A/N: Don't forget to read Lehrain's update as well! Also, make sure to check out the newest addition to this fanfic, Slytherstein's "Emulation of Apathy" (for more information on that, please refer to my revised author's note on chapter 1).


Illusions of Serenity

Chapter V

"Reprieve"

Itachi reasoned that it would be wise to gather supplies before continuing to another village, one in which there was at least one sane individual. Despite not completely trusting the products sold by the inhabitants, he nonetheless returned to the settlement and approached a wary looking vendor. He happened to have on his person a few coins plated with gold; a deception he hoped would fool the cast of nonsensical individuals surrounding him.

Casting his dark eyes about the various products, he decided on a simple looking fruit-like item, its shape and color appearing safe for consumption. He then requested a flask of water and draught of a sleeping aid. It had been many nights since he had actually enjoyed an easy slumber, the presence of a similar concoction within his system having long since become a necessity.

The man did not appear to be pleased with the fact that he was trading with an outsider, though Itachi merely satiated his reluctance with a couple of his most brilliantly shined coins. The gleam within the older man's eyes suggested his appreciation of the offering and ignorance to the actual value of the pieces.

Itachi took his purchased items and placed them in a small pack he had found lying carelessly outside the gate. A conquest he was more than fortunate to obtain. He had briefly faltered before picking it up, as he wondered whether or not it belonged to the fish-beater. However, his practicality ultimately won him over and he was now entirely grateful for this occurrence.

"Could you perhaps," Itachi addressed the vendor after only a moment's hesitation. "Direct me to the nearest town outside of this region?"

The man before him suddenly grinned, revealing a set of distorted and revolting teeth before speaking in a low, strained voice. "The stranger seeks escape. Escape is not to be found here; it is not to be found anywhere. You do not understand, you cannot understand."

Itachi immediately felt somewhat foolish for even attempting the conversation, his eyes narrowing only slightly. Had purchasing a medication really been a wise move? Should he have perhaps waited on that particular item? The dread of having his nightly haunts revisit his vulnerable, slumbering mind had coerced him into taking that risk but now, as he stood gazing at the deranged individual before him, he had to wonder if he had cause to be more vigilant with these people.

In any case, it was time to leave and he had several hours in which to ponder the potential hazards of his purchase. Thus turning, the Uchiha once again strode out and away from the village, his eyes set on the open expanse of shore. He assumed that there would be at least one more similar settlement along the body of water, as most preferred to remain within a reasonable proximity to hydration. Once away from the strange population behind him, Itachi found the faint semblance of tranquility returning, the embracing calm of the wind and glamorous view of the iridescent sky captivating his senses once more.

Despite the leisurely pace of his steps and composed demeanor, Itachi was also beginning to feel an inward and escalating desperation. How far had he been transported from his last known location? Why could not use any of his chakra-based techniques? How was such an atmosphere possible? Why could he see everything so clearly and without even a hint of deterioration?

Without any Shinobi abilities, how could he fulfill the task he had been adamantly preparing for? He was beginning to suspect that his place was somehow separate from the reality he knew, due to the impossibility of so many inexplicable and sudden occurrences.

However one question, above all others, remained most vital to him. Was time progressing normally? If this were a genjutsu the answer would be a resounding 'no', however, this place did not possess the same aspects illusory techniques exhibited. Therefore, he was left to determine the actual nature of this realm, whether it be some other plane or a mere trick of the mind.

Another development was the realization that his sickness seemed to have become nonexistent, with neither lingering effect nor implication of return. Along with his eyesight, this was another entirely unlikely event within reality. His lungs were now able to partake of the air without the weight of chronic pain and his mind was clear and able to more readily focus on more than the disease that had plagued him.

He noticed that the sky was beginning to grow darker, the array of colors becoming more saturated as the evening deepened. He tried not to dwell on the many questions that resounded through his mind, for there were far too many missing pieces to possibly reach a consensus. If time were indeed moving regularly then he still had six months at least to reach Sasuke before Orochimaru's attempt to overtake his body. It was a reasonable enough amount of time to unravel the perplexities of his situation.

The air began to grow cooler but not uncomfortably so as the climate always seemed to remain temperate. He could see the stars beginning to shine through the veil that was the atmosphere and he felt himself anticipating the view this place would exhibit upon nightfall. As spectacular as it was during the day he could only imagine the scene created through the natural and mysterious captivation darkness offered.

'Nii-san,' Sasuke's young voice rang through his mind. 'What is it you are always thinking about when you stare up at the sky like that?' Itachi remembered only offering his sibling a vague response, in which he alluded to merely admiring the splendor the great expanse offered. However, what he had not been able to explain to the child at the time was how the sky always instilled within him a sensation of natural wonderment and unfailingly continued to remind him of the beauty within the world and within life.

That feeling had never changed and even now, after all he had done, when he looked up into the great realm above he was able to remember that his life, too, continued to hold meaning and that every breath was worthwhile. He was able to recognize that there was something grander, something that transcended his own existence to protect and honor. A rare thought slowly progressed into his thoughts then, one in which he was wary to entertain. He considered the fact that he would not be walking among the living for much longer and that his days were now dwindling towards the moment in which his eyes would close for the final time, the blackness finally finding fulfillment.

This contemplation did not scare him but he always had to overcome a small whisper that questioned if he really regretted not having experienced all that life had to offer. After what he had done, despite the justification of his actions, he knew that death at the hand of his brother was the only way he would ever find atonement. However, that small part of him, though muted would silently instill that dormant longing to even wonder if there was another way.

No, he told himself again, as he had always done. There is nothing left for me here. My fate was determined the moment I made the decision to raise my sword against my kinsman. The only way I can make this right is to return to Sasuke some small semblance of what I took away from him.

Thus suppressing that tiny voice, he returned to his observance of the sky and, as the evening was overtaken by night he was not disappointed in the sight that greeted him. Deep violet and exquisite hues of dark cerulean were set as the background for thousands of clear and glittering lights, the stars shining so much more magnificently than any he had ever seen. The moon was full and glowing while the planet-like object was illuminated by the overall irradiation of the entire atmosphere. He looked out towards the water at his left and released a soft exhale at the vision of glimmering waves. Words could not describe what his clarified vision was now offering him and he knew that for the remainder of his short life he would not forget the scene.

He continued to walk for several miles, civilization seemingly nonexistent within the wide region of empty, silent wilderness. He decided to try and look for a place to rest before venturing further inland and away from the shore, as the field would offer more comfort in slumber. He spied a single tree several yards ahead and slowly made his way toward it as his thoughts returned to the draught in his bag.

Now was the time to come to make a decision regarding its consumption.

Reaching the tree, Itachi knelt on the ground before allowing his bag to fall from his shoulder. Removing the vial of azure-colored liquid, he examined its contents more closely, while weighing the possible consequences of consuming the substance against the risk of inflicting night terrors over his mind. Medications and alchemy were not areas he was confidently familiar with, despite his use of various prescribed relievers for the illness he had been suffering from only a short time ago.

He hesitated for several moments before finally replacing the bottle into his bag with a slight frown. Deciding to first attempt to sleep without the aid of the potentially hazardous substance, Itachi removed the water and fruit, propping both items against the tree before situating the bag into a makeshift pillow. He eased himself down onto the soft grass before removing his robe and draping it over himself, allowing it to act as a blanket of sorts.

He stared unseeingly at the stretch of land before him, his journey a seemingly endless one. His mind remained awake and alert for countless hours before he finally felt the approach of sleep, its touch both hesitant and delicate. He began to feel his defenses slipping and cringed in anticipation of that which always awaited him. He felt the vial beneath his hand but closed his eyes as he instead tried to focus on anything at all that could distract him from the visions that only deepened the torment of his perpetual anguish. He did not want to see them, did not want to see the broken faces of every victim he had slain.

He thought of Sasuke before quickly retreating from that strain of memories, his attention instead shifting to Akatsuki and the sometimes entertaining situations he had encountered over his years with them. However, the forms of all the lifeless Jinchuuriki hosts infiltrated his thoughts violently and he immediately stepped back from those recollections as well. Is there not at least one thing I can focus on that remains unstained by my actions?

A sudden voice entered his mind, one unfamiliar and unacquainted but unforgettable nonetheless. Her self-satisfied expression accompanied the assured and vehement tone of her words, inspiring a very subtle smile from him and inviting a reprieve from his blemished history. That irrational little Sakura girl…he thought with a small sensation of amusement. She was young and so full of life, her eyes bright and innocent and her disposition pleasantly naïve. He had never experienced such a thing within his own childhood and he found himself once again envying her that gift.

What was it she had said exactly? Oh yes…' Well, great prodigy, this receiver thinks it's very irritating and it only makes me dislike you even more!'

He remembered how intensely she had voiced that unreasonable statement and, though he had merely disregarded her reply at the time he could now look back on the exchange with a welcome and soothing feeling of mirth. It was strange how one conversation could offer him the amnesty he needed to escape the lingering haunts sleep invited. A conversation with a complete but vivid stranger, whose face would now remain permanently engraved within his mind. He could hardly even remember the faces of his past, which had at one time been so clear. Time had eroded their likeness and memory had faded their once flawless image. Hers was now the only one he could recall with any semblance of accuracy.

He allowed himself to wonder what her life had been like so far. Had she grown up ordinarily? Did she still have parents who loved and cared for her? A sibling or two perhaps? Had she surrounded herself with many friends during her days at the academy and enjoyed summers of freedom? Were her days absent of the trials anxiety and worry inspired? Had they had any of the same teachers? What was her goal as a Shinobi? He felt his eyes close once more as he slowly began to drift from consciousness, his ponderings becoming mere echoes within the mysterious void one entered during slumber.

...

However, It seemed as if no time at all had passed when his eyes reopened to greet the pale vibrancy of his surroundings, the sun just beginning to rise above the horizon. He lied still a few more moments before slowly rising, pulling on his cloak and reaching over to lift his bag. When he once again felt the shape of the vial within, he realized with a slight widening of his eyes that not even a single nightmare had invaded him that night, the last thoughts he could recall being of that little Konoha Shinobi.

He briefly pondered the occurrence with a slight feeling of astonishment before dismissing it altogether, looking instead to the flask of water and the food he had purchased. He stood and reached down to grab both before pulling out a kunai and slicing a thin layer off the fruit, observing it curiously a moment before taking a bite and delighting in the fact that it possessed a moderately sweet taste. He drank a small portion of the water before returning the items to the bag and pulling it over his shoulder as he turned to face the path ahead.

He began to walk at an easy pace, his gaze set on the direction ahead as he made his way down to the shore once more before continuing east. He knew there had to be more than one town in this place, as it was far too vast to not have attracted any other settlers.

It was not until sometime during the early afternoon that he found his suspicion confirmed. He stopped atop another incline to observe a village in the crux of the basin, though it was far less secure and considerably smaller than the one had previously encountered.

However, his one and only hope was that the people there would remain in possession of their sanity.

He descended towards the small homes and as he drew closer he noticed that they were all centered around a massive cherry blossom tree, or what appeared to be one. He smiled at the pleasant sight and subtly increased his pace toward the promising settlement.

However, as he was passing beneath the archway that signified the town's entrance, he quickly stepped to the side as someone fell from the banister, the person's neck hung within a noose before the force of his fall brought the entire wooden structure down around them. Itachi blinked away the dust that had clouded his eyes before observing the pile of rubble and the middle-aged gentleman lying in the center.

The individual stood, the rope still tied about his throat and his expression almost…disappointed. He then yanked the noose from his own neck and shook his head, "again, I fail! Too many times I fail." He began to walk away as Itachi's narrowed eyes followed his retreat.

"Better luck next time," he continued to mutter before his sentences became incoherent.

Itachi's hopes for sanity instantly faded as the stranger disappeared around a corner. He looked again to the tree with a soft sigh. How unfortunately deceptive you are…

Around him, the inhabitants began to emerge from their homes and shops, eyes all set suspiciously on his person. What were the chances of the exact same greeting in two places separated by a day's journey? He surmised that this land was simply wary of travelers, all the villagers most likely closely related and the blood ties running deeply. I suppose that could explain a few things.

"You!" A voice called out from the small crowd before a sneering, snake skin-clad individual approached him, beady eyes glowering. "You cannot come here. We know all about you! Leave here at once!"

Itachi merely gazed back at the man before closing his eyes, "I will leave as soon as I've found the answers I seek."

"We will give you nothing! Unless…" the man then held out his hand, "unless you offer me tribute."

Itachi again met the glare before him. "A tribute of gold?"

"No," the man shook his head vehemently. "We have no use for gold here. I need something priceless. I need the sap from the Yucca plant only found within Kanashimi."

Yucca plant? Itachi pondered, thinking back to the fish-beater. He could not travel all the way back there to inquire about such a thing, however. "Are you this village's leader?"

"I am," The man nodded. "My name is Snake-Skin. I am the leader here."

Fitting name, Itachi thought, observing the clothing he opted to wear. "What can you tell me of Kanashimi?"

"I already said," the Snake-skin glared before suddenly gripping Itachi's arm threateningly. "I will not tell you anything." However, as the words left his mouth his arm began to shake violently, which was followed by a convulsive spasm from his entire body, his neck bending strangely in response to the occurrence.

Itachi observed the change with a sense of discomfort, before slowly prying away the hand that still held his arm. The man grimaced in response to the small action before abruptly turning and, upon removing the axe from his belt, threw it toward a nearby shrub, successfully impaling a rabbit-like creature that had happened across the path.

He strode towards it before removing his axe and, after lifting the lifeless animal to observe the damage, proceeded to toss it carelessly aside. Itachi's eyes widened slightly in response to the scene before noting that each other villager seemed to pay no heed to the sudden and uncalled for action.

Snake-skin turned to Itachi once more before pointing a figure towards him, "Your tribute! I demand it! I will give you three days to offer it. No more, no less." Thus saying, he pushed past the onlookers and ventured on to some obscene shack.

Waiting until he was out of sight, the Uchiha decided to try and find someone else to speak with, though the prospect of holding a normal conversation with any of these people appeared slight. He walked further into the village as many sets of eyes followed him, the cast of their gazes accusatory and almost spiteful. What exactly did they disapprove of so resolutely?

He wondered if he resembled some notorious villain of theirs. He supposed that the explanation was probable, though highly unlikely. Casting his eyes across the strange people, he saw many different ages, ranging from young to old, all wearing the same exact expressions of mistrust. Well, all besides the one man in the group who endlessly appeared to be chuckling to himself about something.

Perhaps he really was just wasting his time, after all.

"By the gods, sir!"

Itachi looked up as someone approached him, the wide-eyed individual stopping uncomfortably close to his person.

"You!" the man continued. "You are the embodiment of the fish god! You are a descendant of the ancient elves, by god I declare that you are!"

The Uchiha tilted his head only slightly in response. It appeared this eccentric individual did not harbor any disdain towards him, merely compromised that for outlandish proclamations. In any case, he already knew the man would offer no help and so he continued past him.

"My name is Robyn Tinderwood, sir! Remember it within the infinity of your reign!"

Itachi disregarded the voice calling out to him, as the same exclamatory sentence was repeated over and over. Did the man actually think he had been unable to hear him the first time? He spotted a stable then and ventured towards it, finding a man hunched over and shoveling hay.

As his approach was heard, the man turned, revealing a familiar face and red rash across his neck, where the rope had burned. This was the man who had attempted and failed at hanging himself only moments earlier.

"We meet again," the man nodded before smiling. "In pleasanter circumstances, I daresay." He then looked about cautiously, Itachi following his gaze to the now dispersing crowd.

"You aren't from around here, are you?" the man asked then as Itachi detected a guarded tone within his voice.

The Uchiha returned his attention to him before shaking his head, "no, and not at all acquainted with this land."

The man nodded, "very good. I could tell that you were an outsider. You do not have the curse of derangement."

"Curse of derangement?"

Hesitating only briefly, the man motioned for Itachi to follow as he turned and entered a small hovel to the right of the stables, in which there was only a small cot, quaint stove, and a small table. Itachi entered before the door was shut behind him. The man indicated for him to sit before lifting a kettle. "Would you care for some tea?"

Itachi pondered the offer carefully, not entirely trusting of any individual within this place. However, after inspecting the sincerity of the man's features closely, he allowed himself a nod of genuine appreciation. "Yes, tea would be great."

The man began to prepare the brew before turning back to him and extending a hand that indicated the wear and toil of his existence. "I am Gregor Youngling."

Itachi accepted the hand, "Itachi. I would prefer to withhold my surname."

"Aah, a wiser man than I," Gregor replied, smiling almost understandingly as he took the seat across the table.

Itachi did not reply, only looked to him expectantly.

"So," Gregor began, folding both hands beneath his chin. "How much do you actually know?"

"Nothing," Itachi replied honestly.

"Aah," the man replied, "ignorant of the extent of the world, eh? No matter, I suppose that is a good thing. Are you from Kanashimi then?"

"No, I am not." Itachi replied, "I am from another land entirely."

"Another land?" Gregor appeared confused. "I have not heard of any other land. What is your purpose in being here?"

"I am trying to return to the place I came from."

"What sort of place is that?"

Itachi narrowed his eyes only slightly. "You have not heard of any land beyond this one? Why is that?"

"Because our realm only extends from here, in Yokusei, adjacent to Kanashimi, and ends within the city of Churitsu. There is nothing beyond that," Gregor replied.

"Perhaps it lies outside of this world you know," Itachi replied, as he inwardly reasoned that perhaps this place was some other realm or plane. The explanation seemed more likely than the possibility of some elaborate genjutsu.

"Hmm," Gregor sighed deeply as he seemed to consider this response. "That is something I cannot answer. I would suggest venturing to Churitsu then and to the Court of Tortured Souls. Our Leader would most likely be the only one who could shed some light on this matter. He typically dabbles in the inexplicable and supernatural."

"Your leader?" Itachi replied.

"Yes," Gregor nodded. "He is the one who holds supremacy over this entire land. I have never seen him myself but I have heard tales of his prowess and wisdom. His power is unmatched."

Itachi nodded before watching as the man rose to pour the now boiled water into two wooden mugs, steeping a satchel of tea in each before offering one to him.

The Uchiha received the cup before closing his eyes as he took a long, slow sip. The beverage was not sweetened as he preferred but he found the sensation of its soothing heat a welcome indulgence nonetheless.

As Gregor returned to his seat, Itachi looked to him with a slight tilt of his head. "You mentioned a curse. What sort of curse?"

"Ah, yes!" the man nodded, setting his mug down. "This land of Yokusei is filled with individuals who have lost their wits, a trait you have no doubt noticed."

"Aa," Itachi replied in the affirmative.

"Well, "they say that long ago, back to the earliest days of this land's existence, the god of madness and the god of death each inherited a portion of this world, casting their own 'curse' over the inhabitants of the divided places. Kanashimi and Yokusei have been separated by a barrier of incompatibility since the very origins of our heritage. Only in Churitsu, the middle ground, will you find individuals who are under the protection of our Leader."

"Kanashimi," Itachi replied after nodding and considering what he had just been told. "Is that place much different from here? Where does it stand?"

"It resides in the West," Gregor replied before shaking his head, "but it is very different from here. Death, darkness and coldness reside there. It is a desolate land haunted by the Jisatsu, carnivorous, fearful beasts who feed on the victims of the region's innumerable suicides."

To the west? Itachi thought absently. That's the direction that Sakura girl headed. Is that where she is now? He felt the subtle return of harbored guilt toward himself for not more actively persuading her to accompany him. However, there really was not anything he could do about it now, only hope that she somehow avoided the gruesome horrors the man before him was insinuating.

"That is where I am from," Gregor continued, his voice deepening with the implication of underlying sorrows "I…left that place after…after my own wife committed suicide, taking our unborn child with her. I begged the magistrate of our town to allow me to properly bury her but he refused, stating that the tradition of offering her to the Jisatsu must be upheld without exception."

He looked to his hands, "I fled from there the next day, with the decision to arrive here and take my own life once I was out of that realm's reach. I could not stand the thought of my body being consumed by those beasts and my greatest ambition is to rejoin my family in a place far better than here."

Itachi listened silently as the man shared this plague of his past, his hand clenching slightly as he felt the familiar and similar pain of loss coursing through his own heart. Though he considered suicide an unreasonable escape from suffering, he could in no way condemn the man for pursuing it. A sudden thought struck him then, a thought he had never before considered. Is allowing Sasuke to take my life in atonement and penance for what I did the same thing as suicide?

Though he was offering his life freely for the sake of his brother, he had never before considered it as the same thing. He was not seeking to end his suffering, merely to regain his honor and allow Sasuke to regain a life free of hate. Was such an action wrong? He hardly thought so. Besides, he was well past the point to waste time debating over the matter.

"So," Itachi finally spoke in a soft, even voice. "You came here and feigned insanity, in pursuit to end your life and avoid the desecration of your body?"

Gregor nodded solemnly, "I confess that is the case. I have no reason to remain here. Nothing left to look forward to. The past holds me and I cannot move on from that. My only worry is that, in Kanashimi, their belief is that those who are consumed by those beasts are doomed to an afterlife spent wandering aimlessly across the Hill of Suicides. I wonder if my wife and child will be there, despite having lived their lives well. I know that the only reason she killed herself was to spare our child the fate of being born into such a world."

"I see," Itachi replied, thinking this revelation over. The woman had done it for the sake of her child. Her sacrifice having been an attempt to protect the one she loved most from the suffering she had undoubtedly endured. He looked to Gregor, "why feign insanity though?"

A sad looking smile then appeared on the man's face, "Yokusei's inhabitants are not accepting of those who were not placed under their curse. The way they stare at you is no coincidence. You are different from them, and they can sense it. They will always remain suspicious of you. One cannot thrive for long in a place that does not accept them."

"Why are you trying to thrive here?" Itachi could not help but ask. "Isn't it your goal to end your life?"

Gregor shrugged, "every time I attempt it something goes wrong. I have tried numerous times. It's almost as if my wife is preventing me from doing so, her hold over me still every bit as strong from beyond the grave." He chuckled then as he shook his head. "She was a wonderful woman. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her. She knew how to keep me smiling."

Itachi could not help but soften his expression slightly in response to his statement. "Sounds like you loved her dearly."

"I did. I will never love anyone as I did her," he replied fervently. "Which now leaves me facing a dilemma. If she wants me to continue living, and will not allow me to take my life, I must go on existing here and assuming the role of an insane individual. What sort of life is that? How long can I uphold such a lie?"

"Sometimes…" Itachi found himself answering both the man before him and himself. "Such a life is inescapable when offered for the sake of another person."

"Yes," Gregor agreed with a nod. "I will have to consider that."

They fell into silence then as Itachi directed his eyes toward the fire burning beneath the stove. Gregor Youngling was very open with his past and with his feelings, a trait he had never found within his own more reserved nature. However, many of the things he had said struck him as uncomfortably relatable.

He knew it would not do to dwell on such reflections though, as he needed to remain focused on the journey ahead of him. Upon finishing his tea, Itachi looked to Gregor and retrieved the vial of sleeping draught from his bag. "Are you able to tell me if this is a true sleeping aid?"

The man took the bottle and observed it closely before returning it to Itachi with a nod. "Aye, it is. However, that will surely knock you clean out. It's rather strong."

The Uchiha muttered his appreciation before returning the vial to his bag and standing. "I am grateful for the information you offered. I will now take my leave and wish you well in whatever path you decide to take."

Gregor nodded and stood, the smile at once returning. "And I wish you luck on your journey. I sincerely hope you're able to find some way to return to your homeland."

Itachi turned then as the man opened the door and stepped out behind him.

"Perhaps," Gregor began, prompting the Uchiha to glance back in question. "I could allow you to borrow one of my fine horses, they are swift and reliable. If you leave it with the stables in the city they will return it to me within the week."

"How far is Churitsu?" Itachi asked, considering.

"An afternoon's ride," he shrugged, "a full day on foot."

Itachi looked out over the land stretching beyond the town before shifting his gaze to the three horses that stood attentively beside their owner. He had never actually ridden anything like that before and, if he really wanted to make good time he could always run to the city. I don't have any chakra hereto keep me going though, he thought then as he continued to debate his options.

"I appreciate the offer," Itachi replied after another moment, "but I will walk."

"Suit yourself," Gregor shrugged before offering his hand once more. "Farewell then, Itachi. I cannot say for certain if we'll ever meet again, should you find yourself passing through here in the future."

Itachi shook the offered hand, "I don't foresee that happening."

"Farewell it is then," Gregor replied with a nod before withdrawing his hand and picking up his shovel to continue the task of shoveling hay. "Oh and, you want to keep heading East in order to reach the city."

The Uchiha nodded before leaving the sanctuary of the only sane individual residing in the land. He crossed the town once more under the watch of a dozen sets of cautious and accusatory eyes. He looked to his left and spotted a man sharpening his cleaver whilst displaying a sadistic grinned aimed in his direction. Itachi then saw a young woman who giggled at his attention before skipping off in some unknown direction. Finally, and the very last thing he saw before passing the threshold of the settlement was the man named Snake-skin, peering out at him from within his hut with three fingers extended to signify the number of days he was stilling offering for an accepted tribute.

Itachi ignored the threat as he instead focused on the path before him. He reasoned that he would reach the city before nightfall if he maintained a steady, accelerated pace. However, He could not quite figure out why exactly Gregor's explanation of the neighboring land seemed to so ominously haunt him, as though it were almost calling out to him in some strange sort of way.

Deciding against trying to unravel that train of thought, he instead focused on the mysterious Leader and found himself hoping that he truly was as wise and capable as he had been told. The place was becoming increasingly complicated the more he found out about it and he could not help the fear of possibly being trapped here without any means of escape. Was such a thing probable? All he could do was sincerely hope for the best outcome.

His mind wandered to that Sakura girl again as he pondered what state she was currently in, considering the direction she had taken. Had she found herself within that foreboding land of darkness? If so, was she even still alive? He shuddered against the implications but could not seem to dispel them. With that, too, he knew he could do nothing but accept what had happened and wish for her favorable well-being.

He continued forward, while remaining cautious as to his physical condition. It had been some time since he actually had to monitor how much pressure he was exerting over himself. He was amazed at how greatly chakra improved the body's capacity, the loss of which was strikingly noticeable. He now felt somewhat foolish for relying on its aid so heavily. It would have been easier during his younger days but he supposed his sickness could be contributed to the depletion of his prowess as a well-rounded Shinobi.

The sun slowly began to set and as the first shadows of night crossed the land and the colors began to glimmer once more with darkened brilliance, Itachi spotted the great walls of the massive city in the distance, its presence like a beacon he fought against placing too much expectation within. It would not do to become depressed by the possibility of negative results to his exhibition.

A forest acted as a divider of sorts and, as he looked up to the sky on the western horizon he saw an ethereal and looming shade of red, the twisted canopies of a mangled forest gracing its crimson expanse. He tore his gaze away before passing the remaining distance and slowing his pace as he reached the walkway leading to a set of wooden doors. He noticed that the colors of the atmosphere above had lost their strange hue, a cobalt, ordinary night sky replacing them.

He returned the nod of the single guard standing outside the gate, before walking past him and pushing open the door to reveal the throngs of people within the stronghold. All around him were aligned vendor stalls and traders, their voices ringing through the air and the mingled, answering out cry of their customers.

Was there some sort of festival going on? He had not expected to be confronted by so many inhabitants at such a late hour. However, he did find himself noting in no small amount of relief that they all appeared sensible in comparison to what he had recently experienced. It seemed Gregor had been right concerning that aspect at least and he found himself offering another silent notion of gratitude to the man. He had to wonder though why he had chosen to remain in Yokusei instead of venturing here. Was there perhaps something else underlying this place as well? He had to wonder but hardly hoped to find the answers he sought within this setting. He needed to locate the Leader's court.

With this final thought, however, he inadvertently answered his own query. Had Gregor not explained the curses and the disposition of this city? These inhabitants were under the protection of their Leader, who obviously deemed all outsiders inflicted with the god's curse a lost cause.

Casting his eyes upward, he saw the spiral-shaped dome that seemed to overlook the entire city and reasoned that the court probably resided within. Thus maneuvering through the crowd, he began his slow progression toward his destination, resigned to simply observe the town as he patiently ventured.

It appeared a rather simple sort of place, though grand in its sheer size and population density. The structures were made of stone and some were decorated with streams of lights. Many shops, taverns, and sleeping establishments lined the streets, displaying signs advertising one product or another.

Despite how lacking in glamour the place was, he still found the scene exceptionally enthralling. He could see. He could see everything and he briefly wondered if he would ever get past that sensation. No matter how many times he thought he had come to terms with his regained ability, he found something else to entice his vision once more. Not that he minded, for he found himself reveling within the vivacity of his fascination.

Several minutes later and after fully partaking of the city's sights, Itachi was met with a set of stairs leading up to the domed building. Was he allowed to simply enter without being announced? He hardly knew but decided to question a passerby to keep on the safe side of the situation. He hardly knew what sort of person this Leader was or of nature his power comprised.

However, as he voiced his question he received a nod of confirmation. The Leader allowed admittance to anyone and so long as he did not consider his valuable time wasted, he would allow you to leave with any complications. Itachi found this response rather cryptic but decided against inquiring further before turning and ascending the stairs.

He sincerely doubted his purpose would be considered a waste of time, at worst it would afford this Leader some small semblance of amusement.

He reached the door and hesitated only a moment before thrusting it open and entering the so called, 'Court of Tortured Souls.'

The interior was what he might have expected of someone living in lavish comfort. The floor was comprised of marble and velvet rugs, the dimly lit space illuminated only by intricately decorated candles. He searched the room but only discovered a few sparsely spaced individuals. There were tables aligned before him with what appeared to be the remnants of a banquet of sorts. Set on an incline resided a throne, in which he assumed the leader would sit during these apparent feasts of his.

He observed the individuals who lingered and attempted to determine which of them he should approach regarding an audience with the Leader. He was only halfway through his scrutiny when he heard the door open and close once more.

"So, this is the Court of Tortured Souls, eh? Hmm, interesting." The familiar voice reached his ears and he turned and glanced behind him before allowing his eyes to widen slightly at the girl who immediately ventured toward one of the candles without so much as a glance in his direction.

He allowed his expression to slightly soften as he realized in relief that she was unharmed. Was her purpose in being here perhaps the same as his own? He observed the interest of her demeanor as she continued to foolishly observe the inanimate object that so intensely seemed to captivate her.

He continued to watch as she lifted both hands to surround the flame, a satisfied smile taking form. Ah, I see. She probably was in Kanashimi. Gregor mentioned it was cold there. It also appeared as if the Sakura girl had remained unaffected by whatever horrors she might have come across, if any.

After another moment, she withdrew her hands and began to look about the room. He watched as her eyes scanned the various individuals before finally allowing them to rest upon him. He had expected some sort of reaction after their last conversation but was somewhat surprised to find that her features did not change in the slightest.

He allowed his eyes to subtly widen as she calmly made her way over, before he heard her clear her throat loudly and tap him lightly on the shoulder. "Excuse me;" she began, "do you know where I can find Leader? You see, it's very urgent that I speak to him."

He blinked as he withheld his response, wondering if she had perhaps forgotten who he was in the short time they had been apart. He continued to study her silently a moment before attempting a reasonable response. "I don't know anything more than you do."

She responded with a shake of her head and a rather swift, "Well, thanks for nothing. Can you point me in the direction of someone who actually knows something?"

"I recall you referring to me as a 'great prodigy?' Does that not imply that I should know something?" He could not help the return of his amusement in anticipation of her reaction.

As expected, she did not disappoint. "Are you kidding me? You bastard! What do you want now? What the hell are you doing here?!"

Itachi tilted his head slightly, "I assume that we are both here for the same reason."

The Sakura girl replied with an immediate glare, "Sure we are. What else would I expect from the Uchiha? He trapped me here and now he's lost himself. Oh, the things people would say."

Trapped her here? It took him a moment to recollect what she was referring to. Oh right…she still believes that I am the one responsible for all of this.

"What other reason would I have for being here, if not looking for an escape myself?"

"I don't know," The girl replied. "Maybe you changed your mind and decided to kill me yourself. It's all about proving your superiority."

Itachi had to remember to keep up pretenses around this particular Shinobi, as she had known his brother and had ties to both Naruto and Konoha. Then again, with her minimal perception abilities he doubted he was in very much danger of being discovered.

"You believe that I would risk failing an important mission assigned to me by my superiors in order to pursue and kill you?" his response was even and collected, though the amusement did not fade.

"Yeah, a mission. You're the heartless bastard who killed his family without so much as blinking. You continue to torment Sasuke-kun and Naruto by always pursuing whatever amuses you," The Sakura girl glared, "so, yeah."

The amusement faded then at her mention of his family and Sasuke, his practiced demeanor of indifference betraying the sorrow that instantly returned. His voice, likewise, revealed nothing. "You mentioned all of that already. Also…I have to wonder if you are still actually afraid of me as you have been staring into my eyes this entire time. If I had wanted to kill you, I would have done it already." He paused, "and there is very little that amuses me, the pursuit of which I consider to be unnecessary." He hesitated before deciding to briefly descend to her level. "So…yeah."

A smirk greeted him in response, "Hmm…if you're stuck here like I am, then you shouldn't be able to use any chakra. Or is your all powerful Sharingan above that?"

Itachi had assumed that, like him, she had been deprived of her Shinobi abilities, a theory that she had just validated. However, he once again found himself astonished by the depths of her foolishness. She had revealed a weakness to him, an enemy. Despite the accuracy of her statement, the revelation had been characteristically irrational of her.

"I will assume from that statement that you are now in agreement with me that we both find ourselves within the same unfortunate situation?"

He watched her frown before replying, "Fine, whatever. Anything to end this stupid conversation."

"A conversation you started," he reminded her, before nodding and looking away. "But you are right. I too, believe that it would be wise to end it."

"Good for you," she replied as he glanced in her direction and caught the roll of her eyes. "Now, I have to find Leader." He then watched as she turned, obviously unaware as to the potential risks turning ones back to an enemy posed.

Itachi remained silent a moment before walking toward a promising looking individual some feet away. He did not know what exactly the Sakura girl's plan was but he assumed she would be forced to follow his lead at some point.

His eyes widened, however as he turned in time to see her hastily making her way past him and approaching the man he had been about to address. "Hello," he heard her say in a self-satisfied manner. "I was wondering if you could help me."

Itachi looked to her almost incredulously, hardly believing what he had just witnessed. Was she really so young as to still behave in such a way? Did she hold no respect for how she presented herself to others? He looked to the person she had greeted as the man in question regarded them both curiously.

"What is it…that you need help with?" The man asked after a moment.

"I hope you know something," he heard the Sakura girl reply as she shot him a smug look. He merely blinked in response to the accusatory glance as she continued. "Because I'm trying to find the so-called Leader. You do know where I can find him, right?"

The man looked between the two of them before slowly nodding. "Yes, I do." He then turned and called out to another individual. "Will you kindly let the Leader know that he has a pair of visitors?" He turned back to them, "his steward will fetch him for you. If you will follow me, I will take you to an appropriate place to wait for him."

The man turned then and began walking to the center of the room; Itachi glanced at the girl beside him briefly before following the guide. The man led them up a small set of stairs before motioning for them to sit in a small alcove beside the throne. "He will greet you here."

Itachi nodded to convey his appreciation before deciding to remain standing as he maintained an expressionless demeanor, his mind beginning to wonder what exactly he should expect from this realm's Leader. He watched as the helpful individual returned to his former position in the room before allowing his eyes to calmly peruse the immediate area around him.

There was a curious painting hanging behind the throne, one depicting a wide field with a single tree in its center. The strange thing about it though was the fact that the artist had opted to depict one side within a considerably darker shade, its colors claiming a low saturation while the other half remained bright and vibrant.

I imagine that portrays this world, in a simplistic sort of way, Itachi realized as he continued to scrutinize the beautiful work. He was silent another few moments before glancing behind him as he saw the Sakura girl sitting with her arms crossed and wearing an expression of immense contentment.

"Now this is nice. Much better than standing forever," she stated matter-of-factly.

"Since you are disagreeing with my decision to stand," Itachi replied softly. "Would you perhaps prefer that I take that seat beside you?"

He watched as a frown took her features in response to his question. However, he saw her shrug a second later in an obvious attempt at indifference. "I don't care. Do whatever you want."

Itachi momentarily found himself tempted to take the seat and watch her reaction to the motion however, he reasoned that such a move would only imply naivety on his part. "Then I will remain standing. I appreciate your kind approval, however."

"Bastard," she instantly replied.

He subtly sighed at her response. She used that word far too much for his liking. It was rather…unbecoming of a girl her age.

"Do you have a name?" he asked next, deciding on at least getting that single formality out of the way.

He watched as she looked to him suspiciously and found himself almost able to predict the response she gave. "Why would you care?"

"I don't necessarily care," Itachi verified. "I would honestly just like to know."

"Oh," she replied. "Well…fine then." He heard her sigh before watching as she met his gaze directly. "My name…is…Haruno…Sakura."

He blinked in response. Her name was actually Sakura? What were the odds of that? "Pardon?" he found himself asking for clarification. The revelation was almost unlikely in its irony.

"Is something wrong with your ears as well as your eyes?" the girl openly scoffed.

Itachi observed her silently a moment before sighing and closing his eyes. "Yes, perhaps so." He honestly did not care anymore, as he found himself unwilling to keep up with her spirited remarks. In any case, at least he had acquired her name. He supposed that in itself was an accomplishment.

He opened his eyes then to see her grinning in reaction to his reply. He was amazed by how many changes in expression she could display within a matter of minutes.

"Welcome!" A loud voice suddenly resonated behind him, "To my Court of Tortured Souls."

Itachi turned to see an individual standing before him, an exquisitely decorated mask upon his face. He was adorned by an elegant cape of scarlet velvet, the hood lifted and hovering over the man's concealed features.

So…this is the Leader…Itachi thought as a curious sensation of an unnamable recognition coursed through him. What exactly was it that seemed so familiar about his particular individual?

He sent another swift glance in Sakura's direction before keeping his gaze focused on the curious man before him.