A/N: Don't forget "Emulation of Apathy" and "Vigil of Sorrows"! Thanks so much for your continued support, your dedication is very appreciated :1


Illusions of Serenity

Chapter VI

"Responses"

The Leader individual was silent for several moments as he merely seemed to be inspecting both Itachi and the girl who remained sitting behind him. The Uchiha shifted slightly beneath his scrutiny as he began to formulate a way to begin the conversation. There were many things he wished to discuss though he knew he had to maintain composure and word his inquires in such a way so as to uphold the potential delicacy of the situation.

He suddenly heard a foot slam against the marble however, and turned to see Sakura standing with a considerably impatient expression on her face. "Look," she stated, "I don't care if you're this powerful leader or whatever, but it's rude to keep people waiting. Where the hell are we?"

Itachi's eyes widened slightly as he contemplated the depths of her foolishness. It seemed she not only possessed a lack of respect for her enemies, but for royalty as well. Superiority apparently meant nothing to the girl.

"Sakura-san, I don't rec-"

He was cut off by the sudden chuckle that the Leader emitted, prompting the Uchiha to redirect his attention towards him. "Don't fret over it, Itachi. What else might one expect from our dear Sakura?"

Itachi's astonishment was masked by his careful demeanor. How did this man know their names? Why was he speaking so familiarly with them? What exactly was going on here?

"Who are you?" Sakura voiced his thoughts from behind him, "and how do you know my name?"

The Leader released another almost ominous chuckle before venturing to his throne and leisurely reclining upon it. "Would you two care for a drink? Some wine perhaps? I do find it much more appealing to discuss such important matters over a delightful beverage." He looked between them, "do you not agree?"

Itachi once again pondered the fact that there was something about this man that didn't feel quite right. Why did his presence instill such an instinctively guarded, tense sensation? "I might agree, in some circumstances. However, I respectfully decline the offer at this time."

Itachi then glanced to Sakura, "and I'm afraid it would be inappropriate for my companion to indulge the offer as well. If I am not mistaken, her current age does not allow for it."

"Oh?" The Leader shifted his attention to Sakura before continuing, "Well then, it seems I will be drinking alone tonight." He paused before standing, "if you'll excuse me just a moment, I am going to help myself to a goblet."

Thus saying, Itachi watched as the man leapt from his chair and hastily made his way toward the direction in which he had arrived, his form disappearing into the indiscernible darkness beyond. The Uchiha sighed inaudibly as the stifling air seemed to lift from the atmosphere, the oppressive aura momentarily subsiding. He gazed into the empty space a moment before looking to Sakura and catching her glare.

"Look at that, you bastard," she began in a whisper. "Now he might not tell us anything and it's your fault."

Itachi regarded her absently before titling his head slightly. "You believe he will withhold the information because I refused his offer? Were you planning to accept?"

"I-I thought it would be rude not to," Sakura began defensively, which was apparent by the slight catch at the start of her reply. "But you obviously don't care."

Itachi sighed slightly, "Perhaps I should not have spoken for you, though I admit that I was trying to word my reply in the most polite way I could manage. I feared you might say something to offend the situation. I did not consider the fact that you might accept the offer, not only because of your age but also due to the fact that we find ourselves in an unfamiliar situation catered by a person we do not know. It would be unwise to accept any beverage he offered, do you not agree?"

He listened to the gasp she emitted upon hearing his remark. Had she not even considered the possible hazards in consuming the wine? Her reply confirmed his speculations. "You mean like poison? I never considered that."

"No?" Itachi replied as respectfully as he could, a slight amusement returning upon seeing the enlightenment in her gaze. "Well, then I suppose it's fortunate you find yourself accompanying someone who considers these things."

"Well, I…I," Sakura replied, Itachi observing her calmly as he considered her speechlessness. Since their first conversation he had never witnessed her at a loss for a response. However, her mouth snapped shut and anger again replaced her bewilderment. "I never said I was accompanying you."

"I assumed it to be an unspoken agreement," Itachi replied.

He watched her scoff and cross her arms in reply as she turned her face away. "Well, you assumed wrong…again."

Itachi was silent as he fought the sudden and foreign urge to allow for a smile, though his years of repression overcame the inexplicable desire to do so. "I apologize for offending you then, Sakura-san."

"You and your apology can go to hell. That's where you both belong," Sakura countered as she turned to glare at him.

Itachi lowered his eyes briefly, already having come to terms with the fact that he was destined for such a place. Nothing less could allow for his atonement. He composed himself however, and merely nodded as he purposefully removed his gaze from her scrutiny. "I will remember to withhold my apologies in the future, then."

"And don't you forget it because I sure won't."

Itachi did not reply, merely contented to continue gazing at the space the Leader had disappeared into. However, the welcome silence only lasted a moment as Sakura again addressed him.

"What are you plotting now?"

He marveled at Sakura's paranoia of his disposition. It was true that he wanted to keep up his carefully guarded façade, but he also had no intention of giving her cause to fear him, especially in the likelihood of them having to remain in this place for an indefinite period of time. He certainly hoped the esteemed Leader would be providing some answers on that account.

"Nothing, I assure you. I already said that I would not harm you."

"Well," Sakura replied. "I'll believe you, for now, but that doesn't mean I trust you."

Itachi nodded, "Nor should you. I have not given you cause to trust me. However, for the time being, you can consider the truth of my intentions."

"Fine," she replied after a heavy sigh. "Whatever."

"Now then!" A loud voice resonated from their left, the opposite of where he had exited, the usual mask in place and a goblet of wine extended in his hand. "Shall we begin?"

Itachi watched as the man reclaimed his spot upon the throne before beginning to rotate the cup in slow semi-circles, the scarlet liquid contained but the potent scent of a strong wine wafting towards him.

"You both know about the land's division and the curses placed upon the inhabitants, correct?" The Leader began, looking between them.

Itachi glanced sideways at Sakura as her cheeks flushed in response to the assumption. "No," the girl replied softly. "I've heard about the two lands though."

"But not the curse?" The Leader asked of her.

Sakura shook her head, the obvious discomfort of her ignorance blatantly apparent. Itachi's features softened as he regarded her, before looking to the Leader, "I will explain it to her later if you would prefer."

"Of course you know!" Sakura retorted.

Itachi looked to her, "…Yes well, once again, I am a great prodigy after all."

"That doesn't mean you already knew about all this. Who's your informant?"

Itachi blinked, before tilting his head. "A man I came across in the neighboring village. How is it you have come here without knowing about this?"

The Leader chuckled then as the Uchiha looked to him once more. "It's no matter, Itachi, I will enlighten the girl." He looked to Sakura, "There are two curses. One, the curse of death which was inflicted over the land you came from, Kanashimi. The other is the curse of madness, cast upon the land Itachi ventured, Yokusei. I reside here, in the neutral area, protected by my divine will. You are the ones who will help lift this curse."

Itachi noted that Sakura seemed to be withholding a…laugh? What was it exactly that she found so amusing about his statement? He decided against endeavoring to unravel that particular mystery before looking to the Leader, "Have you been expecting us to arrive here and seek you out?"

After this statement he heard Sakura begin to laugh uncontrollably and again looked to her, "Sakura-san…are you listening to what he's saying?"

When she did not reply, he hesitated before tentatively lifting a hand and placing it on her shoulder. "Sakura-san."

As expected, his motion had effectively put an end to her hysterics and he withdrew his touch as she looked to him with widened eyes. However, her astonishment quickly transitioned into a glare, "what do you think you're doing?"

"Why were you laughing?" He asked then, admittedly somewhat curious.

He watched her grin, somewhat bewildered by yet another change of expression. "I asked you first," she replied matter-of-factly.

"You did not hear when I addressed you and so I resorted to a more direct means of acquiring your attention," Itachi explained, before allowing for the briefest expression of amusement. "Your turn."

He watched the alarm that overcame her features before she softly sighed, "Because you were in the land of madness."

"Ah," he replied then. "You found the fact that I was mingling with such company an amusing occurrence?"

He listened to her giggle in reply and decided that it was a rather…pleasant sort of sound. "Yep," she began, "it's funny. It's really funny."

What was with this girl? That she would find such immense amusement from such a thing? He attempted to consider her point of view on the matter but failed to reasonably acquire the empathy he sought. He regarded her another moment before deciding against asking her to explain further. He again looked to the Leader, who was merely regarding them in silence.

However upon his attention, the man straightened slightly, "to answer your question, Itachi, I was not necessarily expecting your arrival nor did I foresee you seeking me out. However, now that I am within your presence, I find everything delightfully playing into the hands of fate."

"Fate?" Itachi replied, "Can you explain how it is we both have arrived here? Surely you must know that we are from elsewhere."

"Oh," The Leader began, "and here we arrive at last to the climax of our discussion. I know all too well where you are from, and why you have entered my domain. I also possess the means by which you may return, though I am afraid I am unwilling to offer you this reward freely."

Itachi nodded, understanding the implications of the statement. Nothing came without a price and, despite the possibility of a negative outcome he knew he had to try everything he could to at least pursue an opportunity to return and finish things with his brother. He had risked many things for his greatest endeavor. What was one more request?

"What is it you would like me to do?" Itachi replied, trying to hide his desperation.

The Leader remained silent for another moment as he looked to Sakura before returning his attention to Itachi. "It requires you both. It cannot be accomplished while you continue to travel separately. Together, you must overcome two trials, one in each realm. The nature of these trials will present themselves to you and once you have conquered them you may return to me and I will send you back to your land. Simple and straightforward, though I will not offer you any further information than that. I want you to discern the rest for yourselves."

Itachi sighed to himself as he considered this task. It was certainly strange for the man to withhold information if he supposedly desired for a favorable outcome to the request. Was it part of the test perhaps? That they figure out the tasks for themselves? Why did it require them both? Though, he admittedly understood the wisdom in sending them as a team

"Are you kidding me?!" He heard Sakura chuckle darkly in reply. He looked to her as she continued irately, "First off, why do we have to do these trials for you anyway? And also, how can we trust a person who won't even show us his face?"

Itachi briefly found amusement in the fact that she was now speaking for the both of them, despite her previous aversion to claiming a camaraderie with him. The Leader however, looked to her with a changed demeanor. "I do not believe you are necessarily in a position to be so demanding, Miss Haruno."

Itachi heard Sakura mutter an almost silent, "okay," and wondered if she was in fact afraid of this person now.

Without waiting for her response, the Leader looked to Itachi. "I will tell you this however, the journey is every bit as important as the outcome. You will know what the trials are when you are faced with them. The people will know."

Itachi shook his head, "though I appreciate the advice, can you not offer us anything that would explain the nature of our predicament?"

"In time," The leader replied before standing, "you are not ready for that yet. You will complete these tasks or you will never return to your land. That is your only option. It does not matter which territory you choose to aid first, so long as you dedicate your services to both. Remember, only together will you accomplish my request," he looked pointedly to Sakura, "there is no other way."

Itachi glanced to Sakura briefly, before looking to the Leader and considering his position carefully. It was true, there was nothing to do but hope in the sincerity of the Leader's words. They were in no position to compromise or to demand explanations. They were in a foreign land and had to abide by the rules therein. He was accustomed to similar dealings and knew he had to accept the terms presented before him. Once again, all he could do was relent and wish for a favorable outcome.

After another moment, he slowly nodded, "I accept."

The Leader bowed his head, before looking to Sakura. Itachi followed his gaze as he glanced to the girl beside him as well. What would she decide to do? He could not necessarily force her to resign herself to the request.

"I do, too," Itachi heard Sakura say with a small semblance of relief. He then returned his attention to the Leader who reverted to his disposition of cheer.

"Excellent!" The man replied, clapping his hands together. "Then I will meet you back here when you are done. Farewell, and safe travels!"

Thus saying, he spun around, robe billowing in a magnificent sweep as he hastily made his way from the room, not even glancing back to them before disappearing once more into the enveloping blackness beyond the throne chamber.

Itachi watched him leave as silence returned to the room, his gaze almost fixated on the absence of the curious individual. He could not allow himself to dwell on the daunting nature of the situation, only conduct the tasks as swiftly as possible. Glancing down to Sakura then, he inclined his head toward the doors leading out to the city, "shall we go then?"

He watched her smile in response to his query before nodding, "Hell yeah!"

Itachi blinked before motioning for her to walk ahead of him. At the very least, he supposed the venture would prove to be amusing with her as a travelling companion. He noted that she seemed hesitant at first to accept his offer to allow her to walk ahead of him before seeming to decide against rejecting it. She strolled past him and promptly approached the door as he followed at a reasonable proximity.

He watched her nod before opening the door, the cool night air enveloping him as the music from the festival wafted through and greeted his ears with agreeable tones. He walked out beside her as the heavy entrance closed behind them. However, his steps halted as he saw that she had suddenly stopped.

"It's night already?" she questioned with a frown.

Itachi looked to her, "it was night when we arrived."

"Oh," she replied only before seeming to observe the sky and the area around her. Itachi patiently awaited an explanation for her hesitance, though opted to do so in silence as voicing his inquiry would undoubtedly offend her in some inadvertent way. He saw her smile and wondered at the thoughts entering her mind, so seemingly unbidden and yet so apparently natural for her.

"Well, it's dark and I can barely see my own hand," she finally began to explain. "I know it doesn't make much of a difference to you, but I need to see where I'm going."

Itachi waited for clarification but, when she failed to offer it he found himself unable to avoid questioning her proclamation. "Alright…Would you like to acquire some sort of torch?"

He heard her sigh in frustration and couldn't help but feel slightly confused by her reaction. He prided himself on being able to discern and understand most everyone he encountered. However, he found himself simply unable to determine the course and direction of her thoughts.

"No, you moron!"

Itachi blinked, "I have to say, that is certainly the first time I have ever been called that. I don't believe your vague statement has any reflection whatsoever on my intelligence."

"Well, if you keep acting like this then you'll be called that a lot more, I assure you."

Itachi openly sighed as he reasoned that they were simply wasting time standing here and engaging in such trivial conversation. "Sakura-san," he began, "What is it exactly that you are trying to say?"

He watched her raise a brow, "are you serious? Are you actually unable to process what I just said? I can't believe what people consider prodigies these days."

Itachi tilted his head slightly, "I am perfectly serious. I am unable to process the statement you gave as it lacks any true revelation to your actual meaning. Also…" he again fought the urge to smile. "You do remember that you were the one who referred to me as being a prodigy in the first place? Therefore, the obvious admonishment of your last declaration is directed solely to yourself."

"You're insufferable!" Sakura glared at him before angrily turning and descending the staircase.

Itachi followed silently behind her, careful not to anger her any further and again disrupt the advancement of their journey. He saw her face him with a deepening glare as she continued her descent, which he returned with a carefully stoic expression. However, as she reached the final step, he watched as she lifted her foot in expectation of the continuation of the staircase, resulting in she missing the proper placement altogether and stumbling forward. She caught herself on one knee, though he knew the pavement would nonetheless scrape her skin. He reached her a moment later and hesitated before politely offering a hand to help her up.

He honestly did not know whether she would accept the gesture or not, for he could completely envision her refusing and stubbornly resorting to relying solely on her own abilities. He watched her eyes widen slightly before a smug smile replaced her astonishment. Would he ever grow used to her sudden and inexplicable expression changes?

Another moment ensued before she finally lifted her hand and placed it within his, though her countenance conveyed how unhappy she was with doing so. He allowed for a pause before pulling her to her feet, upon which she promptly proceeded to shove his hand away and walk past him.

"You see what happened?" Sakura asked as he proceeded to follow her. "That's because I couldn't see."

Itachi considered remaining silent before softly replying, "I believe that it was actually because you were preoccupied with glaring at me and not paying attention to where you were walking."

He absently noted that she was exaggerating her limp, obviously trying to dramatize the situation. He decided not to comment on this however, as he wordlessly continued to scrutinize the strange individual before him.

He heard her scoff in reply to his response. "Either way, you still had something to do with it."

Itachi again sighed, "Yes, I suppose that might be true."

He listened to her laugh in a self-satisfied sort of way. "Well, now I definitely can't travel tonight. I think we need to stop somewhere until morning."

So…Itachi pondered, that's what this elaborate charade has been about all along. He cast his gaze about the city, one part of him hating the idea of delaying their journey any longer than need be and the other recognizing the potential benefit to gaining a good night's rest before their venture began.

Practicality again, won out.

"I suppose that's a wise tactic, Sakura-san," Itachi relented. "Let's stop at the one nearest the entrance."

"A wise tactic, huh?" she replied somewhat proudly. "Hmm, I like the sound of that."

Itachi withheld a response as he merely continued to follow her to the specified establishment. He wondered at the cost and hoped that he would be able to fool the people residing in this city as well, otherwise Sakura would have to concede to camping outside, injured knee and all.

He opened the door and stepped aside for her enter, looking over in time to see the smug expression on her face. "Hmm!" she shot him a smirk before proceeding passed him and into the warm interior of the inn. "You're still a bastard," she added as he followed her inside, closing the door securely behind him.

A large hearth resided in the middle of the lobby, its flames inviting and comforting. From behind a desk, a woman motioned them over. "Welcome travelers!"

Itachi slowly made his way over to her, "how much are a pair of rooms for the night?"

The woman smiled, "only 5 gold pieces. Best prices you'll find in this city."

The Uchiha removed the small leather-bound satchel from his pocket before noting that he still had 35 plated gold coins. He nodded before proceeding to remove five and returning the rest of the money to its secure placement. He handed the payment over and calmly waited as the woman inspected the currency.

"Very good," she replied after a moment before indicating that they should follow. "Second floor. The rooms are nice and cozy. A complimentary breakfast will be served in that small cafeteria to your right at approximately 7:00 a.m."

Itachi nodded before following the woman's ascent up the wooden set of stairs. "Sakura-san," he began, looking back at his pink-haired companion. "I will knock on your door 15 minutes before 7:00 so as to get everything prepared before we get something to eat."

Itachi tilted his head curiously as he heard the girl emit a groan of frustration. "Why do we have to wake up so early?"

The Uchiha gazed at her silently a moment before replying. "We need to set out as soon as possible. We don't have any time to waste."

"Fine, but you're not going to wake me up. I'll already be awake," Sakura stated. "In fact, I'm going to get up at 6:00. You're not the only who can get up early."

Itachi allowed for a small shrug, "Either way. I will be knocking on your door at 6:45. I never implied that you would not be awake. It might be foolish however, to forego those 45 minutes of sleep should you decide to wake up at 6:00."

"Are you calling me foolish, Uchiha?" Sakura replied. "That settles it. At 6:30, I'm going to knock on your door."

"Not necessarily, Haruno," Itachi replied, "Though yes, I would consider that potential decision to be so. Whether or not you indulge that choice is up to you. As for coming to my door at 6:30, I'm afraid I will not be awake at that time."

He watched her shrug, the amusement with the ridiculous argument surmounting. He honestly doubted he would really be able to sleep that well at all. "Do you think I care about your beauty sleep?" Sakura asked. "I'm going to knock on that door and you better wake up."

Itachi silently regarded her before titling his head, "Beauty sleep? Are you calling me beautiful? I'm flattered, Sakura-san. Once again, that is the first time anyone has said as much."

The girl smirked and answered in such a way that implied she was not entirely aware of what she was saying now. "Well, it certainly won't be the last. I will personally make sure of that."

"What?" Itachi asked, somewhat bewildered. "What exactly do you mean by that?"

He watched as she blushed in recognition of her own irrational statement. "Uh… I mean…" her unsure composure once again resulted in speechlessness. Itachi considered continuing his inquiries regarding the reason behind her sudden statement before deciding that she had most likely been unaware herself as to the meaning.

"No matter," he replied instead as she still seemed to be searching for an explanation.

"Well," the lady leading them said next as she stopped and turned to face them pair. "Here are your rooms, take whichever you would like." She then offered them each a key.

"Thank you," Itachi nodded as he received one of the keys.

The woman nodded before extending the other toward Sakura, "there you are, dear."

Itachi looked to Sakura as she smiled, though it seemed forced for some inexplicable reason. She took the other key and the woman cast one last glance between them before muttering a 'good night' and venturing away down the hall.

"Well then, Sakura-san," Itachi began as he returned his gaze to her. "Let's just agree to meet in the cafeteria tomorrow at 7:00."

"Sure. I don't feel like waking you up anyway," Sakura replied, her tone firm.

Itachi nodded before turning to unlock his door, "good night then."

"Wait," he heard the girl demand before she quickly strode over to him.

"Yes?" The Uchiha replied as he watched her eyes fall pointedly to the key in his hand before she returned them to his. He blinked in response, "is there something you needed, Sakura-san?"

"Well," she replied, "I see your moronic ways have not changed."

He was silent a moment before lowering his hand from the door handle, "pardon?"

"You heard me," Sakura replied. "Now step aside."

Itachi tilted his head slightly, "may I ask what has prompted this command?"

"No," she promptly replied. "Just do as I say."

The Uchiha hesitated before stepping back, his eyes fixated on the door as his confusion grew. What was she on about now?

He watched her nod before swiftly making her way over to her own door. "Just stay right there," she ordered before proceeding to unlock the room and disappearing inside. Itachi wondered at the point of this display and was torn between a feeling of curiosity and one of indifference. He waited several moments before she finally reappeared, a contemplative look on her face.

"Will you kindly explain what you're doing?" Itachi asked.

"Your obedience pleases me," Sakura stated upon seeing that he had not moved.

Itachi looked to her wordlessly before taking a single step forward. "On the contrary, for I really only wish to see how this little game of yours will play out."

"It's not a game," the girl replied as she stepped past him and approached his door.

"Do you need the key?" Itachi asked her.

"I thought you already unlocked it," Sakura replied as she grasped the knob.

"No," Itachi shook his head, "as someone requested I should step away from the endeavor."

He watched as she extended her hand toward him, "give it to me."

He tilted his head slightly at her authoritative and demanding tone. "I don't typically respond to orders conveyed in such an unbecoming manner." He then stepped forward and calmly motioned her aside, "I will however, unlock it for you." He did not want to appear obedient to her every request, despite his ability to remain patient in almost every circumstance. It would not do to allow her to believe she would always get her way.

"It's about time," she replied as she leaned against the frame, "I was losing my patience."

Itachi glanced to her before inserting the key in the lock and opening the door. He stepped back and then returned his attention to her, "There you are, Sakura-san."

"Thank you," she replied before crossing into the room. Itachi followed behind her and held the door open until she decided to conclude whatever reason she had for entering.

He watched as she immediately proceeded to sit upon the bed and bounce once, "This bed is much softer. You can have that other room, Itachi."

Itachi blinked once, "why did you not say in the first place that you were merely trying to determine which room you preferred?" He did not miss that this was the first case in which she had actually chosen to direct him by his first name. Without an honorific even. Did she already feel so familiar with him? He hardly thought so, as her manners suggested that such matters were trivial to her.

He watched as she crossed her arms and met his gaze, "because I didn't feel like it."

Itachi sighed, "Sakura-san, in the future I ask that you convey yourself clearly and communicate your actions thoroughly. As we are now travelling as a team, this is highly important."

"Okay fine," she replied with a soft laugh, "I'll be sure to communicate this thoroughly." She stood and approached him, coming to a stop in front of him. "Please…leave."

Itachi stared down at her silently before slightly bowing his head, "since you asked so kindly, I will oblige." He then turned before looking back at her, "good night, once again. Remember 7:00."

He looked away and strode from the room, closing the door gently behind him. He paused as he awaited the response he suspected she would give. "Take your own advice," he heard from within the confines of the room. "And remember it yourself because I'll be awake."

Itachi nodded to himself before proceeding toward the room beside and attempting to open the door. He sighed then before abruptly turning and venturing the way he came. He inhaled slightly before knocking on Sakura's door.

"What do you want?" he heard her say in response.

Itachi closed his eyes and sighed, "You have my key, Sakura-san." He could only begin to imagine how this ordeal would turn out.

"You forgot it," she laughed.

"Yes, I'm afraid so," Itachi replied. "Will you please return it to me?"

There was a slight pause before her abrupt reply. "No."

Itachi released another sigh then. He could not remember when he last felt so tired, the thought of finally laying down on his bed at the forefront of his mind. He realized then that he still had her key in his pocket, so entering and simply retrieving his from her would be simple. However, he also did not want to appear rude and cross the line of courtesy.

"Sakura-san," he tried again, his voice decidedly softer as he tried to explain the situation. "I still have your key, so if you will not offer me mine I will be have no choice but to enter and take it myself."

"You have my key?!" She replied. He wondered why she would be asking such a question as the truth of his statement was obvious.

"Aa," he replied, "you forgot it."

"Give it back!" she yelled impatiently.

"Open the door and I will," Itachi responded calmly.

"I'm not going to open the door…but I'll give you your key back if you give me mine." Sakura stated. Itachi shook his head then. Did she really believe him to fall for that? He had no doubt of her intentions to retrieve her own key and withhold his. He had conducted many negotiations in his time and so the ordeal was not new to him.

"Sakura-san…" he sighed again. "Either you pass me mine under the door or I open the door and take it anyway. The choice is yours."

There was a lengthy pause before Itachi heard her footsteps cross the room and caught the distinct sound of the window being open. "It's a nice breeze out tonight. I'm sure your key will enjoy it, but there's no reason to go there, is there?"

"If you're planning to drop it outside, I will easily find and retrieve it," Itachi explained, "though I believe this entire situation to be unnecessary. I still hold your key and if you would like it returned then I ask that you conduct yourself civilly."

"How will you find it if I do throw it out the window?" Sakura shot back. "It's dark and it's not like you can actually see anyway."

"The street is made of stone, so it will not be hidden in any way, and there are lamps to illuminate the walls surrounding the establishment. I can see the glint of metal, despite my impaired vision," Itachi explained.

He could hardly believe the situation he was currently in, every conversation they shared, no matter the importance, demanded for an argument of some sort. How did she go through life like this? She never seemed to even catch a breath.

He waited silently before he presently heard the soft click of the door as Sakura appeared from behind it, a defeated expression on her face. "Here's your stupid key, Uchiha."

"Thank you," Itachi replied levelly as he received it. He then removed her key from his pocket and extended it towards her, "and here is yours, Sakura-san."

He watched her snatch the offered instrument from his hand, before abruptly turning and slamming the door in his face as she retreated into the room. He stared at the vacant spot before turning himself, "and for the third time, good night."

He then unlocked his door and at last strode into his own room, the darkness of the empty space wafting over him before he turned on a single lamp and proceeded to the bed which the girl had deemed as somehow less sufficient then the one she currently enjoyed.

He tossed the key onto the nightstand beside before removing his cloak and shoes, laying them both carefully on the chair across the room. He then sat upon the bed and simply stared down at the wooden floor beneath him, his hands clutched gently together and his eyes half-closed. He did not believe he had spoken so much to a single person since leaving Konoha.

It was the first time he truly, genuinely appreciated having Kisame as a partner. The man was eccentric, yes, but never demanded his attention so thoroughly. He sighed then before shaking his head. It did not necessarily bother him however, that she conducted herself in such a way, as he often found her antics to be immensely amusing. She was young and he still envied her vivacity, despite the irrational nature that comprised her entire being. He could appreciate her for who she was and silently commend her for not even attempting to convey herself as something she was not. The blatant truth of her façade was somehow…revitalizing.

He pictured when Sakura had fallen from those steps as his eyes claimed a saddened hue. The scene had briefly reminded him of Sasuke, his mind recalling a time in which the child had fallen and scraped his knee after attempting to show off his acquired skills. Above all things and the one haunt that continued to grieve him most, was the fact that he sorely and intensely missed his little brother. He missed seeing him every day and missed witnessing his smiling face and excited expressions. He missed the boy trying to constantly emulate and model himself after him and he missed the way he would look up at him with eyes so full of unabashed love and admiration.

Itachi slowly leaned back and lowered himself onto the bed, his eyes cast upward to the ceiling as he held one hand over his chest and the other behind his head. What was Sasuke like now though? He knew that he had irreversibly stolen a happy childhood from the boy who had been far too young to completely comprehend the depths of the immense loss he had been so cruelly dealt.

The elder Uchiha felt a familiar stinging sensation at the corners of his eyes, before blinking away the tears prior to their fall. It would not do to indulge that urge now. He had to look to the future and the moment in which he could finally offer Sasuke a true smile, his own life offered in payment for the one he had taken. Extending a hand upward, he pointed his middle and index finger before gently thrusting them forward into the empty blackness. "Sasuke…will you ever be able to forgive me?"

He only hoped he could leave this strange realm in time to save his sibling. That was the one and only thing he truly wished for. Lowering his arm, he returned it to its spot over his torso before closing his eyes and breathing in the scent of the fresh sheets. He felt his muscles relax in response to the sensation before he once again looked to the bag he had allowed to slip to the floor upon entering.

Itachi wondered if he should risk another night without the sleeping aid, as the nightmares would surely torment him with a vengeance after having missed their most recent opportunity. Sighing, he shook his head, before rolling to his side and tearing his gaze away. No, Gregor had told him of the potion's effects. He could not allow himself to simply succumb to an incomprehensible and forcibly induced slumber.

Besides, he found the sudden will to slightly smile, he could now allow Sakura the satisfaction of waking and finding that he had not yet risen. He was confident that he would never live the ordeal down and that she would not allow the matter to pass.

That ridiculous girl, Itachi thought as he again closed his eyes. I don't know if I'll ever manage to understand her.


The Uchiha was awakened by the first pale rays of the sun as they streamed through the partially open window and bathed warmly across his still form. Allowing his gaze to open and behold the sight, Itachi blinked as he realized that, once again, his mind had endured the night without torment.

He remained another moment within his current position before slowly sitting and placing his feet upon the floor beneath his bed. He brought a hand to his eyes and rubbed them slightly to clear his vision before standing and retrieving his cloak and shoes. He donned both before reaching down and picking up the small bag. He reasoned that it was only ten minutes until the designated meeting time, judging by the alignment of the sky. Looking to the key on the dresser, he shook his head in recollection of the past evening's events before lifting and placing the item into his pocket.

Scanning the room a final time, the Uchiha nodded before proceeding to the door and quietly opening it, the hall beyond just as silent and empty as he remembered it. Glancing briefly to Sakura's door, he entertained the impulse to knock and wake her anyway before deciding against the act and leisurely strolling into the opposite direction. He reached the staircase and descended before nodding to the same woman behind the counter and venturing past her into the dining area.

The room was sparse with only a few randomly positioned tables and only a handful of elderly individuals occupying them. There was no sign of Sakura and so Itachi made his way over to a seat beside the window, setting his bag on the ground beside him and resting his hands upon the table. He nodded to the waiter as he approached before politely denying the opportunity to order in that moment as he was still waiting for his partner's arrival.

"Very good sir, I will return in a few moments then," the man assured before turning and venturing through a door on the other side of the room.

Itachi looked to the archway as he patiently awaited Sakura, his face set passively but his mind already steeling itself against whatever onslaught she might throw at him upon entering. It was not long until he spotted her signature rose-hued hair as she ran into the room, her step halting as she fought to catch her breath. Had she really ran all the way down here? He supposed it was not surprising, considering her determination to wake before him.

He watched as she cast her eyes about the room, her expression unchanging. He assumed she had yet to notice his presence, an oversight that was becoming quite commonplace of her. She straightened promptly as she more confidently ventured into the area before her voice reached him. "Hah! Looks like I managed to beat him here after all."

Itachi allowed her to remain within that delusion another moment before addressing her in a calm voice. "Good morning, Sakura-san. I trust you slept well?"

Her head lowered instantly before she reluctantly turned and walked over to him. "How did you win?"

Itachi merely tilted his head as he regarded her, "I was not aware we were competing."

"You should try and be more aware from now on then," Sakura shot back before taking the seat before him.

Itachi nodded, "thank you, I will work on it."

There was pause before the waiter again approached, smiling to them both. "Ready now, sir?"

The Uchiha again nodded after casting a glance in Sakura's direction, "yes. I believe so."

The man looked to Sakura, "do you know what you would like, miss?"

"I don't know what you have here," the girl replied quickly.

Itachi blinked and the waiter's smile faltered only slightly before he continued. "Of course, how neglectful of me. We have many wonderful things. Anything you like, I'm sure we could make. Customer request, you know." He cast her a wink, "as far as beverages, we have tea, coffee, water or juice."

"Anything I want, huh?" she replied smugly. "Hmm, I like that. Okay then I'll have an order of Shiratama Anmitsu."

The man chuckled slightly, "of course, miss. That is an excellent choice. What would you like to drink?"

Itachi regarded Sakura silently as he considered her meal choice. So, she enjoyed sweet cuisine as well? At least they could agree on something.

"Coffee," he heard Sakura reply to the man. "Just bring it out with fixings separate. I always have to prepare it myself."

"Of course," the man bowed before looking to Itachi, "and for you, sir?"

The Uchiha considered his options briefly. He always strongly favored tea to coffee, as the latter was hardly ever agreeable to him. However, today he felt like he could use something just a bit stronger. "I will have coffee as well, same with the fixings on the side. As far as a meal, just a bowl of rice and some honey syrup will do."

"I will prepare those right away," the waiter replied, "and the coffee I will serve in a kettle for you to enjoy refills if you like."

"Very good," Itachi nodded, "thank you."

"Not at all," the man answered before swiftly turning and venturing to the kitchen.

After he left, Itachi looked to Sakura. The girl was smirking to herself, "I can enjoy as many refills as I want? And I don't even have to save enough to fill that stupid huge mug of hers."

"Whose mug is huge and stupid?" Itachi inquired.

"What?" Sakura asked as she met his gaze.

"What were you speaking of just now?"

He momentarily suspected that she might not answer. However, he was pleasantly surprised when she offered an honest response. "Oh, that was about my mom. She insists on drinking a lot of coffee, even though she obviously doesn't need it. I personally think she might be more pleasant if she didn't drink it at all."

"Your mother, huh?" Itachi asked, his mind suddenly recalling the image of his aunt. The two women sounded somewhat similar. "Do you live with both your parents then?"

She nodded in reply, "Yeah, but my mom can really be hard to live with sometimes. Actually, most of the time. She doesn't like my friends and nags me all the time. At least my dad is reasonable."

Itachi wondered why she suddenly felt compelled to reveal these things to him, though embraced the opportunity to speak of things that did not seem to anger her. He supposed that if he kept her talking of subjects she was fond of that they might actually enjoy an agreeable meal together. He also felt somewhat saddened at her reference to her parents and felt the return of memories concerning his own. He missed them too, he knew, every bit as much as Sasuke. He decided he envied the girl before him of that as well. Family was truly…irreplaceable.

He noticed that Sakura seemed to be thinking over something and he allowed her a moment to dwell over whatever might have entered her mind before responding. "It seems helpful to have at least one parent whom you can relate with, I'm sure it makes it easier to deal with your mother that way."

"Am I still annoying, Sasuke-kun?" he heard the girl suddenly voice, though more to herself than to him. Had Sasuke thought she was annoying? He could certainly see where one might think that, if not recognizing the potential amusement she exhibited on a daily basis. It did seem like something his brother would say. Perhaps he had reprimanded her for complaining of her family problems while he had been deprived of his own kin?

Still…everyone had their own difficulties to live through. "Sakura-san," he began, trying to rouse her from the listlessness she had fallen into. He wondered for the first time if his sibling's deflection had instilled a lasting heart ache within the girl before him. He had been her friend after all. "I'm sure with your personality you are able to keep your mother in line, and your father is no doubt there to support you. Besides, its people like that who can offer you the unique opportunity to laugh at their foolishness, rather than concede to their desire to instill anger."

From the sound of things, the girl was exactly like her mother, though he withheld that particular observation. Best not to inspire the very thing he had just advised her to try and control.

Sakura looked momentarily astonished by his response before replying. "My father does support me. And I don't believe a word she says about my friends. She's especially cruel to Naruto."

The life of a Jinchuuriki, Itachi mused once again. It was not a favorable existence and he once again felt a wave of empathy towards those unfortunate enough to be dealt such a fate. "I see," he responded. "She probably just doesn't understand. Were you never indifferent towards him?"

"No, she doesn't understand and…" Sakura lowered her gaze suddenly. "I was really mean to Naruto before. It was actually because of what Sasuke-kun said to me that made me realize it."

Itachi nodded, "well, there really isn't any use in dwelling on the past. You've obviously set things right with him now. That's all that matters. All one can do is atone for their wrongdoings in whatever way they see fit."

It had been a long time in which he had actually been able to simply converse with someone like this, far too long in fact. He found that he was enjoying the conversation, its nature reminding him of the countless times in which he and Sasuke would sit and discuss everything and nothing on the porch behind their house.

He watched an actual smile form across Sakura's face, a smile she directed at him. "Thank you, Itachi."

Itachi did not really know how much damage he had just dealt in regards to the façade he was always careful to uphold. However, in light of their current situation he figured it was just as well considering their chances of escaping this ordeal would significantly increase should she allow herself to at least trust in him a little.

Besides, things would end very swiftly for him once he returned to face Sasuke.

"No need for that, Sakura-san," Itachi replied with a nod and a slight softening of his demeanor.

Silence ensued before the waiter returned with their coffee, "here we are, nice and hot." He then set two mugs down along with a bowl each of cream and sugar. "Your food will be ready soon." Thus saying, the man turned and again disappeared behind the door across the room.

Itachi leaned forward and placed a hand over the kettle, his hand coming into contact with the device as Sakura's did the same. He looked to her a moment before nodding and releasing his hold to allow her the first serving.

He watched as she nodded matter-of-factly, a self-satisfied expression in place. "Hmm, that's right," she stated as she proceeded to pour herself an over-indulgent cup. He watched as she continued to smirk in contentment before swiftly lifting the mug to take a sip. However, as she did so the liquid overflowed and spilled down her neck and onto the front of her shirt, the skin already turning red from the heat of the beverage.

Itachi blinked as he watched the entire occurrence take place before finding himself unable to withhold the small smile that formed in reaction to the scene. However, he reasoned that the spill must have hurt her even a little and so he leaned forward slightly, his smile faltering. "Are you alright?"

Sakura shook her head in response, her eyes noticeably watering. Itachi had to wonder then how hot the waiter had made the coffee. "Do I look alright?!" she asked.

Itachi sighed softly before reaching out to take the cup from her hand, "why don't you see if they might have some ice, you can ask the lady at the front."

"Fine," Sakura replied with a frown.

Hesitating a moment, Itachi then stood and motioned for her to return to her seat. "You know what, I'll do it. I'll be right back."

From the corner of his eye he saw the waiter approaching with their food, he looked to Sakura a moment before walking away and venturing to the front desk, where he proceeded to ask the woman for the ice.

"Sure thing, dear," she replied, "Wait just one moment and I'll go get some for you."

Itachi nodded before conceding to await her return. He did not have to do so for long as she quickly rushed back with several cubes contained within a container. "Fresh from the block, only the best."

The Uchiha found this to be a rather strange sort of statement, though he nodded and proceeded to thank her all the same before turning and walking back into the dining area. He saw the waiter setting the plates down in front of Sakura before nodding to the man as he looked his way and then reclaiming his seat across from the girl.

He set the cubes of ice in front of Sakura before motioning to one of the napkins beside her, "I would suggest wrapping them in that before applying. Otherwise the sensation will be all but pleasant."

The waiter set Itachi's food down in front of him before turning and leaving them alone once more.

"I am a medical Shinobi, you know," Sakura proclaimed to him then with another one of her pleasant laughs before proceeding to do as he had instructed.

"Are you really?" Itachi asked, admittedly impressed as such professions were few and far between. "I suppose now would be an appropriate time to ask you of your other abilities. It aids in the formulation of a suitable strategy, should we encounter any hostile confrontations on our journey."

"But chakra doesn't work here. It wouldn't make much of a difference," Sakura replied, seemingly a little confused by his statement.

Itachi shrugged, "we can still implement Taijutsu techniques, those don't require chakra. I still have a handful of shurikens in my possession as well as a dagger."

The girl chuckled in response, "If you mentioned that before I would've accused you of trying to kill me."

"Oh?" Itachi replied, "I seem to recall you having done that anyway."

"I meant again," she rolled her eyes. "But whatever. My top skill has always been chakra control, but that's not going to help here. I stocked up on shurikens and kunai before leaving Konoha and I haven't used any of them."

"That's good," Itachi nodded. "It will certainly help. Are you not at all adapt at Taijutsu then?"

He watched her shake her head in reply. "Not really. I used it briefly during my Preliminary match of the Chuunin Exam, but it ended up being a draw."

Itachi tilted his head slightly in amusement. He had personally completely bypassed the Chuunin level altogether. However, he could hardly fault her for that. He did not necessarily fall into the norm when it came to skill. "That's fine," he responded, "just the basics then? I suppose we can work with that. Perhaps I can help you train sometime while we're here."

He took the brief opportunity to take a bite of his honey-coated rice, the sweet flavor agreeably enticing his senses before he reached forward and carefully poured a cup of coffee, which he proceeded to prepare with plenty of sugar and a tad of cream.

"Do you have some kind of sweet tooth?" Sakura asked him then as he looked up at her, unaware that she had been observing his actions.

He nodded, "yes, I suppose you could say that. I have a certain fondness toward sweet things in general."

She laughed again in response to his revelation, "that's ironic since Sasuke-kun doesn't like them at all."

Itachi observed that she seemed to enjoy bringing his brother up in conversation a great deal, a fact he did not mind but nonetheless found amusement in. "no…he never did. Not even when he was younger."

"What kid doesn't like sweets?" Sakura mused, "What did you do for his birthday? Make mud pies?"

Itachi fought a smile at her statement, "I always thought it was strange. As for his birthdays…our mother," he marveled at his ability to even be speaking of his past to her, though reasoned that there really wasn't any harm in it. "our mother would cook him something he liked and the rest of us would eat whatever dessert she decided to make. It really wasn't a conventional 'birthday', per say."

"What about your birthday?" she asked then, almost fondly.

Itachi sighed as he thought on that question, so simple for her to ask and yet so hard for him to answer. "Sort of the same. Most of the time we celebrated our birthdays together as they both fall within the same time."

'Yay'! Sasuke's voice rang through his mind suddenly. 'Nii-san, we get to celebrate our birthdays together this year!'

He looked to Sakura as he recognized that she really did care for his brother and had been there for him during the years he couldn't have been. She had watched him grow more powerful as a Shinobi and had been a supportive friend to him. They shared that connection, he supposed and it was somewhat comforting to know that his sibling still had people who openly cared for him so much.

"Sakura-san," he began then, attempting to direct the conversation away from the current subject. "What are your birthdays like?'

She looked to him and he saw the confusion within her expression before she responded. "Huh?"

Itachi shook his head, "never mind. I was just making conversation."

"Oh," Sakura replied. "How's your coffee?"

The Uchiha considered this question as far more suitable and he openly nodded, "its fine. I generally prefer tea but this coffee is rather good."

He proceeded to finish the last few bites of his rice before wrapping a hand around the mug of his hot beverage and simply reveling in its warmth.

"You prefer tea over coffee?" She asked.

Itachi nodded, "very much so. I think it's too strong. I prefer the smooth taste tea offers."

He watched her shrug, "I guess I'll accept that answer. Herbal teas?"

The Uchiha nodded, "mostly, though I do favor some spiced brews."

"I love spiced teas!" Sakura responded. "Which flavor is your absolute favorite?"

"Ah, that would have to be jasmine then," Itachi replied. "Definitely."

"Jasmine's good. It's a beautiful flower," Sakura nodded. "There is this hill near my house and they grow all over in the spring. It's like snow during springtime!"

Itachi allowed for another smile at that, "It is a beautiful flower. I do remember that about Konoha. We only had a single tree near my home, the one from which your name is derived…" he trailed off before looking to her then, "you want to hear something rather ironic?"

He watched her lean forward curiously. "What is it?"

Pausing only a moment, he replied. "Well, as you had not yet offered me your name upon our first greeting, I decided to simply refer to you as something. The color of your hair reminded me of those sakura flowers by my house and so I nicknamed you after them. So you see, when you revealed your name to me I was more than a little astonished by it."

He watched her softly blush in reaction to his declaration. "That is ironic. You nicknamed me after a tree."

Itachi shook his head, "not after a tree, necessarily, off the flowers that grow on the tree."

"That's why my parents named me Sakura," she replied. "I was born in March and had hair the color of Sakura blossoms. It was probably my dad's idea."

"It is a rather unique color," Itachi nodded in agreement. "Makes sense though, seems very fitting that they would name you that."

"Excuse us," a voice suddenly called over to them, resulting in Itachi looking to the woman who had been behind the lobby counter. "Breakfast is almost over and we will be closing the cafeteria soon."

The Uchiha's eyes widened slightly and he looked out the window to observe the time. "Alright, thank you. I lost track of the hour." He glanced to Sakura, "are you ready to go?"

He watched her nod before she began to quickly heap her untouched food into her mouth and follow it up with a swig of coffee. He rose when she had finished before lifting his bag and waiting for her to join him. The woman approached him then and he proceeded to hand her his key before extending his hand toward Sakura in silent beckoning for her to hand him hers as well.

She pulled her key out, "I could still throw mine out the window," she jested before lifting the object in front of his face.

Itachi shook his head before grabbing the item from her and handing it to the woman behind him, "thank you once again for the stay."

"No, no thanks. We enjoyed having you. Be sure to stop by again next time you're passing through!"

Itachi nodded before turning to Sakura and once again indicating that she should walk in front.

"Okay," she replied, "as long as we don't have to go down any stairs."

"Right," Itachi nodded as he followed her. "How's your knee, by the way?"

The girl patted her leg with a grin, "it's fine. I forgot to clean it last night so it hurt this morning, but I took care of it."

"How neglectful of you, medic-nin," Itachi stated good-naturedly.

He watched the forced frown that she imposed over her features, "that's only because a certain someone felt the need to say good night three times."

Itachi shook his head before opening the door and stepping aside as the cool wind from outside embraced him. "I think it's best if we don't discuss last night."

"Agreed," Sakura replied before walking past him and onto the street outside of the inn. Itachi followed her and breathed in the morning air, once again marveling at the unsuppressed freedom of his healthy lungs.

Also, it would seem that they once again agreed on something.