Illusions of Serenity

Chapter IX

"Resting"

"We went to Churitsu and met with the Leader," Itachi began, looking to Gregor, who had placed his tea down to listen intently. "He informed us that the only way we would be able to return to our own land is to determine and overcome a trial in each Yokusei and Kanashimi." He paused, "and we've come to you in the hope that you might know what the trial here might be."

Gregor appeared to analyze the information before slowly nodding. "There has actually been a recent development."

Itachi narrowed his eyes slightly to portray his anticipation toward the revelation.

"Yes?" Sakura asked, a slight impatience evident in her voice.

Itachi glanced to her, and blinked though withheld from commenting. The girl turned and met his gaze before casting him an overly sweet smile. He merely tilted his head slightly before sighing gently and returning his attention to Gregor.

"Well," the man continued, a far-off glint to his eyes that implied he had been too lost in thought to either hear Sakura or observe the exchange between the pair across from him. "In the largest settlement, due west of here, there has been an outbreak of a strange sickness. Word just reached us via courier this morning."

Courier, Itachi pondered absently. He must have been the man who rushed past us earlier with a bag full of envelopes.

"Is that the town beside the dock near the border to Kanashimi?" The Uchiha asked, his mind drifted briefly to the fish-beater before he promptly suppressed it.

Gregor nodded, "that is the place, yes."

"Do you know the symptoms of this illness?" The Sakura suddenly asked, her attention seemingly more focused.

Itachi looked to her as he remembered that she was a medic. He pondered that fact as he compared it to the trial, specifically where the Leader had explained their need to travel together. Had the man known what the trials would be all along? It certainly seemed plausible.

"Hmm," Gregor replied. "Not the specifics, unfortunately, just that it came on suddenly and without warning. I also understand that it is highly contagious, claiming nearly the entire population of the town. So far, it has not reached beyond but I suspect it might. It could be an air pathogen of some sort, or perhaps carried from one individual to the next, in which case," he sighed, "the courier may have brought it along with him into every single village he has visited so far."

"There's not much to go on, but that's a possibility," Sakura answered, apparently considering. "How long has the town had the disease? And how often does the courier deliver?"

Itachi smiled slightly as he merely listened to their exchange, recognizing the stimulus in Sakura's voice in response to the occupation she had chosen. It was almost fascinating to watch as her eyes claimed a determined glint and her words conveyed the processes her mind was formulating in an attempt to solve the problem before her.

"Overnight, it seems," Gregor replied solemnly. "I don't know if it is fatal or how severe the symptoms might be but the suddenness alarms me as well as the rapidity in which it spreads." He shook his head, "the courier merely delivers as need be. Though lately it has been typical of him to arrive weekly."

It was highly possible, the Uchiha decided, that this was the trial the Leader had spoken of. Not to mention the bit about the sickness developing overnight, which ironically coincided with the moment in which the man had set them out on their quest.

In any case, it was all they had to go on at the moment and he was certainly not going to pass up the opportunity to both aid these people and perhaps conquer their mission in the process.

"I think you should send out a notice to everyone to remain indoors until further instructions are given," Sakura continued. "This won't help if it is airborne, but we don't even know if that is how it's spreading."

"Miss Sakura," Gregor admonished gently. "That would certainly work if these were the sort of people to listen to a suggestion like that. However, as it were, I think accomplishing that order will prove much more difficult than you might expect."

Itachi lowered his eyes, fully agreeing with the man's observation. They would have to find the source of the illness and possibly even create a cure of sorts in order to stop its spread altogether. Mere precaution and prevention was simply not an option.

"I see," the girl replied. "Then the only thing to do is create a cure quickly, before it gets worse. To do that, I would actually need to know the symptoms and how to counteract it." She suddenly shifted and Itachi lifted his eyes as her attention returned to him. "What do you think, Itachi?"

The Uchiha nodded, "I agree. We will probably have to go there ourselves and see what's going on. However, we will have to be cautious ourselves, as we may be exposed to the very thing we are trying to prevent."

Gregor nodded, "that is a fair point. I would suggest staying outside of the city and not partaking of any edible substance while there. It would be a problem if it is airborne but," he shrugged, "one can only hope."

"If it is spreading," Itachi replied. "Then it is unavoidable that we encounter it at some point. May as well try and stop that from happening at all."

"Well," Gregor sighed, "the only help I can offer you is to suggest that you seek out the city marshal, an insensible sort of man but nonetheless knowledgeable of his city. Also, I've heard of a herbologist who resides there, in a shack beside the dock. Perhaps he can offer you some help in identifying the various local plantation, as it may not be the same as what you are used to seeing."

Itachi's eyes subtly widened in response before he fought the urge to roll them. Really? He found himself suddenly dreading that disturbing encounter. Though he should've known an interaction with that man would be unavoidable in returning to that place.

Sighing, the Uchiha again glanced to Sakura, "we should leave as soon as possible."

"It's a full day's journey," Gregor replied, slightly concerned. "You could stay here for the night if you like, or you may take me up on my earlier proposal to borrow a pair of my finest horses."

Itachi glanced about the very small room then thought of his unfamiliarity with the animals outside before shaking his head, "again, I thank you for the offer but I would simply prefer to walk."

"Wait a minute!" Sakura exclaimed as she pounded the table with her fist. "How far is the walk to the village?"

Itachi looked to her as Gregor did the same, before the latter offered her an understanding smile. "A day or so on foot, miss."

Sakura raised a brow at Itachi, "we're going to walk a full day on foot?"

Itachi observed her silently a moment before tilting his head, "of course we'll rest for a couple hours but, yes on foot is best. As we are both Shinobi, I expected you to be accustomed to this method of travel, Sakura-san."

"Of course I am but," the girl frowned, "that doesn't mean I jump with excitement at the prospect."

"There are few who would, I'm sure," Itachi nodded. "However, my declaration stands. Perhaps I will get the chance to train you a little on the way."

He saw a glimmer of excitement take her features then, a smile forming before she quickly replaced it with a smirk and a shrug of her shoulders. "Well then, in that case, I suppose it'll be fine."

Itachi nodded and looked to Gregor, who was glancing between them.

"…are you sure?" the man asked uncertainly.

The Uchiha offered him a small smile, "Thank you, yes. Though I appreciate the concern."

Sighing, Gregor looked to the girl. "Will you be alright, miss?"

Another grin spread across Sakura's face and she placed a hand on her hip matter-of-factly. "Hell yeah!"

Itachi directed his smile to her and Gregor nodded a bit reluctantly.

"Well then," the man conceded. "I wish you both a safe journey and hope to see you again soon. Do come and say goodbye before you leave for your own land."

"Thank you," Itachi nodded to the man before offering his next words sincerely. "We definitely will." He shifted his focus to Sakura briefly, "before we leave however, I believe she has something to ask."

"I do?" the girl asked him, appearing somewhat confused.

Itachi was silent a moment before nodding. Hmm, it had seemed so important to her at the time too. He shifted his gaze to her shirt a moment, "yes, as I recall you were concerned about that stain there."

He watched as her eyes lowered in response, a pout resulting at the sight. "Yeah, I was. I guess I forgot."

Gregor considered, "hmm…perhaps I might have something that could remove that." He lifted a finger before standing and beginning to rummage through one of his cabinets. After a moment or so, he exclaimed triumphantly and turned with a jar of pale green liquid, "this will do the trick." He held it out to her with a grin, "you may use that room behind you to clean the stain off. There is a faucet that you will have to pump, but you can simply wash it out there."

The girl lifted a brow, appearing to consider before shrugging and accepting the liquid. "How do I use this?"

"Oh!" Gregor replied as he reclaimed his seat. "Forgive me, miss." He indicated the cloth on the table as he demonstrated. "You will pour just a small amount over the stain, rub it into the fabric and let it sit for about five minutes before rinsing. The stain should come out with the formula."

Itachi glanced to Sakura, awaiting her reaction calmly. She released a sigh, "Good. I was beginning to worry that I would instead have this weird green stuff on my shirt."

"I wouldn't do that to you, miss," Gregor replied sincerely.

She offered him an appreciative smile, "thank you, Gregor." She indicated the room behind, "you said that room right there?"

"I did, indeed," he nodded.

Itachi cast his gaze about the room absently, noting that there was not actually any other adjoining rooms in the small hut.

"Alright, then," Sakura replied before rising from her seat and walking towards the door. "I'll be just a few minutes, Itachi," she stated as she glanced his way.

As she stepped into the room, Itachi nodded. "No worries, Sakura-san."

Silence filled the space as Itachi turned his attention to Gregor, who seemed to be smiling to himself about something. The Uchiha figured it was an opportune moment in which to endeavor a more personal conversation with the man.

"Gregor," he began, claiming the man's focus. "Are you doing well?" He did not really understand why exactly the man's well-being concerned him so much, the only reasonable explanation being that he had taken a sort of comfort within his company.

The man sighed heavily, before nodding. "Yes, for the most part I am. It's…still painful but I've come to the conclusion that I may just allow fate to take me of its own accord."

"Really?" Itachi asked quietly, his eyes lowering briefly. He imagined it had been a difficult decision for him to simply move on from what had happened.

Chuckling, the man looked to Itachi. "I owe a bit of that choice to you actually."

The Uchiha's eyes widened slightly, "How so?"

"Well," Gregor began honestly. "I could recognize a sort of suffering in your eyes, something similar to mine and yet…you told me of your great desire to return to your homeland and I saw the fervor and devotion in your voice as you spoke of it. It made me want to feel that way again myself. I wanted to feel that way about life. I started to think that perhaps my place here is not over. What you said…" he shook his head, "about living the lie for the sake of someone else made me realize that I should perhaps keep on living for my wife and child, as they would most likely have wanted that for me."

Itachi observed him silently, processing his words slowly. What could he say to that? Gregor recognized his fervor, certainly, but that determination was only directed toward returning for the sake of falling at his brother's hand. It had been a misinterpretation, but all the same striking in its irony. Unlike the man before him, however, there was no one who wanted him alive any longer, and thus no one to live for. Their fates were different, the circumstances incomparable. He had destroyed the lives of everyone who had ever cared for him.

"Well, I-" his words halted as the door suddenly opened from behind him. His gaze shifted and the heavy atmosphere almost instantaneously lifted as Sakura paused in her steps to observe the pair of them. Seeming to ascertain that she could resume whatever task she was endeavoring, the girl approached and proceeded to reach over him.

"Excuse me," she stated, "I forgot something."

Itachi followed the direction of her arm as she grasped her bag firmly, nearly hitting him in the face with it as she pulled the satchel back across his line of sight. She straightened and then smiled as he lifted his eyes to her face.

"No need to stop on my account. Carry on," she encouraged.

Itachi answered with a small smile despite himself. "What was it you forgot?"

The girl released a casual laugh before abruptly cutting it off to stare at him sincerely, "my perfume."

The Uchiha narrowed his eyes slightly, admittedly confused before Gregor enlightened him.

"Oh! I apologize, miss," the man began, "I forgot to mention how foul that cleanser's scent is."

"That's alright," Sakura replied with a wave of her hand. "I figured it out on my own."

Gregor nodded, "glad to hear it."

"Yep," she responded before shifting her eyes between them with a smile. "I'll just go wash this stain off now. "

The man offered her another nod and Itachi returned her smile, entirely appreciative that she had interrupted the conversation when she had. He only hoped Gregor would not bring it up immediately after her departure, though he supposed he was the one to blame for even endeavoring it in the first place.

He watched as Sakura's smile widened in response to his before turning and retreating into the other room, closing the door behind her. He then purposefully kept his eyes lowered to the table, avoiding the stare he knew Gregor was sending his way.

After a few moments the man remarked, "She seems like an interesting girl."

Itachi allowed his eyes to lift to the man's smiling face then. He subtly nodded, "she is."

"Have you known her long?"

The Uchiha shook his head, "only since arriving here."

"Hmm," the man mused. "Well, you seem different around her. I don't know what it is exactly, but that sadness sort of recedes somewhat."

Gregor had managed to bring the topic up again, though at an angle Itachi had not paused to consider. He thought of the girl then as a small smile formed in response. He supposed it was true that she managed to distract him from his thoughts most of the time, despite there being moments in which she actually served to conjure the memories he tried to suppress.

It was also true, and a fact that he had already personally admitted to Sakura, that he was able to allow his unhindered self to show through, without fear of discovery or of possibly jeopardizing his position. The guilt would never cease in its haunting of his life, but around her he was able to bear it just slightly easier.

He nodded to Gregor, smile still in place. "It does." He paused, "somewhat."

The man nodded knowingly, "it never really goes away, though I find it helps to have people around to help us endure it."

Itachi wondered if it was wrong to allow someone in his life who fulfilled such a role, though he reasoned it really could not be helped either way. In any case, he decided that he really did enjoy Sakura's company, more than he believed he could. He only had to maintain caution and prevent her from getting any closer than their present circumstance. He did not want her to suffer another loss when the time arrived for him to face Sasuke.

When they finally escaped the strange world and returned to Konoha, he knew they would have to go their separate ways and both he and the girl had to be prepared to accept that obligation.

Itachi heard Gregor laugh and he looked to him in question.

"I think what I miss most about my wife," he explained distantly. "Is the way she would yell at me. I never thought such a thing could be considered a loss but, now that the sound is absent from my life I find that I really did enjoy our arguments."

Itachi smiled, and tilted his head to consider the statement. "It's certainly strange, how one tends to miss the smallest details more than anything else."

"It is," Gregor agreed, "very strange, indeed."

He felt for the man, of that much he was sure. Gregor's heart was irreparably broken in result of the one person who had meant most to him voluntarily leaving the living world, taking their child with her. It was a lamentable situation, one that Itachi allowed himself to sensitively consider.

"You'll see her again," Itachi replied gently, "I'm sure of it."

The man smiled and looked to him with a nod, "I hope so. I dearly hope so." He then seemed to consider saying something more before opting against it.

Itachi wondered what had been omitted before deciding against prying Gregor for an answer. Perhaps there was a reason it had gone unsaid.

"In any case," Gregor appeared to voice instead. "Good luck with Miss Sakura; she seems like quite a handful."

Itachi nodded and allowed for another smile, "Aa, she can be. I appreciate your consolation. "

They both then simply fell into a comfortable silence, the Uchiha simply waiting in practiced patience for the girl to emerge from the room behind him. He avoided the onslaught of recollections that awaited his mind in response to the conversation with Gregor, feeling like he was constantly reminding himself not to dwell unnecessarily on things he could not change.

Instead, he resigned to think of Sakura and wondered if she was succeeding in removing the bothersome stain she had overlooked upon arrival. He simultaneously found himself smiling in reaction to the memory that had caused the entire situation to begin with. The over-indulgent cup of coffee coupled with her smug response to his offering her the first serving had resulted in the spill that had succeeded in encouraging the strangest semblance of amusement. That girl, as Gregor had put it, was most probably the single most interesting person of his acquaintance.

He found himself suddenly finding satisfaction in that one development as a result of their situation. Without the strange occurrence, they would never have had the chance to even speak, not to mention get to know one another. He was happy he had met her, happy that he could connect with her in some subtle way. He was happy that, before his eminent death, life seemed to have decided to offer him a brief time in which he could really anticipate a new day beside the ridiculous girl without having any idea what might ensue as a result of her company.

However, it also instilled a slight guilt, as he wondered if he even deserved the treatment at all. Sasuke was not happy, he knew. The boy was suffering and his entire clan had been killed. Despite the justification, that still did not change the act itself.

Sakura-san, he refocused his mind, tearing it away from his current musings. Thank you.

Hearing the door open, Itachi lifted his eyes to see Sakura holding her fingers in a display of the symbol for victory. However, her triumphant smile turned into one of an almost malicious nature as she approached him.

He only had a moment in which to wonder what she was up to before she proceeded to tap the same two fingers against his forehead with a wink, "I'm ready to go."

Itachi blinked, marveling at the strange feel of his own signature gesture being used against him. He relaxed however, and smiled as he decided that it really was not such a bad feeling after all. No wonder Sasuke, despite acting as if he sometimes disliked it, unfailingly continued to return to the prompt that would always lead to the same inevitable outcome.

"Aa, Sakura-san," he replied with a nod, before tilting his head slightly. "Were you successful?"

The girl lowered her arm and the Uchiha felt a curious deprivation as a result of its removal. She smirked, "Hell yeah! Mission accomplished, Partner."

"Well then," he began before standing. He paused however, as he stood beside her and the scent of perfume greeted his senses. He recognized the definitive fragrance of jasmine, being one that he would never allow himself to forget, as well as the prominent under note of vanilla. He maintained his gaze upon her a moment longer before forcing his attention toward Gregor with a grateful nod, "I thank you again, for everything."

Gregor, seeming to have merely relented to gazing between them, stood as he was addressed and approached Itachi with an extended hand. "A pleasure, as always. Don't forget your promise to say good bye before leaving."

"I won't," Itachi assured, accepting his hand.

The man then looked to Sakura and offered her his hand as well, "and you, miss. I look forward to seeing you again, as well. It was wonderful meeting you."

"Yes, it was wonderful to meet you, too," Sakura replied as she shook his hand. "Thank you, Gregor." Itachi then watched as she leaned in closer to the man to whisper something, though she hardly lowered her voice enough to avoid being heard. "And don't worry. I'll make sure Itachi comes back."

Gregor smiled and patted her hand affectionately before releasing her, "I'm counting on you then, Miss Sakura."

Itachi simply relented for a small smile as well as a nod at the man. He reasoned that another meeting would be unavoidable, especially if the sickness were to spread into the smaller settlements as well. He only hoped everything would go well concerning the creation of an appropriate antidote. He was familiar with a few common medicines and ingredients but the girl beside him was the true expert in that area of study. He reasoned that he would be relying on her guidance over the next few days more than he had ever relied on anyone in his life.

"Miss Sakura," the girl responded. "I like the sound of that."

Gregor chuckled, "glad to hear it."

Sakura nodded before she abruptly turned to Itachi and he felt her tug on the sleeve of his cloak. "Itachi, let's go."

He looked to her silently before nodding, "right behind you, Sakura-san."

He had to admit that he was now anticipating stepping outside into the fresh air, away from the small room and the scent of both Gregor's spices and the overpowering, but nonetheless agreeable scent of Sakura's chosen fragrance. In fact, it was by far the most pleasant fragrance he had ever been privy to endure, a fact that only further encouraged his need to dilute its potency.

"Like always," the girl responded with a smirk, "Itachi-kun." He watched as she waved to Gregor then before making her way to the door.

Itachi nodded to the man before following Sakura, the suffix she had chosen to add to his name instilling both amusement and an instant contentment, despite it having been an obvious stroke of exaggeration. The door closed behind him and he inhaled the outside air before walking at an easy pace across the town's center. His glanced drifted to the amber-leafed tree before he allowed it to fall upon the girl at his side.

He watched her suddenly snap her fingers and look up at him, "Itachi, I bet this sickness is one of those tasks the Leader said we had to complete."

Itachi tilted his head slightly as he fought a smile, finding approval in the fact that the thought had only recently occurred to her. He surmised that her earlier interest in finding a cure to help the people of Yokusei had been a completely selfless ambition, her mind entirely unconcerned with anything but the aid she felt compelled to offer. Sakura was the first person he had come across in a long time who exhibited such a trait, with a fervor that was nearly equivalent to his own. He…respected that about her. It conveyed a lot about her character.

"Aa," he nodded, "I believe so too, Sakura-san."

"I knew it," she grinned triumphantly. "That means after this we're one step closer to going home. Won't it be wonderful being back again?"

Wonderful? Itachi mused to himself. I suppose, in a sense, it could be described that way. He offered her another nod, "It will."

"The first thing I'm going to do when I get back," the girl continued. "Is give Naruto a big hug. Then I'll congratulate him for saving Gaara."

Itachi's eyes lowered briefly, Gaara…the little Kazekage. Sakura was so confident in Naruto's ability to save the boy, and he lamented in the fact that the Kyuubi had most likely failed the mission, simply due to the overwhelming power Akatsuki actually possessed. Still, there was always a chance, and he was not about to give the girl cause to lose hope in her friend.

"I'm sure he will appreciate that," he replied, returning his attention to her.

"Of course he will. It's Naruto."

The Uchiha smiled, "Aa, that's true."

She returned his smile before voicing the question he had suspected she would attempt. "What about you, Itachi?"

"Hmm," he responded, carefully considering his answer. He could hardly reveal what his ultimate task would be upon returning, though he could reveal a more immediate endeavor. "I will have a cup of jasmine tea."

Sakura laughed and he felt as she playfully slapped his arm, "That sounds like something you would do. I can just see it now."

His smile widened in response to what she said. It was nice, the light-hearted conversation. It was one of the things he missed most about his past time in Konoha. The familiarity of her statement instilled, rather than the guarded response he would've previously expected of himself, a sudden acceptance of his decision to allow her to see him as the person he truly was.

"You really love tea, don't you?" she continued.

He nodded, "I do. It's always been my beverage preference."

Crossing the broken threshold of the town, he glanced to the house at his right and saw, as expected, Snake-skin with two fingers pointed in his direction. He fought the urge to shake his head before redirecting his attention to the open expanse of field ahead. He reasoned that they could walk until after nightfall before stopping to rest somewhere and possibly taking some time to begin training. He pondered what it would be like, assuming the role of a teacher again after so long. Would it be painful? Would memories of Sasuke prove relentless in their infiltration of his mind? He reasoned that all he could really do was wait and find out. Besides, he looked to Sakura with another smile. Training this girl will be undoubtedly different.

"That's nice," she replied to his previous statement. "Knowing what you like over every other drink. What food has that position, if any?"

"Well," he began, pondering. There were actually a few that he considered to be particular favorites. However, if he could only choose one…"I suppose, that would be a slice of vanilla cake."

The girl laughed again in response to his answer. "I should've known. I already knew about your sweet tooth, after all."

"Aa," he replied. "You did." He then tilted his head, "how about you, Sakura-san?"

"Ice cream!" she exclaimed without hesitance. "My favorite is the one served at the Dumpling Café in Konoha."

Itachi smiled, "oh? I used to enjoy that place as well." He remembered visiting it only a few years ago and finding that the quality of the cuisine had not changed at all since his younger days.

Her smile grew, "we have something in common."

"We do," Itachi nodded in agreement. He thought in amusement all the times in which he and Kisame had taken detours to classic restaurants across the countryside and at how often their leader would be irked by their needless excursions.

He sighed, "I've been to quite a few cafes during my travels but," he looked to her, "that place was always my favorite."

"Yeah, it's great," the girl responded with a nod. "I wish Naruto liked that place too. Maybe then we could've gone there rather than Ichiraku's every time."

"Hmm," The Uchiha stated. "You have a difficult time convincing your friends to accompany you there?"

He certainly remembered how adamantly Shisui would complain about having to go to that place. He and Sasuke, both actually. He supposed that was one good aspect of having Kisame for a partner within Akatsuki. The man enjoyed their detours almost as much as he did.

"Pretty much," Sakura replied before suddenly titling her head as she observed him curiously. "Would you like to go with me sometime?"

Itachi wondered if the girl's question had been asked in complete sincerity. What was she expecting to happen, when they returned? Surely she realized, as he had only a short time ago, that they would be obligated to separate upon their return. However, in spite of all that, and in hopes that they would find themselves in the same area in which they had initially left, he supposed they could, perhaps visit a café of sorts. It would only be another detour with a partner of his, after all.

"Unfortunately, not the place in Konoha," Itachi responded, his smile faltering only slightly. "However, perhaps we could stop someplace similar." He met her gaze, "so long as they have jasmine tea, any place will do."

He did not know whether he could keep that promise, but he considered the plan would not be completely impossible. Perhaps there, he might find himself able to offer her a proper farewell. They would not meet again afterwards, of that he was almost certain.

He saw as she opened her mouth to say something, before immediately closing it. A hint of realization entered her gaze then and he wondered what it was she had just seemed to consider. Had she arrived at the same conclusion he had?

Sakura's gaze drifted away from his and he simply analyzed her face as she continued her silent reverie. The day was darkening, he noted, the colors taking on their breathtaking hues of iridescent amethyst and deepened shades of blue. The golden light of the setting sun instilled their surroundings with a glistening effect, the waters of the shore to their direct right reflecting the many colors magnificently.

Itachi marveled, once again, at the extensive detail and fascinating shades of light. The focus of his gaze returned to the girl and he observed how the illuminating atmosphere seemed to enhance her features as well, almost granting her a surreal appearance. Upon awaking in the strange land, hers had been the first face he had seen in a while, the structure and unique aspects imprinted within his memory.

Sasuke, also, was a face he continued to envision clearly, as he would never forget the shift of happiness to horror upon the child's expression. How could he? It would haunt him until the day his eyes finally closed to the living world.

Sakura likewise, would be an image he would always carry with him, her smile burning brightly in thought and providing a semblance of alleviation to his darker visions.

He looked to the sky above, as he often did while in the presence of his brother and closed his eyes in practiced acceptance. Again, it would not do to dwell too heavily on a fate he could not change.

A sudden warmth upon his hand caused his attention to shift to see Sakura casting him a sidelong smile, her previous distress completely eradicated from her expression. He lowered his eyes to the small hand holding his and had a very brief recollection of countless occasions in which he would walk alongside his sibling in the same manner.

"That's alright," he heard her say. "I think I'll get a jasmine tea as well, Itachi."

Within that single statement, she had conveyed so much concerning how she now envisioned him. She acknowledged, without question, that he could not return to Konoha and accepted his alternative with a demeanor that implied subtle anticipation.

He returned his gaze to hers and smiled softly before accepting her hand, gently tightening his hold. He resolved then to do all he could to uphold his promise to her.

Silence fell between them for several moments in which Itachi merely reveled within the atmosphere of ease. However, his smile widened slightly as he debated whether to say something he had never really had the opportunity to say. He wondered if it was at all appropriate, despite being an obvious jest.

He glanced to the girl, smile in place as he decided it carried no harm. "It's a date then, Sakura-san."

Her smile widened, "Hell yeah. You know, I'll think it'll be my first."

Itachi softly laughed in response, "Aa, mine as well."

"I find that hard to believe," she stated simply.

The Uchiha tilted his head, "why is that?"

It was the complete truth, as even during his younger years his life and responsibility had proved far too demanding to allow for such endeavors. His primary focus had always been to the village and to his clan, namely his little brother. The thought had honestly never really even entered his mind, this occasion, though primarily for the sake of entertaining conversation, was the closest he had ever come to considering it.

"W-well," she responded somewhat hesitantly as she lowered her gaze. "Isn't it obvious? You've always been a talented Shinobi and its nice talking with you. You're also…" she paused. "Handsome."

"Hmm," Itachi responded, amused by her reluctance to voice her thoughts on the subject. He had never really encountered an occasion in which he had needed to consider how others viewed his appearance. It was certainly a strange statement to hear from her in sincerity, or anyone for that matter. His smile then widened in sudden recollection before he looked to the girl, "Seems as if you really do consider me beautiful." He tilted his head, "and it's still flattering."

The girl returned her eyes to his with a smile, "didn't I say I would personally make sure it wasn't the last time?"

"You did," Itachi responded with a nod. "I just didn't expect it again so soon."

"Doesn't that make it even better though?" she asked. "What's the enjoyment in knowing when everything will happen?"

Itachi offered her a sincere response, "it certainly does, Sakura-san. There really isn't any enjoyment in that whatsoever." As an Uchiha, he had a great deal of experience with the predictable and the girl beside him was the literal embodiment of impulsiveness. He sighed then, and looked to the completely darkened, yet spectacular sky. "In any case, I was completely honest in what I said before." He glanced to her, "it really would be my first time."

The girl nodded, "mine too. Oh, well. It doesn't really make a difference. We can just have some jasmine tea and another delightful conversation. Do you think vanilla cake should be added to that?"

"Oh definitely," Itachi nodded, another smile forming. "Perhaps even some ice cream as well."

Such a simple event to look forward to, the one lying in wait of his completion somehow dimming just a small bit in response. Sakura, rather than himself, was the truly beautiful person. In so many ways.

"Hell yeah!" she responded excitedly. "You can't say no to that. Cherry ice cream, without a doubt."

"Is that your favorite flavor?" he asked.

"Definitely. It's the best flavor," she answered assuredly.

"I won't argue with you on that account," Itachi replied.

The girl furrowed her brows in question. "Really? I would've guessed it was jasmine. You seem to like it a lot."

"Ah, but we were speaking of ice cream, in which case I entirely agree with you," Itachi answered, before tilting his head thoughtfully. "I do enjoy the way jasmine tastes, but generally it's the fragrance I enjoy most. It's soothing." He recalled all the pleasant mornings he had spent with that scent, calming his overly stressed mind and allowing for an hour or so free from thought.

Sasuke had eventually opted to join him on those mornings, having once sampled his tea and deciding he enjoyed it as well. Itachi smiled fondly at the memory of those occasions in which he had no longer needed to spend the early hours alone. His brother had made an effort to spend time with him, their moments together limited due to his countless ANBU tasks.

Now, every time he would enjoy a cup of that tea, it would not only act as a pleasing beverage but as a strong connection to those simpler times. It's very fragrance transporting him briefly to the times he held most dear.

"Oh, I see," Sakura replied. "I suppose I can agree to that. It has such a calming fragrance." She tapped her chin then before musing, "The sense of smell is the most powerful thing for triggering memories. I think from now on, whenever I smell the scent of jasmine, I'll think of you."

Itachi looked to her, his gaze only slightly widening in response. However, he smiled as he registered the scent of her perfume, its presence still lingering subtly within the air. "Aa," he again tightened his hold over her hand gently. "I might think of you too."

It was strangely comforting to know that, even after his death, there would still be someone who would occasionally think of him. He never really thought he would want that but, now that it was being presented to him he found it to be almost consoling. However, he only hoped she would not be hurt by his downfall. Was he perhaps allowing her to get too close after all? He hardly knew and yet, he found himself somehow willing to simply allow their interactions to continue unhindered by that worry.

She would be happy, he was sure, when Sasuke finally returned to her.

He stopped then and glanced about their surroundings, a single tree a few feet to the left and a shallow stream of water running alongside it. He reasoned it would be as good a place as any to rest for a few hours before beginning the girl's training. He looked to her, "we should stop here."

After looking about the area, Sakura responded. "Okay. Come along then, snail."

Itachi then felt her grip tighten over his hand before pulling him along with her as she hastened her steps toward the tree. The Uchiha followed, fighting the urge to shake his head at the girl and her continuously irrational behavior.

She halted suddenly once they arrived at their destination, several branches overhead and the sound of the stream filling the silence. The girl then dropped to the ground, making sure to pull him down beside her. Itachi relented, deciding against pointlessly fighting against her erratic prompts. However, he did look to her with a small smile. "You're a rather demanding person, Sakura-san."

Itachi leaned back against the tree as his eyes drifted to the glistening atmosphere above. He returned his gaze to Sakura and saw that she was again faking a pout.

"It was the only way to make you move, Itachi-kun." She stated.

He tilted his head and silently regarded her a moment before responding. "You could have just asked me."

A smile spread its way across her face before she followed his example and rested against the tree beside him. "That takes all the fun out of it."

"Yes," he nodded, "I suppose it does."

The air surrounding him was neither cold nor warm, its climate continuing in its perfectly temperate nature. Kanashimi, he had heard, was not so pleasing in that regard. He relented to enjoy as much of Yokusei's environment as he could before they concluded their task.

He sighed softly, contentedly. "After a few hours of rest, if you'd like, we can begin your training."

He watched as she yawned in response before leaning against his shoulder, "I'm looking forward to it. I've been wondering what type of teacher you are."

He had stiffened slightly at her action but slowly relaxed and again lifted his eyes to the sky above them, "The best kind, Sakura-san."

"You sound so sure," she replied, and he could hear the smile in her voice. "I'll just have to confirm it myself. Feel free to use me as a reference in the future."

He laughed softly beneath his breath, "I'll be sure to do that."

Removing the bag from his shoulder he then reached over and offered to take hers. Sakura removed her hand from his and lifted her head off his shoulder before removing her own bag and handing it to him. Itachi placed both on his opposite side, inspecting his own a moment to make sure the bottle of sleeping draught had not spilled during the journey before resting against the tree once more.

"You think about everything don't you?" Sakura asked as she again placed her head against his shoulder.

Itachi looked down at her and shrugged, "someone has to, right?" He smiled then and offered his hand to the girl, suspecting she would eventually proceed to take it anyway.

She smiled warmly as she accepted it, her small hand reclaiming his. "You have a pretty smile, Itachi."

He still found it quite remarkable how drastically he had risen from the status of murderous bastard within her mind to how she now viewed him. He supposed his forced façade was a great deal more effective than even he had previously imagined.

"Well," he held her gaze a moment before continuing. "You too, Sakura-san."

It was already too late, he reasoned then. He had already allowed her to get closer than he had wanted, though the actual development of that occurrence had been so subtle it had completely evaded his better judgment. He wondered if he actually would end up having to reveal to her the truth concerning his past, though also recognized that she would never attempt to ask that of him, a fact he immensely appreciated. He still had time to think on it, and he again sighed as he considered what the next appropriate course of action should be.

He felt her shake her head, "No, it's not even close compared to yours."

"Sakura-san," he began, "I won't endeavor that argument with you, as it might prove endless."

"You could just agree with me," she suggested playfully. "Or we can just call it a draw, if you would prefer."

"A draw, then," he nodded. "Definitely."

He watched her smile widen, "That's what I thought." She then yawned and leaned closer against him, "Itachi?"

"Hmm?"

Sakura lifted her eyes to his, "I'm glad I got stuck here with you."

He offered her another smile and nodded, "Aa, I don't think I would've preferred it any other way myself."

He felt a dormant happiness seeping back into the forefront of his thoughts, equaling what he had once felt prior to the decision that had placed his entire life into a living hell. His final days, with Sakura at his side, would offer him a brief return into the life he had ultimately lost.

Did he deserve that return? He hardly knew, though he found himself against declining the rare offer.

"That's good," she replied. "I wouldn't want to be the only one who felt that way."

Itachi shook his head, "no, that certainly wouldn't be pleasant."

"No," the girl agreed. "Everything would've turned out differently if that was case."

"That's true," he replied simply.

Itachi leaned his head against the tree behind him, and closed his eyes. Rather than visions of crimson and shadowed faces of his past, he saw only a bright field and a smiling rose-haired girl beside him. He saw Sasuke, too, patiently waiting for him at the end of that great expanse, somehow open to allow him these last few days of contentment.

"Is the future really determined by every single thing we do?" he could hear her voice growing tired.

Itachi nodded, eyes remaining closed. "Aa, I believe it is."

"Then I don't regret anything," Sakura answered. "If I didn't do what I did in the past then I wouldn't be here. Right now."

Looking down at her Itachi simply observed her in silence before smiling sadly, "I…don't regret anything either."

Had he the choice to venture back in time and commit the same act against his clan, he would undoubtedly do so. It had been unavoidable, the only choice that would result in protecting the village he loved. He hated that it had been that way but, there was nothing to be done. Sasuke, was the only part of the entire ordeal that he lamented. He wished he had not been so young. Just a little bit older and he would have been able to handle it better.

He was eternally saddened by what his brother had witnessed, the one person he loved most killing the family that had raised him, the family he had never thought anything but well of. He believed that it had been a crueler fate than even he, himself, had been dealt, as Sasuke had not even had a choice in the matter.

In any case, he would make it right. Sasuke would have his life back. He was determined to see that through.

Sakura's eyes had widened briefly in response to his answer before she seemed to think it over and allow her expression to soften. The girl then smiled again before reaching her other hand up to gently brush his bangs aside, "I'll remember you said that, Itachi."

He nodded, "I hope you do."

A teasing scoff escaped her then, "it's not like I'm forgetful or anything."

"I wasn't implying that," he defended. "Merely offering my acceptance of what you said."

She shrugged, "I guess I'll take it."

Itachi nodded before lowering his eyes briefly to her hand, still holding his and smiling before again closing his eyes. "In any case, get some rest Sakura-san. You'll most likely need it."

"You're just saying that because you want me to be quiet so you can fall asleep," she countered.

Itachi shook his head, "no. If that was the case, I would have said it."

Sakura laughed softly, "Oh. Well then, I think I will, but you should get some too."

"No worries," he responded. "I plan to. So long as you," he glanced to her, "keep quiet."

He watched her eyes narrow slightly in response, before nodding regardless. "I promise not to make a sound."

"Hmm," he mused thoughtfully. "We'll see."

Sakura nodded again before repositioning herself more comfortably and closing her eyes. "Oh, and I'm sorry about before."

Itachi tilted his head in question, "what are you referring to?"

He found he was unable to even begin wondering what she was speaking of. Her answers never ceased to catch him off guard and he was automatically starting to expect that responsive reaction now.

She answered in a voice barely above a whisper as she yawned, "being so mean to you and calling you a bastard all the time."

Itachi sighed and closed his eyes, "You didn't know. I don't fault you for that at all."

It was the way he intended to come across to others, her apology completely unnecessary in light of that fact. He did not want her to blame herself for something expected.

"But that's the point isn't it?" she continued. "I made an assumption and based everything on that alone. I didn't attempt to know you first."

"Sakura-san," he shook his head. "It wouldn't have done any good. I would not have allowed you to do that before."

"It's almost impossible to believe how much that changed in a single day," she responded, voicing the very thoughts he had countless times entertained.

He nodded in complete agreement, "Aa, it is." He paused a moment, "Sakura-san?"

He felt her tilt her head, "Yes?"

Opening his eyes to briefly look down into hers, he smiled and was silent for a moment before leaning just slightly closer to her ear, "Sshh."

"Ohhh," she replied, before lowering her voice to a whisper. "I'll be quiet now." There was a brief silence before she continued. "Can I say one more thing?"

He simply nodded.

Sakura smiled before allowing her head to resume its rest upon his shoulder. He watched her close her eyes, before allowing his own to do the same.

"Goodnight, Itachi," she whispered.

He smiled, "goodnight, Sakura-san."