Happy Friday everyone! Here is chapter nine of Defining Innocence!

No anons or shout outs today – read and enjoy ^_^

~BlackRoseDragon13

*Disclaimer* I do not own, nor claim to own, any aspect of Naruto in any way, shape, or form. This is merely a fan work, and I receive no profit.

Chapter Nine

Though her eyes were closed, Hinata could figure out where she was with her other senses. The steady rhythm of beeps, the smell of chemical cleaners, and the itchy blankets above her all pointed to one thing: the hospital. Slowly cracking her eyes open, she saw the too-white ceiling, bright lights making her cringe. Why...am I here?

Her mind was blank, unsure of how she got there or why. Sitting up, the blankets pooled around her, revealing the hospital gown beneath. Her legs were sore, as though she'd run too far, and her head was throbbing. But other than that, she felt fine, albeit quite tired.

The door beside her opened, and she looked up to see Tsunade walk in with a medical chart. Her face was grave, looking instead at her patient. "Hinata, you're finally awake."

Finally?

"You've been out for over two days," the blonde replied, seeing Hinata's confused expression. "Even Sasuke woke before you did."

At the Uchiha's name, Hinata's head throbbed violently. Memories of the past month flooded her mind like a broken dam, and she groaned in pain. "Ugh...S...Sasuke san...is awake?"

Tsunade nodded. "Yeah. He was pretty beat up, and it'll be quite some time before he's healed completely, but he's going to pull through."

Tense silence filled the room, and Hinata knew that Tsunade was waiting for her to ask. "And...Itachi?"

The blonde didn't move. "How about we talk about what you've been keeping from me first."

Worry settled into Hinata's stomach. Was she avoiding it because she wanted to get down to business first, or because she didn't want Hinata to be upset when she told her Itachi was dead?

"Um...okay. I guess...it started when Itachi almost killed me eight years ago."

Tsunade's eyes widened. Looking around, she grabbed a chair, taking a seat before saying, "I think I'm going to need to sit through this one."

It took her a while, but Hinata did her best to recount everything important about her journey. From Itachi's visit in her room to his proposition years later. Through her research and travels to Oto, meeting Yoko and the rebels, finding Sasuke and returning to Konoha. Her memory returning, and finally realizing nothing was what it seemed with Itachi, straining her body to rescue him and stop Sasuke, and then her blackout once she thought he was safe.

"He...is safe, isn't he?" she asked, her voice small. "I saw you healing him before I lost consciousness."

Tsunade sighed. Hinata's tale was long, complicated, and much larger than she could have ever guessed. The little kunoichi had accomplished so much in just a month, and when Tsunade was honest, she had no idea the quiet female had it in her.

"His procedure...was long and complicated. The illness had spread far and deep, and he had been delaying his death with some sort of illegal medication. I have no idea how he got it, or how he found it to begin with. As for the disease itself, I had never seen its like. It was taking over his body, killing him slowly like a poison. Add in his wounds and near-complete chakra exhaustion, and I was amazed he was still alive when we got there. And, he was blind."

"He...what?"

Tsunade shifted. "Using the Mangekyou Sharingan, an advanced form of Sharingan, slowly destroys the user's eyesight. The only known cure..." She tapered off, face disgusted. "I don't know how they discovered this to begin with, and I don't want to know...but...they transplant another clan member's eyes into the blind, and...somehow, through genetics, chakra, and whatever else is involved, they can see again, and from then on it never again drains their sight. Itachi's final defense, Susanoo, uses a lot of power. It was that which pushed him over the edge into darkness. He had been near blindness when the battle started, if I had to guess."

Hinata blanched.

The Hokage began again. "The toughest part was the illness. I worked for hours, and Sakura joined in once Sasuke was stabilized. She healed his wounds and gave him chakra infusions while I tried to eradicate the disease. It was like trying to drain a river with your cupped hands – I'd remove some, but when I turned back around it looked as though I'd done nothing."

Tears slowly crawled down Hinata's cheeks. "So..."

Tsunade stared at Hinata. For such a frail, young, and small little female, she had an incredible heart and strength of her own. "So...he's fine."

Hinata's heart stopped. "He...he's alive?"

"And well. However," the blonde added, holding up a hand as Hinata looked ready to leap out of bed. "The charges against him still stand."

Incredulous, Hinata demanded, "But why? He's innocent!"

"He has admitted to killing the Uchiha clan, Hinata," Tsunade said quietly. "But he said he wanted to wait to gave his full statement until you woke. He wants to speak with you."

The Hyuuga girl went quiet. Slowly, she leaned back against her pillow, eyes downcast. "So I saved his life...but now...he's going to die anyway?"

"I never said that. He may be jailed, he may be executed...and he may be released, depending on what happens next. But we agreed to let him speak to you, alone, if he agreed to give us a full statement afterward. Is that all right with you?"

"Yes, of course."

"All right. You still need some rest, as does he. Once you're both back up to speed, things will start moving." The blonde stood, replacing her chair and walking toward the door. She paused before exiting, turning to her patient. "And Hinata?"

"Yes ma'am?"

"Good job. And good luck." With a small smile, the older woman retreated. But before the door shut completely, Hinata heard her say, "All right you lot, she's awake. But if you stress her, I will wring each of your necks myself, is that clear?"

The door clicked shut, and Hinata was left wondering just what on earth was going on. But a moment later, the door flew open and several people suddenly filled her room.

"Hinata chan!" Naruto cried, launching forward and embracing her. "I can't believe what you did, dattebayo! You brought him back, and you saved him!"

"N-Naruto kun..." she wheezed. "I...I can't b-breathe!"

Sakura grabbed the blonde by his jacket, hauling him off the smaller female. "Didn't you hear anything Shishou said?" the pinkette demanded. "Hinata's still healing, you idiot!"

Rubbing his head sheepishly, Naruto replied, "Sorry Sakura chan...Hinata chan."

"It's all right," Hinata said with a light laugh. "I'm just tired, not hurt."

"Hinata," Shino said quietly. "I believe you have much to explain to me and Kiba."

"Yeah!" Kiba added. "What the heck has been going on the last few weeks?"

Waving her hands in front of her, she replied, "I'm sorry Shino kun, Kiba kun...it's complicated. But once things smooth over, I'll tell you e-everything."

"That better be a promise," Kiba pouted. "I hate being left out of things."

"And what would you know about being left out?" Shino asked, pushing his shades further up his nose.

Hinata smiled at her teammates. She owed them an explanation, which she would give after all was said and done. But for now, she still didn't know the whole picture...meaning Itachi's side of the story.

"Shishou says you'll probably be released tomorrow," Sakura offered. "She just wants you to rest for one more day."

"Thank you, Sakura chan."

The pinkette smiled. "Now I know why you were so interested in helping me with my research," she teased, and Hinata caught a glimpse of jealousy. "You did what we couldn't. You brought Sasuke kun back home."

"I just wanted to help," Hinata replied, avoiding the whole truth, meaning Itachi's empty threat. "I'm glad he's b-back safely."

"Us too!" Naruto cut in. "And it's all thanks to you Hinata chan!"

The shy girl smiled. But something nagged at her. Naruto's thanks didn't make her as happy as she thought it would. It did bring her joy that she had done something for him, but it just wasn't as important as it was when she left. Confusion filled her as she wondered why.

Itachi...

"Well, tomorrow when you get released, we want to take you to lunch, to celebrate and thank you," Sakura offered. "Naruto and I are so grateful, and Shino and Kiba are glad that you're back."

"That sounds great," Hinata agreed.

"It's a date then!" the other girl chirped. "Now, we should leave, you guys – Hinata chan needs her rest."

The group filtered out, offering goodbyes. Hinata returned them, waving. Once they all had left, she collapsed backwards onto her pillow. She didn't realize just how tired she was. Gazing out the window, she watched clouds slowly drag across the sky. Her endeavor was over. How much had she changed over that month? It seemed as though she'd been trying to change and better herself since she could remember. And now it seemed that she'd grown more in the last four weeks than she had her entire life.

Contemplative thoughts of her journey filled her head until she drifted into sleep.

.oOo.

The next morning, Tsunade gave Hinata clearance to leave the hospital. Naruto, Sakura, and her teammates came to fetch her at noon, after she dressed into a spare set of clothes Sakura had retrieved from the Hyuuga home. Hinata found it odd and a bit disheartening that her family hadn't visited – at least, not while she had been awake.

The group took her to a barbeque restaurant, all crowding around the grill, talking and laughing. They all wanted to know what had happened, but Hinata avoided the questions, saying that she still had some aspects of her mission that were unfinished. As an S-Ranked mission, she couldn't divulge the details until approved by Tsunade. Hinata didn't want to make any assumptions until she spoke with Itachi. And judging by the limited questions she received – inquiries about Sasuke taking most of the conversation – she realized that Itachi's return as well was known only by those directly involved. Neither Naruto nor Sakura brought up the older brother, and Hinata was happy to keep it that way. Until she knew the truth, she wouldn't be able to defend her actions to her teammates – saving the life of a murderer and S-Ranked criminal.

Lunch was long and filled with smiles. Hinata was relieved to be home, among friends, and no longer fighting for her life. She was finally able to relax. Sakura even invited her to the baths, which she accepted. A small feeling of doubt plagued the back of her mind, but she figured that anything the pinkette wanted to ask in the privacy of the bathhouse, she could handle. After all, she'd done things much larger the past few weeks.

The girls were quiet as they showered before entering the steaming water. Sakura didn't look at her companion, and Hinata began to worry. It wasn't until they were seated, alone, that the other female broke the silence.

"Why did you save him?"

Hinata blinked. "Which one?"

"Well...both." Sakura shifted a bit. "I mean...I understand Sasuke kun's return, to a point, but...even still, I don't know why you would do so much to bring him back. You hardly even know him."

Hinata's eyes turned down into the water. "To be honest...I never considered going after him until...well...I was asked to."

"By who? Naruto?"

"No. But when I accepted, I wanted to do it to help Naruto kun." Hinata paused, weighing her answer. Did she want to reveal everything to Sakura before speaking to Itachi? "Um...I don't quite know the whole s-story yet, so...mine isn't complete. You have to take that into consideration when I tell you."

Sakura nodded.

"Itachi came into the Hyuuga compound a few days before I left. He told me to meet him outside the v-village, or he would...hurt someone."

"He threatened you? Why didn't you ask for help?"

Hinata shifted. "I thought...it would be better if I h-handled it on my own. I didn't want anyone to get involved...and get hurt."

Sakura frowned. "I guess I understand. But that was so dangerous, going to meet an Akatsuki member by yourself!"

"At the time, I didn't have m-much choice. But...when I talked to him, I really wasn't scared. I mean...a part of me was, but...when I stood before him, where he could easily kill me, I just felt that he really didn't want to hurt me. And besides...if he had w-wanted to kill me, he could have done it in the compound. I was alone, and he m-managed to sneak up on me without my noticing. I could have been dead, and he could have been long gone before anyone would have found out."

"I guess so..."

"He said he wanted Sasuke san to come back to Konoha – that it was never in his plans for Sasuke san to l-leave. And...he said that I owed him, because he spared my life eight years ago. The n-night of the massacre, he also came to my room to kill me, though I don't know why. But...he didn't. I woke up and saw him there, and he made me scream so that he was discovered. He didn't want to kill me."

"Then why go at all?"

"I'm not sure. I'm hoping he'll t-tell me when we talk."

"So you did all of that research, traveling, and risking your life...by yourself...to keep everyone else safe?"

"Y-yes..."

"Wow Hinata..." Sakura gave the Hyuuga girl an impressed look. "No offense, but...I never would have imagined you could do all of that."

Hinata smiled. "I d-didn't think I could either. At first, I thought I was doomed to fail. But...whenever I doubted myself, I thought that I had to try. I had to t-try in order to protect everyone. If I died...then...Itachi really couldn't blame me, and hurt someone, because I'd tried my best."

Sakura shook her head slowly in disbelief. Willing to die for her comrades without them even knowing she was at risk, taking on such a burden by herself...Hinata was much braver and stronger than Sakura ever thought she could be. "Wow..."

Hinata flushed in embarrassment. "It's...really not that big of a deal. I wish people would stop treating me like some kind of h-hero..."

"No, Hinata, you did a great thing. You should be proud!" Sakura had to admit, she was jealous of the little female. She had accomplished what she herself could not, even with Naruto's help, and in a much shorter time. But though she was envious, she saw that Hinata wasn't boastful, she just wanted to help and do her best. For that, Sakura was ready to let go of her jealousy and just be thankful. "I don't know if Naruto and I will ever be able to repay you."

"I d-don't want you to."

The girls parted ways not long after that, Sakura being needed at the hospital, and Hinata wanting to return home. Seeing her father again after her long absence and strange behavior was weighing on the Hyuuga girl's mind. Hopefully things wouldn't get too out of hand.

Stepping up to her home, Hinata stood for a while. She wondered if Tsunade had told her family anything regarding her mission and outburst. Taking a deep, steadying breath, she removed her shoes and stepped inside.

At first, she wondered if anyone was home. The halls were quiet, sunlight streaming in the windows onto the wooden floors. Feeling almost as though she were intruding, Hinata crept along as quietly as she could. Eventually she came upon a group of branch Hyuuga, and she paused. Catching sight of her, they scurried down the hall, whispering amongst themselves.

Oh no...

Her father was in the kitchen, having just finished a late lunch. His pale eyes rose to see her standing in the doorway, and they stared for quite some time.

"I have to wonder if there is any explanation for your behavior this past month, Daughter," he finally said, breaking the silence. "Tsunade tells me that the information is restricted, and that until the mission and its subsequent consequences are complete, the details cannot be disclosed."

"That's true," she replied. "But...I suppose there are some things I could t-tell you." She took a seat across from him, hands folded in her lap politely. "I requested to be sent on an S-Ranked mission of my own volition, to retrieve something taken from Konoha."

"That much I know – Uchiha Sasuke," Hiashi agreed. "But the details of the mission itself – where you went, what you did, who you saw besides – I do not know. Or...the reason you chose to pursue such a difficult and dangerous task to begin with, without prompt or prior reason."

"There was a prompt," Hinata said slowly. "But...as of now, I cannot reveal it."

"I see. So, you managed to find and bring back Uchiha Sasuke in little over a month, including preparation time before leaving the village. It has been nearly three years since he left, during which his teammates and others have tried with no result. I must wonder what allowed for your success where others have failed."

A spark of defensiveness flared in her for a moment. "Just because I have had failures in the past d-does not mean I am doomed to fail forever. I have had success before. And now I have had it again."

Hiashi raised a placating hand. "I realize that. I am merely impressed at the scale of this particular mission. You should be proud."

That wasn't what she was expecting. Her father, finally proud of her? Perhaps she had really changed. "Thank you...I am."

But she had to wonder how long his pride would last when he discovered that she had saved the life of one of Konoha's most notorious villains.

"And, as this mission was long, difficult, and no doubt stressful, I can understand your behavior once you returned. However...there is one question I wish to ask. I have a feeling that you will be unable to answer, but it must be asked just the same. You inquired about the Uchiha, specifically Itachi. Once I apparently gave you the information you sought, you said something that bothered me." Hiashi's brow lowered in thought. "You said, 'he is innocent'. I have to wonder what you meant, as Itachi has been convicted of the slaughter of his clan for nearly eight years. How you could imagine him as innocent is beyond me."

Hinata stared at her father. "As you thought, I am unable to answer that now. It will have to w-wait."

As though she had answered nonetheless, Hiashi's brow lifted, and he sighed. "I see...very well. I hope you soon finish this mission...for I would very much like to receive some answers."

"Yes Father."

The Hyuuga girl was still tired. After taking a nap that lasted the rest of the afternoon, she rose for an awkward dinner with her family. Hanabi was absent, gone on a mission with her genin team, which left the other daughter and father alone for the meal. Once it was over, Hinata went back to bed, not waking until late the next morning.

When she did, she showered and dressed in a casual manner, though she had much she wished to accomplish. She bid her father farewell, saying that she wished to visit someone in the hospital. Hiashi did not question it, and let her leave without delay.

Sakura was there, tending to a patient, when Hinata arrived. "Hey Hinata chan!" the pinkette greeted, smiling. "I thought you'd want to avoid the hospital after the last few days."

"Actually, I have someone I want to s-see. What room is...my friend in?"

Sakura's face turned serious. Nodding to a nurse, she left the patient and took Hinata into an empty room. Shutting the door behind her, she said, "He's in solitary confinement. Tsunade doesn't want to take any chances in containing him. He isn't allowed any visitors. Besides, only you, Shishou, Sasuke, Naruto and I know he's alive."

"Tsunade said I could s-see him," Hinata insisted. "He made a d-deal that he wouldn't give his final statement until he spoke to me."

Looking doubtful, the pink-haired girl replied, "I don't know if I have clearance to let you in..."

"Is it guarded?"

"Heavily. Two ANBU at the door, and one outside the window. He's shackled to the bed, with seals to prevent him moving his arms, or activate his Kekke Genkai."

Hinata's face fell. They were taking it that far? "I see...well, m-maybe they know I'm allowed in."

"Good luck."

The hospital had three solitary confinement rooms, all located on the top floor. After trudging up every flight of stairs, Hinata finally reached the top. Sakura was right. Two masked ANBU officers stood outside one of the doors, both turning to face her once she peaked the stairs.

"Hyuuga Hinata?" one asked.

"Uh...y-yes?"

"Hokage sama has given you permission to enter unescorted," he continued. "Your conversation will be private, but should you need us, you need only call.."

Hinata knew she wouldn't need to, but nodded anyway. Smiling, she let the other guard open the door, allowing her inside.

The window was barred, allowing slits of sunlight through onto the bed. Monitors and machines surrounded the patient, some beeping, others spitting out papers. And there, atop the mattress, was Itachi.

As Sakura had said, he was indeed shackled to the bed, seals glowing in the metal. Another seal stood out against his brow, bandages hiding his eyes. The head of his bed was elevated, putting him in a half lying/ half sitting position. His hair was loose, and he was dressed in a plain hospital gown. At her entrance, he turned his head to her, his sense of hearing undiminished.

"Who is there?" He tensed, the shackles glowing brighter in warning.

She didn't answer until she was seated in a chair at his bedside. Smiling gently, she said, "It's me..." One hand was placed atop his, squeezing lightly.

His posture relaxed. "I was wondering when you would come..."

"Sorry. I was unconscious for t-two days, or I would have come sooner."

"Then there is no need for apology – it was nothing you could have helped."

Silence fell between them. Hinata looked him over, unafraid of being caught now that his eyes were covered. He looked thinner than before, his back stooped slightly. His skin, though pale before, looked sickly. Worried, she asked, "Have they been treating you well?"

A small chuckle escaped him, turning into a fit of coughing. "Hinata san...I am charged with murdering my clan. They have spared no expense."

"But -"

"I have admitted to my crimes. There is no changing the past."

"But you had a reason!" she retorted. "I...I don't know what it is, but...I know you had one."

"Before I became involved with you," he said softly, "I planned on letting that reason die with me...when Sasuke took his revenge."

The girl gave a start. "You...you were going to let him kill you?"

"I was. But now, things have changed...and in order for you to understand, I must start at the beginning.

"When Konoha was created under the guidance of the Uchiha and Senju clans, there was need for a leader. After a lengthy debate, Hashirama of the Senju clan was elected the first Hokage, beating out Uchiha Madara. Everyone accepted his fair victory...except for Madara. He was jealous, and angry. And out of these foolish emotions came his plan for revenge. He fought Hashirama, their fierce battle creating what is known as the Valley of the End. Madara was defeated, believed dead, and the Hokage returned to the village.

"Distrust grew between the clans, the Uchiha becoming ostracized as the others grew to believe that it was their intent as a whole to usurp power. But the madness had been Madara's, and Madara's alone. The clan was saddened and angered at those assumptions, and fought against them. To placate their growing unrest, the village appointed them the police force of the people, hoping that it would ease their feelings of betrayal. But, being proud people, the Uchiha took it only as a token of pity, their discontent growing.

"Then, when the Kyuubi container Uzumaki Kushina was to give birth to her son, Uzumaki Naruto, disaster struck. The man who claimed to be Madara somehow discovered the secret location of the birth, wreaking havoc and stealing the Kyuubi, sending it to attack the village. He was defeated by the fourth Hokage, but at the price of his life, and his wife's. Naruto received half of the demon's chakra as well as the demon itself while Minato sealed away the rest.

"The Sharingan harbors the ability to control the Kyuubi, which allowed the man to nearly achieve his goal. At this, the village once again placed blame and suspicion upon the entire clan. Arguments broke out as the clan denied being a part of the plot, the village stubborn and rejecting of their claims. Tension began to grow, the Uchiha threatening civil war and disobedience. Konoha began to look for answers to placate the clan once more to avoid the outbreak. Civil war would put the entire village in danger, unhinging its stability. The council, Hokage, and elders became desperate. It was then that they found me."

"Found you?" Hinata asked, nearly dizzy from all of the information Itachi was putting into her head. "W-what do you mean?"

"I am a pacifist. I do not enjoy chaos or killing, preferring negotiations and compromises. I was sympathetic to my clan, but did not agree with their choice of plans. I was a newly-appointed ANBU officer at thirteen. My clan tried to use me as a spy against Konoha, but I in turn was a double agent, spying instead for the village against the Uchiha. I tried to get negotiations to work...but in the end, a compromise could not be reached. To avoid civil war, which would weaken the village and allow it to be conquered, I was ordered by the Hokage, council and elders to destroy my clan."

A sharp gasp escaped Hinata, her hand flying to her mouth, the other still holding Itachi's. "That's...that's...terrible!" she sobbed. "It was an order? From the village? To...to kill them?"

"There was no alternative. Their actions would have thrown Konoha into disarray, allowing for hostile forces to invade, and possibly start another shinobi war. Though killing my clan was a terrible deed, it allowed us to avoid an even greater tragedy. It was a choice between my family...and my home." Itachi's face was down-turned, and Hinata could sense the overwhelming guilt and sadness radiating from his aura.

The girl shook her head. She couldn't, wouldn't imagine having to make that choice. "But...Sasuke san lived."

"I convinced the council to let him live." Itachi's mouth settled into a line. "He is my most precious person...the one I could not kill. Instead, I let him live...and told him to hunt me. It was my intention to let him kill me, avenge the clan, and hopefully have peace."

"But it w-wasn't your fault..." Hinata whispered. "Killing you would only give a tragic end to a tragic tale."

"I felt I had no other choice. I believed he would train inside Konoha, master his power, and kill me. But when he left with Orochimaru, things unraveled. His hate spiraled out of control, he broke bonds instead of making them stronger, and gave up everything for one goal. It was my intention for him to become a hero that would have a hero's welcome after he finished me. But now, he is seen as a traitor, a criminal. He gave up everything with no intent to return. Instead of opening a path to happiness, killing me would have merely left him purposeless, left to wander a void until death. Things did not go as planned."

Silence again. Hinata tried to envision everything as he had told her, the pain and heartache she felt for both brothers nearly overtaking her. Nothing could be more tragic, she was sure. Itachi had made sacrifice after sacrifice, all while thinking of Sasuke, trying to find a balance between his duty as a shinobi and his duty as a brother. Hinata was sure she never could have done what he did.

"So...what now?" she asked quietly. "What will you do if they l-let you live? They've healed your illness, and your eyes...maybe..."

"I am not sure if I could ever live life normally again," Itachi admitted. "After everything...even if the truth was revealed, there would be those who would harbor hatred against me. Even if Sasuke forgave me...things would never be the same."

"But wouldn't it be w-worth a try?" she insisted. "You could change things! You're an amazing shinobi, and an amazing person. You can't just give up..."

A gentle smile curved Itachi's lips. "So much faith in a murderer..."

"Every shinobi kills i-if they do their job right," she replied quietly. "The only thing that makes a killing right or wrong is the reason. And not only did you have a reason...you didn't have a choice. You did what you h-had to do."

"Many will not see it that way."

"Then forget them." Hinata's voice became sharp as a knife. "But don't give up. If you tell Tsunade sama the truth, then s-surely she will let you go."

Itachi remained silent. This girl...would she stop at nothing to see his life changed? "I will tell her...but I am certain any documents concerning the truth have been destroyed, if they were ever created at all. And the elders will never admit to it."

"Tsunade sama will m-make them. She doesn't like the elders anyway," Hinata reasoned. She had seen the Hokage disagree with them on more than one occasion when coming in for a mission and accidentally overhearing their arguments. "Tsunade sama is a g-good Hokage. She'll make it right."

"We shall see." Staring blindly toward his lap, Itachi said, "I hate to push you away, but I am tired...and I am sure you have other things to attend to."

"I don't want to leave you alone..." she murmured in reply. Her hand had never left his, small and round compared to his long thin fingers. Wiping the last of her tears away, she said, "I'll come back t-tomorrow to see you. Do you...know when you can remove your bandages?"

"I am not sure. You would have to ask Tsunade sama."

"Okay...I want to talk to her anyway."

"Hinata..."

"Y-yes?"

"I...want to thank you."

Her eyes softened. "You d-don't have to do that."

"You have done so much for me, both under threat and of your own will. I...have never had anyone do so much. Not since my family was alive. Right now, you are my only ally...my only friend."

She gave him a smile, despite the gauze around his eyes. Without a word, she squeezed his hand, not knowing what else to say.

I'm not going anywhere...Itachi.

D'awww...I love that last part X3

So, Itachi is alive! And, so is Sasuke. But neither brother is out of the woods yet! Things are going to get complicated – but until then, see you next time!

~BlackRoseDragon13