breaking her train of thought. She gasped in shock, feeling herself fall with the unknown attacker towards the ground. Like an instinct, her eyes closed, awaiting the pain.

The person grasped her waist tighter as they landed on their feet. Her eyes opened again, noticing that they weren't falling anymore. Without effort, she broke away, her eyes smoldering in frustration and confusion.

"Sasuke?" He said nothing, only folding his arms across his chest in annoyance. Sakura clenched her fists painfully, already feeling Itachi's chakra signature fade away.

"Why did you do that, Sasuke?!" She screamed at him, fury etched across her face. She could feel herself losing control, but she didn't care anymore. Here they were doing nothing, while Itachi was on his way towards the Akatsuki base. Does he not care if his brother wins anymore?

"I called your name, but you didn't act like you heard me. I had to catch your attention somehow." Sasuke answered, impassively.

"Oh, great job." Sakura replied scathingly, having the urge to punch the emotionless look off Sasuke's face. "I lose! We all lose!" Sakura threw up her hands in frustrated despair.

"What are you talking about, Sakura?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow, not quite understanding what she meant. Sasuke could feel guilt and despair radiating off Sakura, but he made no attempt to comfort or move closer.

Sakura mumbled something, turning away from him. "What?" Sasuke asked, feeling another twinge of annoyance strike him.

Sakura mumbled something louder, hugging herself. I've failed to save Naruto…One of my own teammates…one of the precious people I love and care for…

Sasuke walked forward, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I can't understand you, Sakura. Stop mumbling."

"Itachi took Naruto away for extracting the Kyuubi!" Sakura burst out, turning around to face him. Silent tears fell down onto the ground with small splashes. Sasuke stared at her in disbelief and utter shock. Sakura sniffed, shocking him even more. Is the Sakura from the Genin days, really returning?

"…H-He broke the promise he made…We can't stop him now…We failed Naruto." Sakura wiped the tears away with one hand, trying to stop them from falling. Sakura kept on murmuring things, too indistinct for Sasuke to understand.

Sasuke clenched his fists, feeling hatred towards his brother flare. Sakura gives her heart to you…and yet you carry away it away to break it. To break her heart and the promise you had made to her. Sasuke felt inevitable guilt shake him to the core. How much have you really changed, Itachi?

His crimson gaze set on Sakura, whose tears hit the ground more frequently. …That's it. "We're going to go save him, Sakura." Sakura looked up at him with tears still shining in her eyes.

"What?" Sakura whispered softly, not believing what she was hearing. He is willing to save an old teammate? Or is it because its Itachi?

Sasuke outstretched a hand, waiting for her to take it. Sakura stared at it for a few moments, not really ready to decide. This could be our only chance to solve Naruto, but I feel like I would be just a burden. A burden to Sasuke. A burden to the rescue attempt. A burden…the village and its 6th Hokage.

Sasuke could see her reluctance, outstretching further towards her. "Sakura, I am going to make a promise to you, one I can keep as an ally." Sakura's hand stayed where it was, not moving an inch. "…I am going to save Naruto. We are going to save Naruto, for the sake of the Leaf Village." Moreover, for you… The unspoken words hung in the air.

Sakura felt a bitter smile form on her features, slowly letting her hand fall into his. "I will only ally with you for Naruto. Nothing else, Uchiha." Sakura wiped the rest of the tears away, her control falling back in place. Sasuke couldn't resist his famous smirk form upon his lips. Sakura squeezed his hand, indicating she was ready.

"Understood, Haruno." With that said, both of their figures disappeared in a flurry of leaves.

They were willing to ally with one another to save a teammate, a friend.

They were willing to stop Uchiha Itachi together.

…Even if they didn't know it, they were willing to take a small step towards reuniting Team 7.

"Come on, Sasuke-kun, Naruto, let's go complete our mission!" A pink-haired girl called enthusiastically, grabbing both of their hands as to form a link, unison to show they were truly a team. Sasuke snatched his hand away, shaking his head in disagreement. Naruto raised his and the girl's hand up high, shouting his catch phrase.

"You both are morons." Sasuke murmured, shaking his head in disbelief with a smirk on his face. Naruto growled at him, feeling annoyance.

"Sasuke-teme, we are not morons! Right, Sakura-chan?" Sakura giggled slightly, nodding her head in agreement. Naruto laughed, a bright smile forming on his face.

"You are right, Naruto! Sasuke-kun, no one on Team 7 is a moron." Sakura repeated, shaking a finger at Sasuke. Sasuke ignored them both, saying nothing.

Naruto surged forward, releasing Sakura's hand. "Team 7 rules! We are the best!" Sasuke and Sakura stared at their teammate before they both exchanged a small smile.

"…That's true." Sasuke admitted, an arrogant smirk placing on his face. Sakura merely giggled again, smiling with bright emerald eyes shining proudly. Naruto smiled at both of them, scratching his head. If only everyday was like this… Naruto thought, the smile still not leaving his face.

Naruto's eyes slowly blinked open, his head throbbing slightly. He seemed to be being carried above the ground, everything blurring under him. If only I could travel back to those days…Yeah…that would be great.Naruto yawned loudly, feeling his head bend down again.

He closed his eyes, feeling sleep overtake him again to help him escape to his dream world.

Sakura and Sasuke traveled swiftly across the forest floor, rustling the leaves of the bushes and trees that they passed. "I can sense Itachi, but I still can't locate them." Sasuke murmured, keeping pace with Sakura. Sakura merely nodded, silently reporting the same thing.

"Do you think they are going to the Akatsuki hideout?" Sasuke asked curiously, already guessing the answer.

"Where else could Itachi go?" Sakura wondered out loud, not aware of her thoughts being announced. Sasuke nodded in agreement.

"Nowhere except their hideout." Sasuke replied, sensing Itachi's chakra signature growing closer by the moment. "It won't matter; we have almost caught up with him."

"Yeah." Sakura clenched her fists in anticipation. "One step closer to saving Naruto." She added, her voice soft. Sasuke glanced at her briefly in concern, but said nothing.

"It's not your fault, Sakura." Sasuke murmured, more to himself. Sakura didn't respond, only focused on the task at hand. She may have lost control of her emotions, but that didn't excuse her from saving Naruto. Her eyes narrowed in disgust, feeling something that she had thought was lost long ago.

Sakura could feel a new sense of betrayal and true pain, something much worse than when Sasuke had left them. Long ago, Sasuke had left her and the village in distress, but that hadn't stopped anyone from continuing their normal duties. It almost seemed as everyone had forgotten about him even though the members of his team wouldn't even give up on ever believing he would return on his own. That is, until Sakura had left to find him.

"Sasuke, it is." Sakura replied, knowing it had been a few minutes ago that they had ended the subject. "I tricked myself into thinking Naruto would be safe when I joined the Akatsuki to protect the village." Sakura paused, not knowing what else to say. Silence fell upon them again as they edged closer to their target.

"…I see now that I was wrong and foolish." Sakura whispered, her voice filled with guilt and regret. Sasuke sighed tiredly, placing a hand on her shoulder despite the fact that they were still running.

"It doesn't matter what you did even if it seemed as you really did betray the village." Sasuke replied, his voice low. "The only thing that matters is that you joined the organization for the better of your village and didn't care about the consequences."

Sakura said nothing, hiding a bitter smile from him. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised…" She brushed Sasuke's hand off gently, not bothering to look at him. His crimson gaze settled on her, an eyebrow raised in question.

"You clearly think you are not apart of Team 7 or the village anymore." Sakura breathed out shakily, still not facing him. Sasuke scoffed in disbelief, shaking his head in disagreement.

"You are the same, Sakura." Sakura sped up unconsciously, less than half a mile away from Itachi's location. He was slowly down, but they couldn't understand why. Why slow down when you have a hostage with shinobi chasing after you?

"Maybe so…" Sakura murmured, ready for this conversation to end now. "Yet, there is a problem with your theory…"

"What is that?" Sasuke asked curiously, speeding up to keep pace with her.

"That we both-" Itachi's chakra signature stopped in one place, standing still. Sasuke and Sakura immediately became silent, dropping the conversation. Anxiety built up inside Sakura, not knowing what awaited them both. What will be the result of this? Will this turn out into a full-scale battle?

Sakura blinked, jumping into a tree with grace. Sasuke soon followed her, the tree limb shaking at such force. Her head bent down in silent despair, already knowing Sasuke was concerned about her.

…

…

…

Moreover, if it does, who's to say this will really test my relationship with the village…

Team 7…

…And, of course, Uchiha Itachi?

Itachi sat against dying cherry blossom tree, trying to regain his breath. Naruto layed limping by his side, his body slowly rising and falling. He could sense the chakra signatures that were gaining up on him, but he did not move an inch.

If this was the last fight, so be it. Hell already awaited him so why should he try to further extend his undeniable death sentence? He flinched when his wounded hip and side ached painfully.

It would probably be for the better. Even for Sakura.

He placed his hand inside his Akatsuki cloak onto his wound, feeling blood slowly cover his fingers. He smirked bitterly, not attempting to stop the blood that escaped his wounds.

Itachi could hear distant rustling of brushing past leaves. He glanced at the unconsciousness Naruto once before focusing his gaze on the direction of the approaching shinobi.

My time on this Earth is over.

Two familiar shinobi appeared, jumping down from the trees onto the soft ground. Both were impassive, yet the female seemed especially quieter than usual. Her pink hair swayed backwards when a light wind blew past the group.

"Foolish brother." Itachi acknowledged the younger Uchiha, his gaze sweeping over him in formality. Sasuke merely nodded, not rushing forward to attack him like many years ago.

"Haruno…" Itachi acknowledged the girl as well, standing up while ignoring the pain that exploded in his injured side. Sakura said nothing, her gaze only on Naruto. He could see the worry that showed in her emerald depths as well as betrayal.

Finally, Sakura glanced towards him, her stare lingering on him almost painfully. She shook her head as if to shake off an unwanted thought, her gaze resting on Naruto again.

Itachi's crimson gaze flickered to the side, already knowing the next chakra signature to appear. He hadn't sensed it until now, but apparently, Sasuke and Sakura had not noticed quite yet. The other familiar chakra source bolted speedily across the forest floor, breaking through the foliage that surrounded them.

Sakura stared, not knowing what to do. The unknown figure bolted across the clearing, its identity unrecognizable. Everything seemed to fall into slow motion.

"Naruto! Wake up!" She screamed, unable to move. Naruto's body didn't move, only remained motionless. Her gaze swiftly flickered to Itachi, who hadn't moved an inch. He stood, awaiting his death as if it was expected.

…Itachi…

The figure unsheathed a katana, aiming it straight for Itachi's heart. When the katana reached mere inches from his heart, she felt the ability to move. Sakura rushed forward, outreaching her hand.

"Itachi! Move!"

Blood splattered onto the ground, staining it crimson. The sound of Sakura gasping in surprise and shock echoed around the clearing. The thunder roared, drowning out the noise. The rain seemed to fall harder on them all as if wanting them to drown in its own tears.

"Sasuke…" Sakura whispered, stopping dead in her tracks.

Sasuke spat out blood, feeling the blade still lodged within his stomach. "I thought I-I told you…" He growled, his voice laced with hatred. "Iam the avenger, and no one kills my brother except for me." Sasuke could feel blood dripping down his skin as he forcibly pulled out the bloodstained katana, ignoring the pain as the sharp blade cut his hand.

He flipped the katana, catching the hilt and tightening his grip. He pointed the sword towards the man who had made such a fatal mistake. "…And for that foolish mistake, you must pay." Sasuke's crimson gaze pierced through the man's soul, forever intriguing and haunting him. "…Orochimaru."

Itachi stood silently behind Sasuke, his crimson orbs filled with deep shock and surprise. He only saved me because he still believes he's the only one that can kill me. A smirk slowly made its way onto Itachi's face. A wise and foolish choice.

Itachi stepped up beside Sasuke, never glancing at him. Orochimaru kept his mildly surprised gaze on Itachi, lingering on the Sharingan that swirled rapidly.

Without warning, Itachi slammed one of his fists into Sasuke's chest, sending Sasuke into Sakura. They tumbled over one another, both grunting in pain. "Stay out of this, foolish little brother." Itachi didn't glance their way, only staring at Orochimaru cautiously.

Sasuke opened his mouth to retort, but he grunted again from the pain. Sakura sat up to her knees, feeling her body shake in pain as well. Sakura pushed Sasuke down gently, immediately working on his wounds. "You know what he is really saying, don't you?" Sakura whispered, something like warmth shining dully in her emerald depths.

Sasuke opened his mouth to retort, and then closed it again in understanding. Sakura increased her chakra flow, stitching the skin and cleaning the wound swiftly. Sasuke grunted in pain, understanding why Itachi replaced him for the fight. While Sakura was working on his injured chest, his eyes remained on Itachi the whole entire time.

...You truly are the master of deception, Uchiha Itachi.

Orochimaru formed hand signs, spitting fire towards Itachi. Itachi darted to the side, forming hand signs as well. "Fire Style: Grand Fire Dragon Jutsu!"

The battlefield was engulfed in flames, hiding the fight from their eyes. Sakura was already beginning to wrap the wound with bandages, allowing Sasuke to sit up to watch in awe. She carefully finished wrapping the injury, and then turned her head to watch in awe as well.

I find myself disbelieving your true intentions, but maybe…I was the one that was wrong all these years.

The flame started to diminish before their vision, revealing Itachi and Orochimaru facing each other mere feet away from one another. Before they could even blink, Itachi threw something towards them both. Sakura stood up and ran to catch what he thrown to them.

"Naruto…" Sakura whispered, setting him down gently. Sasuke struggled, wincing when he crawled over to them. Naruto was unconscious, yet, a smile was still gracing his features. Sakura's mouth quivered, her lips also gracing a sad smile.

"…I understand now." Sakura murmured, her emerald eyes gleaming in slight disbelief and understanding. Sasuke's gaze lifted to Itachi, a bitter smirk upon his features.

We're brothers, Itachi.

I understand that now.

We have both have committed faults, but we are still brothers despite our differences and accomplishments.

…

…

…

I've been blind even if I've had the Sharingan for so long…but now I've seen through all the deceptions.

Sasuke placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder, silently comforting her in a brotherly way. He used his other hand to slip the Sound headband off his forehead, throwing it into the few burning flames. Sakura placed her face in her hands, her shoulders slightly quivering when she cried silently in joy for the final step for the reunion of Team 7 even if she knew it wasn't going to last forever like she had in the old days.

Sasuke noticed Itachi smirk momentarily before he disappeared in battle with Orochimaru. He could already imagine what the scene before Itachi looked like. …Something like the old days…The genin days…The joyful, strong Team 7 of the Hidden Leaf Village.

Itachi…I know you cannot love, but obviously, you can still care for someone. You care for Team 7 only because our cherry blossom changed you into something better than our childhood days. Sasuke couldn't help sitting back, his famous smirk gracing his face.

…I think you truly have become the true prodigy and brother you were meant to be. That's what makes you strong, not powerful.

Maybe if we both survive this fight…We can both meet in harmony, if only for a moment.

…As brothers, not enemies.

Okay, I am thinking this story will be done in about…3-5 chapters. That's what I'm expecting for now, but I'm not quite sure yet.

Everyone, I have posted a poll on my profile for voting on which future stories you will want posted first. Now, the details for the four selected stories are on my profile, so you can check them out. If you have any questions regarding the poll or stories, please ask me and I will answer it as best I can.

Here's the special announcement: I have a few future fanfics that will be posted in maybe…a few weeks. It depends on when this story will end. They will probably be long ones, which is what I've expected so far from all the details I've come up with so far. :)

There will be no preview this week, sorry. I can't give anything away for next chapter. (I will try to post more chapter previews when the chapter isn't so incredibly important!)

Thank you very much for reading this chapter, guys. I hope you enjoy it. ..Now we know why it's called Deception and Disbelief, huh? (I know Sakura was very moody and Sasuke was extremely OOC, but it will fortunately end very soon.)

Please review.

Until the next chapter, See ya!

SharinganAnbuSakura