Illusions of Serenity
Chapter XIII
"Routine"
…
Itachi's mind slowly began to emerge from slumber into the conscious world as he heard a faint scoff from somewhere above him. He instantly recalled the previous evening and reasoned that the sound had originated from Sakura, the girl most likely haven just woken.
"Where is that bastard?"
A small, imperceptible smile found its way to the Uchiha's face in reaction her exclamation. Definitely Sakura, he thought in amusement. She had obviously not noticed his presence and had also immediately resorted to assuming the worst, as was so often the case.
Another sigh was emitted from the girl before he heard her feet touch the floor in front of him. "The next time I see that bastard," she continued. "'I swear I'm going to-"
His eyes instantly opened as her feet collided into his side and he looked up as she fell across him, her face meeting the hardwood floor beneath. Sitting up, he blinked and willed all remaining drowsiness away before returning his attention to the girl.
He noted that she was making no immediate motion to stand before hearing her release a pained moan. The Uchiha shook his head before slowly making his way over, lowering himself onto one knee beside her. "Sakura-san," he began before placing a hand on her shoulder tentatively.
The girl did not look up at him, only offered a guarded "Yes?" in response.
The Uchiha sighed, "Are you planning on lying here on the floor all morning?"
"Itachi?" she asked, still opting to keep her face against the floor.
"Aa," he replied before tilting his head, another smile forming. "Or perhaps it would be more familiar to you if I simply referred to myself as 'that bastard?'
He removed his hand and watched as Sakura quickly pushed herself up into a sitting position before proceeding to punch his shoulder. "Refer to yourself in whatever way you want, Snail."
"As long as I have your permission," Itachi nodded. "I will take that privilege into consideration."
"And," she began before crossing her arms. "What's that supposed to mean?"
The Uchiha merely regarded her in silence a moment before subtly shrugging, "nothing." He then assumed a serious façade, "more importantly, however…" he looked to her eyes pointedly and withheld a smile. "I have something I simply must ask you." The girl arched a brow, an inquisitive expression taking her features. However, she then closed her eyes and allowed for a sigh. "What is it?"
"Well, I'm just curious," he stated softly, purposefully deliberating a moment before continuing. "If I really had left you here….what is it you swear you'd do to me?"
Itachi watched as her eyes instantaneously opened before she lifted them to meet his with an accompanying, somewhat awkward smile. "O-Oh. That? Well, I was cut off when I tripped."
"Aa," the Uchiha nodded. "Which is why I'm asking. You see, I wouldn't even have a need if you had completed your sentence."
He found it was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain his stoic demeanor, as his amusement fought to take over his expression. The girl so easily set herself up for his responses and the fact continued to entertain him to an immeasurable extent. Such an amusing little person, he thought as he continued to observe her.
Her gaze fell to the floor, "I was going to swear that I'd…" she paused, absently tracing invisible, circular patterns upon the hardwood. "Punch that pretty face of yours until you were beyond recognition then leave you in the street with all the crazy people."
Itachi raised a brow in response to her admission, before shaking his head as he finally allowed a smile to form. "My, Sakura-san," he began, "you're quite a violent little Shinobi, aren't you?"
"Well," the girl smirked before cracking her knuckles. "I was trained to beat people with my fists."
"That you were," The Uchiha nodded before offering a wink. "I suppose you have a valid excuse for violence then."
"Hell yeah!" Sakura exclaimed before returning his smile. "What about you? Are you not a violent Shinobi?"
Itachi tilted his head as he considered her question, his mind attempting to digress into an unwanted direction before he forced it to return to the objective inquiry. "Well, I suppose violence is at times inevitable for all Shinobi. However, I prefer to avoid it if at all possible."
He briefly envisioned the event that had at first triggered his disposition as a pacifist; the hundreds of lifeless corpses that had been slain as a result of the Kyuubi's attack on Konoha and the discovery that it had been one of his own clan, Uchiha Madara, to inflict the horrific occurrence. He had grown to detest violence from an early age and strove to uphold all that supported its prevention.
It was such a fervent and immovable outlook that he had even committed countless violent and horrendous acts himself to uphold and defend what he acknowledged as right. However, it had all been for the sake of averting a much larger scale of evil, both with the massacre of his clan and in joining Akatsuki.
He saw a sad gleam overtake Sakura's eyes as she lowered her gaze to the floor, seeming to dwell on their conversation in silence. He wondered if her mind had divulged into a similar area as his own and promptly braced himself for any inquiries she might broach on the subject.
However, her expression shifted as she closed her eyes and softly exhaled before returning her attention to him resolutely. A warm smile was offered then as she asked, "What's your favorite animal?"
Itachi did not allow his immediate confusion to show in reaction to the spontaneous question as he mused over how it had even originated. He soon reasoned though, that it was quite possible that she merely wanted to change the subject and he found himself willing to concede to the prompt.
"A crow," he returned her smile.
His contemplations turned to his own animal summon, a crow that he considered both a beloved companion and useful ally. He had to admit that he missed the bird and hoped he hadn't come into any harm during his absence. Tskuma's relatively intelligent, he reasoned in confidence. I'm sure he's fine.
"A crow, huh?" Sakura continued thoughtfully before her smile widened. "It suits you."
"Does it?" Itachi asked, never having paused to consider such a fact.
"It sure does, Snail" the girl nodded before tapping his forehead, "that's another thing that will make me think about you."
"Hmm," The Uchiha conceded, deciding against pressuring her further for an explanation. He wondered in passing if she would continue to think of him when he was gone. Would these things still remind her of him after his inevitable death?
It strangely saddened him to consider it.
However, he refused to dwell on the matter and instead offered her another smile. "What is your favorite animal, Sakura-san?"
After a moment, she allowed for an answering smirk. "Certainly not pigs."
Itachi blinked and wondered if she had some aversion to the animals on a personal level though refrained from inquiring further. He tilted his head, "…then what is?"
"A dove," she stated.
"Oh?" The Uchiha asked. "That's certainly an interesting choice. What is it you like about them?"
Doves he knew, were often symbolized as representing peace.
"A lot of things," she shrugged in response. "You can always catch glimpses of their beautiful white feathers when they fly past you, even in the dark. They will only have one love for life. Also, they represent innocence, peace and…hope."
Itachi's smile widened as he considered her objective response. Her reasons were…unsurprising, though he found he did agree with her final declaration. He admittedly did not know of doves being in favor of only one partner and was immensely amused with the way the girl had chosen to word that fact.
"That seems very fitting then," the Uchiha stated as he considered that Sakura seemed to represent those last three aspects as well.
He watched an impish smile formed on her face, its intent obvious. "Does it?"
However, he merely tilted his head in response before offering a soft, "Aa."
The girl pouted playfully in reply as she ran her fingers through her bangs. She quickly recovered with a grin though, and reached out to tousle his hair as well. "Fine, Snail. Be that way."
Itachi suddenly noticed how unkempt Sakura's hair was after waking and briefly wondered if it always looked that way in the mornings. It reminded him a little of how Sasuke's appeared, the boy having been in possession of unruly hair since as long as he could remember.
After offering her another small smile, he reached over and grabbed his cloak off the ground, slipping it on before looking to the stove and deciding it was about time for tea. "What's on the agenda today?"
Standing, Sakura stretched her arms over her head. "We're going to get blood samples from various sick villagers then test them with the plants we collected yesterday. If all goes well, we can begin the testing before noon."
Itachi nodded as he rose to stand beside her before turning and making the necessary preparations for their tea. "I only hope the villagers are moderately receptive to the idea of us acquiring samples of their blood."
"Me, too," he heard her admit with a sigh. "Maybe if we just took samples from the…more sane inhabitants. Then we won't have to worry about their receptiveness as much."
"Hmm," The Uchiha responded, though considered her proclamation as one that more readily implied wishful thinking than actual confidence in such a favorable outcome. A brief silence followed before the kettle had completed its second batch of water, Itachi then steeped the additional cup before turning and offering it to the girl behind him.
"In any case," he continued after taking a sip of his own beverage. "At least it will be entertaining."
"I'm certain it will be, Itachi," Sakura responded before proceeding to drink her tea as well.
The days continued in much the same way. They would go out in the mornings with the fish-beaters plant logs, gather samples and reenter the city to test different combinations with the blood samples they had collected. Sakura primarily conducted the experiments and Itachi would be responsible for recording the data.
After two weeks had gone by with very little results, the Uchiha half-expected to see the girl's resolve waiver. However, her conviction remained as strong as ever as she divided her time between research, actively helping the ill and training where remotely possible. The people had come to adore her and would smile anytime she was near. They seemed comforted by her presence and soothed by her gentle guidance as she patiently taught them how to administer their own treatments. Though the only one she currently had available was an ointment for their reddened skin, it still demanded several detailed explanations and demonstrations.
One morning, as Itachi strode over to the window of the inn to look out over the streets below, he saw her. She was surrounded by a small group of inhabitants as she stood by the center well, appearing to be instructing them on yet another purification process. She laughed and her demeanor was both patient and sincere. The enjoyment she exhibited while aiding others was truly remarkable and Itachi found himself smiling as he continued to observe her.
He was only afforded another moment of his silent study before Sakura looked up and noticed him. She waved and he returned the gesture before turning and descending the stairs to join her in yet another exhibition at the well.
The girl was doing what she could to help with the citizens' symptoms while looking for a permanent resolution, her expertise in the medical field impressively vast. As for Fu Blood, he continued to hold his bi-weekly ritual of handing out supplies, though he now included medications in the distributions. He continued to try and cut Itachi's hair, even going so far as to try and stealthily approach, as covertly as he could manage before ultimately appearing dismayed as he was discovered the instant he raised his contemptible scissors.
The fish-beater had resumed his typical occupation of smacking his 'specimens' upon the docks outside the city, though he continued to remain secluded from the illness that was still effecting everyone within. It was unavoidable that Sakura had seen him one day, an occurrence to which she had understandably been horrified before proceeding to hide behind her Uchiha partner, completely desiring to remain unseen by the strange individual.
There were two newcomers to Itachi's daily routine: one was a woman by the name of Ariel Lowleaf, who had taken on an unhealthy obsession of stalking him wherever he'd go within the city and would randomly attack him without prior cause, after which she would offer him a hug and continue on her way. She had a bipolar disorder of sorts, resulting in her both hating and loving almost everything she happened to mention.
The second individual was man of short stature by the name of Jaus the Hitter, who made a habit of sharpening a cleaver whenever the Uchiha would pass and who Sakura had confirmed as being a verifiable sadist. He seemed to enjoy kicking out at small animals and children as well as possessing a wide variety of curious quirks. Such as proclaiming that he worshipped the moon, always making a point to carry a jug of milk, believing Itachi to be a demon in want of his eyes, and wanting to offer said 'demon' one of his pet chicken-like creatures.
Needless to say, it was a nonsensical cast that the Uchiha did not feel he could ever entirely grow used to. They continued to evade all expectation through continuously performing acts he could never hone his intellect enough to foresee. Sakura too, ceaselessly continued to defy his expectations, proving to be an individual he could not simply claim to know through mere surveillance.
However, in spending countless hours within her company he had obtained a reasonable familiarity and was both alarmed and considerably complacent with how common and engraved a place she held within his life on a day-to-day basis. The simplicity of the long days of purposeful work served to remind Itachi of that which he had been denied since leaving Konoha. Actively aiding the inhabitants and pursuing individual tasks of value inflicted him with substantial satisfaction.
Sakura gave him cause to smile no matter the situation and was succeeding in progressively becoming a highly influential individual in his life. The more he knew of her, the more he solidified the belief that she was every bit as crazy as the people surrounding them but that she was also in possession of a unique mind, one he appreciated and entirely accepted for both its naïve simplicity and surprisingly keen intellect where the situation demanded.
It was not until the eve of the sixteenth day that they discovered the component that would connect the individual elements of the cure. They had spent the entire morning gathering the last few plant samples recorded in the book and then devoted a small portion of the afternoon to Taijutsu training…
…
Raising a kunai, Itachi allowed it to clash against Sakura's before pushing himself away as she attempted a punch with her other hand. He again advanced on her, purposefully falsifying a thrust before turning his wrist and changing the direction of the attack, the weapon turning sideways as he aimed it for the base of her neck.
However, the girl jumped back before the attack could hit, casting a shuriken his way as her feet returned to the ground. Itachi side-stepped the aerial weapon before rushing forward, again clashing his kunai against hers and using the contact to preoccupy the weapon as he simultaneously reached forward in attempt to confine the wrist of her free hand.
He watched a familiar smile form on her face, as was typical whenever she would be enlightened with sudden inspiration. He continued to utilize restraint when dueling with her, desiring to avoid the infliction of any actual harm. However, he did allow from some realistic attacks, so as she would be more prepared to face off against future adversaries.
The little Shinobi moved to the side as she intentionally dropped the kunai, effectively releasing her hand from its distraction, before lowering herself to the ground and rolling past him. Itachi quickly stepped back and retreated a few feet before throwing his own kunai, forcing the girl into either evading or somehow blocking its trajectory.
A smirk crossed Sakura's face in response before she reached back to grab the one of the fallen shurikens, lifting it to block the kunai. The Uchiha proceeded to utilize her counter as an opportunity to bypass her defenses, quickly passing and stepping behind her before bringing one arm across her shoulders and using the other to slip between and forcibly pull both her arms behind her back, effectively barring her against moving them.
Sakura briefly struggled before altogether stopping once she realized its ineffectiveness. Itachi continued to hold her in place a moment before stepping back and releasing her, allowing for a small smile. "That's enough for today."
"Aye, sensei," the girl turned to face him with a nod and an answering smile.
Looking to the sky, the Uchiha analyzed that it was only a couple hours past noon before returning this attention to his young protégé and then proceeding to walk forward to gather the discarded shurikens and kunai.
"You've considerably improved, Sakura-san," he offered as he extended a hand to return her weapons.
Dropping the kunai earlier to avoid encumbering her hand had implied that she was beginning to think beyond limitations and expectation. Over the last few sessions her reaction time had noticeably enhanced as well as her ability to analyze his movements, providing her with a strong basis for effectively strategizing within battle.
"Thank you, Itachi," she responded as she returned the items to her pouch. "It's always rewarding to hear praise from my teacher."
The Uchiha lifted a hand and allowed it to rest atop her head, as he so often did in conclusion to their practice sessions. He offered her another smile, "Allow those feelings of accomplishment to be directed towards yourself, though I do appreciate the gratitude."
"But I wouldn't be this accomplished," the girl replied, returning his smile. "If it weren't for my talented Snail-sensei."
Itachi shook his head before lowering his hand and releasing a soft, resigned sigh. "Whatever you say, Sakura-san."
"Whatever I say, huh?" the girl asked before proceeding to tap her chin thoughtfully. "In that case…" she seemed to consider something briefly before instantly shaking her head and replacing the silent contemplations with a smile. "Let me hold your hand as we walk back."
Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly as he wondered what she had actually wanted to say. He tilted his head slightly, "of course, I don't recall a time where I ever refused to allow you that request. However…I don't think that's what you really wanted to ask."
He watched then as a curious blush found its way across the girl's face, the sight only serving to increase his curiosity in regard to her thoughts. Sakura laughed awkwardly before attempting to explain. "It was just something that I've sometimes thought about lately."
Itachi momentarily considered allowing the matter to rest, a part of him recognizing that it might be wise to simply allow the girl her discretion. However, the intrigue compelled him to continue.
"…and what would that be?"
"That I…" she began shyly, presenting an odd contrast to her otherwise blatant opinions and expressions. The girl then lifted her gaze to his with a slight pout. "…haven't hugged you before."
The Uchiha's eyes widened slightly before he composed himself and considered Sakura's request. He had to admit that the thought had never even so much as crossed his mind, and consequently wondered why she had been actively entertaining it.
"Hmm," he mused, unable to help himself from feeling slightly out of his element in the face of fulfilling her request. He then thought of the times in which he had embraced his younger brother and reasoned that offering her the same courtesy would provide little difference.
"Well then," he continued before extending a single arm by way of invitation. "By all means."
He watched her grin before immediately moving forward and wrapping both arms about his waist, her head resting contentedly against his chest. The Uchiha stood stiffly in instant reaction to her motion before slowly lowering his arm and allowing it to rest around her shoulders.
Somehow…it didn't really feel the same as hugging Sasuke, though he could not readily determine why that was so.
Not thinking of anything to say, he merely allowed for a small smile as he looked down at her. Nothing the girl did really served to surprise him as much as it once had, and he found himself growing more and more accustomed to her spontaneous antics.
Something about the way she had so readily approached and represented the obvious disposition of trust she held for him, instilled a semblance of comfort. In that particular regard, embracing her was much the same as holding his sibling. The betrayal of the latter's trust was singularly the most difficult aspect for him to live with, though Sakura's presence strangely served to help ease the acute and lingering effect of those particular recollections.
When the girl finally lifted her face to look up at him, her smile grew and she tightened her hold. Itachi allowed his own smile to widen in response before briefly averting his attention to the path that would lead them back to the city. He returned his gaze to her, "You ready to go?"
Seeing her smile immediately falter, Itachi softly laughed before turning and keeping his arm in place around her shoulders, "come along, we have lives at risk."
"You're right," Sakura nodded. "I'm ready to go now, Snail." She then shifted as well, leaving one arm around his waist and allowing the other to fall to her side.
The Uchiha walked at a leisurely pace toward the visible coastline and worn dock that extended to the stone walls he was now entirely adapted to seeing on a daily basis. He heard the inevitable pounding upon the wooden planks as he and his partner ascended the steps before promptly nodding to the deranged individual as he turned to afford them each with a toothy grin.
However, he preferred not to linger and so increased his steps ever so slightly as he made his way past the fish-beater and through the gates. The inhabitants of the square proceeded to look to Sakura with welcome expressions, now seeming to entirely ignore Itachi's presence altogether. He supposed though, that their detachment was considerably better than murderous glares.
"We made quite an impression on these people, partner," the girl beside him voiced.
"Aa," Itachi looked to her with a nod. "It would appear that way."
Sakura abruptly laughed then after seeming to recall something and the Uchiha merely tilted his head in question. She looked to him with a smile, "I was just remembering the threat I made the morning I tripped over you." Reaching up, she then proceeded to tousle his hair. "And I don't think it would work anymore, assuming I could beat you up."
Itachi merely shrugged before continuing toward the inn. "I'm sure you could, as I would be entirely without the will to fight back."
Casting her a sidelong glance, the Uchiha saw her eyes briefly widen in reaction to his statement before recognition took over. "I know," she said before lifting a hand to poke his forehead. "But don't forget what I said either."
He thought then of what the girl had stated during their first training session together. "I don't think I could hurt you either."
The Uchiha smiled and nodded to assure her, "I won't."
"Good," she smiled warmly in response before something seemed to occur to her. "Oh, Itachi?"
"Hmm?"
"You're the best kind of teacher." She stated simply, as she always tried to after their practices.
And, as was custom, he offered a soft laugh and nod of his head.
Looking to the building in front of them then, he pushed open the door and entered the typical and welcome atmosphere, the steady flames within the hearth continuing to burn strongly and the bartender casting them each a wave in greeting.
The Uchiha offered the man a polite smile in return before looking to Sakura and bracing himself for the evening ahead. It was tedious work, sample testing, though his hand no longer ached as badly it used to in response to the vigorous and constant practice of note-taking.
The girl nodded and her intent was conveyed; it was time to get started.
Several hours passed in relative silence, the monotony only broken when Sakura would direct him on what to write. Itachi dutifully recorded the data she required while she vigilantly analyzed each and every sample. They were nearing the end of their available specimens and it somewhat concerned the Uchiha as he found himself questioning the possibility of finding a cure at all.
However, was that not the entire reason behind their presence in Yokusei?
Sakura never once mentioned the mission, her attention entirely focused on merely finding a solution to help the land's inhabitants. Once again, the observation instilled genuine admiration within Itachi.
A cold cup of tea sat beside her, primarily untouched, while his own was entirely empty, the contents having been consumed some time ago. A small candle was their only source of light within the darker hours of the evening, the wax dwindling and casting ever-potent shadows across the walls. The Uchiha smiled to himself then as he thought of the shadow puppets he and Sasuke used to make…
"What is it? I can't tell."
"Look closer, Sasuke."
The child paused, before continuing his urgent pleading. "Please, tell me! I can't tell."
"Alright," Itachi allowed for a laugh at his sibling's expense. "It's a rabbit. See its ears?"
"Ohh! Nii-san, you're right!"
The boy had then requested that his older sibling instruct him on how to create his own rabbit, to which the latter wholly agreed. However, upon the formation of the shadow creature, Sasuke appeared somewhat disappointed with the result.
"What is it, Sasuke?"
"My rabbit doesn't look like yours," he answered dismally.
"That's because it's your rabbit," Itachi stated. "Not mine."
The boy shook his head. "But I want it to look like yours. How do I make it look like yours?"
The older Uchiha offered his sibling a consoling smile, understanding how easily Sasuke would often fall into the keen desire to emulate him in whatever ways he possibly could. Lifting his hands into the light then, he recreated his own rabbit and brought it alongside his brother's creation.
"If your rabbit was just like mine," he explained gently. "It wouldn't be unique." He tapped his index finger against his sibling's hands, inspiring the drooping ears of the smaller rabbit to lift in surprise. "My rabbit would be sad because it wouldn't have someone different to talk to. Your rabbit would be a clone of mine, and they would both be lonely."
It was important that Sasuke understand the importance of individuality, as his life would be spent in misery if he could not learn to accept his own, entirely unique self.
"So," the boy replied thoughtfully as he tilted his head. "Because they're different, they can have more fun together?"
"Aa," Itachi nodded. "They're similar, you see. Look: they both have ears, they're both round. They're both still rabbits. But they're also different."
"So, they're similar, but different." His brother clarified, an excited smile forming. "And it's good that they're different."
"Aa," the older Uchiha again nodded, pleased that his sibling seemed to understand. "It's good that they're different."
…
Itachi's gaze softened in response to the warm memory, before it lifted and he allowed it to rest on Sakura, whose eyes were inexplicably closed. She was undeniably different than anyone he had ever known, all of her attributes uniquely and exclusively hers. His opinion concerning the words he had voiced to his sibling were every bit as true as they had ever been. He only hoped Sasuke would remember them. Had the boy finally accepted who he inherently was?
The older Uchiha reasoned that, in light of what had been inflicted over the child by his 'dear older brother' that he no longer aspired to emulate him in any regard whatsoever.
Refocusing his thoughts on the young rose-haired Shinobi however, Itachi allowed for his smile to return. 'It really is good to be different, Sasuke…definitely.'
Itachi watched as the girl's eyes opened then before she immediately proceeded to rub them, he noticing in slight amusement that she had actually fallen asleep. With a soft sigh, he lifted a hand and lightly placed it on her shoulder.
"Would you like to stop for the night, Sakura-san?"
Withholding her gaze and merely staring down at her current specimen, the girl shook her head. "No. we've tested all but the last few samples and I could finish the rest tonight. The sooner the better."
Lowering his head, the Uchiha looked to the remaining plants, noting that ten remained and analyzing how much time it would take for her to finish testing them. That's still three hours at least, he reasoned before deciding to try and convince his partner to rest, knowing full well that she often worked herself past the suitable point of exhaustion.
However, before he could remove his gaze from the lab samples, something caught his attention and he tilted his head to more closely observe the sight before his gaze slightly widened it recognition. That's the Yucca plant the fish-beater collects and, he briefly catalogued what they had gathered and determined that it was the only one that was solely found within Kanashimi, the bit they had acquired being from Bogford himself.
He thought of Snake-skin also and at how adamant he was that a tribute of the plant be offered to him, as well the fish-beaters own obsession with gathering the item every month, even going so far as to brave the risks such a mission entailed.
It couldn't be, Itachi thought as he fought the urge to shake his head, though unable to deny the sudden inspiration in regard to the component. It was so…ironic. Though most everything seemed to work that way in the deranged place, the solution altogether entirely fitting for the task.
Once again, he got the impression that everything was curiously playing into the hands of the Leader, however peculiar such an occurrence would be.
Reaching forward, he lifted the Yucca plant before holding it out to Sakura, "try this one next."
Why had he not made such a connection sooner? He had been so focused on merely passing the fish-beater's obsession off as a mere act of insanity.
He watched the girl regard his suggestion curiously before relenting with a shrug and accepting it from him. "Alright, Snail. Let's hope it's the one."
For the first time, the Uchiha felt a slight infliction of actual excitement in anticipation of the result, his confidence in the success of the test steadily surmounting. He nodded, "Aa."
He patiently waited as Sakura went through her usual routine with the sample, readying his pen for whatever she would ask him to write. He watched as she combined the base of the plant with a sample of blood before sliding the product beneath the microscope and taking several moments to closely inspect the reaction.
After another few minutes, she pulled back with a wide grin before pulling on his sleeve enthusiastically. "I think you'll want to see this."
That's a good sign, Itachi nodded and returned her smile before moving closer and placing a hand on the microscope, closing one eye as he peered through the lens. He focused on the central image, before allowing for a slight exhale of astonishment. The blood cells and antibodies within were beginning to respond to the added plant factor.
Removing his gaze, he instead allowed it to rest on his partner. "Is this what was missing?"
She had already discovered ingredients to aid with the reduction of the fever and to act as antihistamines for the skin inflammation. However, the virus persisted and it would seem the Yucca plant finally offered the necessary element to allow the other antibiotic components to actually counteract and kill the parasite for good.
The girl offered him an excited nod, "Now we need to gather more Yucca plants. After that, I can start making the cure with the other components as well."
Itachi returned her nod, "I will visit Bogford-san first thing in the morning and try and convince him to offer us some of his collection."
He looked briefly to the plant log that still resided next to their equipment and decided to return the man's 'treasure' to him tomorrow as well.
"Very good pupil," the girl responded with a wink. "Wake me up when you leave so I can have everything prepared when you return."
"Of course," The Uchiha replied before returning her wink. "I will also let you make our tea tomorrow morning."
An answering grin crossed the girl's face. "Then I shall dutifully fulfill the task, Snail-sensei. Expect a steaming cup upon your arrival."
"Aa," he nodded. "I will be looking forward to it."
"Then be sure to have a quick negotiation," she replied. "And hurry back."
He observed her silently a moment before smiling. The girl never appeared too fond of being separated from him for extended periods of time. "I'll do what I can."
She emitted a yawn before returning his smile tiredly. "I'd expect nothing less from you, Itachi."
The Uchiha studied her features, perceiving the apparent exhaustion and subtle irritation of her eyes at the cause of many hours spent straining them. She had devoted a lot of time to achieving the current result, everything else having been considered a minor priority in light of finding a cure to help the strange people of Yokusei.
He allowed the pen to fall from his hand before extending his fingers to gently tap her forehead. "You did well, Sakura-san."
The girl nodded before lifting her own hand to emulate his action. "So did you."
Holding his hand in place, something began to slowly occur to the Uchiha as he continued to gaze down at the little Shinobi. It would seem that I've…However, he cast the thought from his mind and subsequently withdrew his touch, determined not to reflect on the discovery for the time being.
The girl allowed her fingers to briefly drift through his hair as she removed her hand before smiling and turning to gather her supplies. Itachi proceeded to help her, handing over various items and purposefully withholding his scrutiny until he could fully compose himself.
After everything was placed securely into her bag, Sakura released a sigh and the Uchiha looked up to see that her attention had wandered to the window. He again assessed how tired the girl appeared before she returned her focus to him and suddenly and noticeably forced a laugh in an attempt to hide a curious reluctance.
"Well…goodnight, Itachi," she began. "Remember to wake me up."
"Aa," he replied before standing, "I will remember." He paused before offering her a small smile. "Goodnight…Sakura-san."
The Shinobi rose from her seat and the Uchiha again sensed a particular hesitancy on her part. She brought her eyes to his a moment before nodding and slowly walking past. Itachi furrowed his brows slightly as he attempted to determine the cause for her change in behavior. He supposed it was most likely due to mere exhaustion but decided to inquire all the same.
He turned, "are you alright?"
The girl stopped and looked back at him with another forced smile, "perfect."
Narrowing his gaze slightly, Itachi approached and instantly determined that her response had been absent of truth. She was always so very obvious.
"That isn't true, Sakura-san."
She sighed. "It's not a big deal, Itachi. I'm just tired."
He considered her response, not at all convinced that she was merely acting in such a way because of her weariness. She was often tired and her current disposition drastically differed from her average conduct. However, he reasoned that if she would prefer not to tell him what was troubling her that it would be best to allow the matter to rest.
He simply tilted his head, "if you say so. However, I'll listen if you decide to tell me what's really bothering you."
"Fine," Sakura conceded, closing her eyes in a brief sign of defeat before returning her gaze to his and explaining in a rush. "I think I overexerted myself today because now my whole body aches, especially my legs when I'm walking, and…I feel light-headed like I'm going to pass out."
Itachi blinked and stared at her a moment before smiling and lifting a hand to gently nudge her forward. "Off to bed with you, then."
"That's where I was headed before you stopped me, Snail."
"Aa," he replied with a nod. "So you were."
After rolling her eyes at his expense, the girl turned to the stairs. "Goodnight…again."
Itachi slowly followed, watching to make sure she did not happen to miss a step during her ascent. He noted she kept one hand upon the railing to steady herself and that her progression was slow. He allowed for a slight look of worry as he considered that she definitely hadn't been exaggerating her condition.
Upon reaching their floor, Sakura sighed in obvious relief before placing a hand on her hip in a self-satisfied manner. "Well, that was easy. See you in the morning, Snail." She then removed her hand from the railing before starting forward.
However, she immediately stumbled and began to fall toward the floor. Itachi reached out and caught her before sighing and helping her stand, keeping one supportive arm wrapped around her waist. "Can you walk?"
The girl looked away, apparently intent to hide her humiliation. She always tried so hard to appear in control of herself, even if she was at her limit. He wondered if she had considered herself weak in the past, or if others had pointed such a fact out to her. Shinobi could be extremely hard on one another, which was simply another unfortunate aspect of the occupation.
"Of course I can," she stated, predictably. "Thank you for your help, but I can handle myself from here."
The Uchiha looked to her silently before shaking his head, "come on." He then stepped forward and waited for her to follow his example, his hold around her tightening slightly.
Sakura groaned before reluctantly taking a step forward as well. "You know, I manage fine on my own. I've been doing that for a few years now and it's always turned out alright." Her gaze remained averted.
Itachi smiled as he continued toward her door. "Your response to common courtesy remains unchanged, Sakura-san."
He was awarded with an abrupt glare. "It's a common courtesy to force me to do something I can clearly do without any help?"
The Uchiha sighed as he stopped outside her room and looked down at her, "it's alright to show weakness every now and then. It's part of being human. Imperfect is the way we were meant to be."
Growing up, his clan had assumed him to be perfect and expected his younger brother to achieve that same level of being. He had personally never agreed with their logic and had never considered himself anywhere close to being what they perceived. Absolute perfection was merely an intangible illusion.
Sakura released a sad, though resigned sigh at his words. His speculation that she had labeled herself as weak was confirmed and he found the fact to be entirely regrettable. The girl possessed a lot of potential and he only hoped she came to fully realize that someday.
She offered him a smile then before shifting and pulling him into a hug. "Thank you, Itachi."
He kept one arm around her waist and slowly brought the other around her shoulders loosely, disregarding the initial and familiar response of discomfort her actions so often inspired.
"Aa," he responded simply.
Sakura laughed softly at his response, prompting him to smile at the sound. Then after holding her a moment longer, he removed his arm and nodded toward the door. "Get some sleep, Sakura-san. I'll wake you in the morning."
Her arms lowered as she returned his smile. "See you in the morning, Itachi."
The Uchiha stepped back and removed his other arm before casting her a playful wink. "Careful getting into bed."
"I will," she nodded as she turned and opened the door. However, before entering she looked back and returned the wink. "And if not, I'll have to depend on my rescuer again."
"As well you should," he replied, smile widening slightly before he turned and made his way to his own room, unlocking it and finally stepping within the dark interior.
Once he had shut the door behind him, Itachi allowed his eyes their impulse to widen as he permitted his earlier observation to return. It was certainly troubling and worthy of considerable contemplation. Perhaps he was merely misreading his own self-perceptions?
No, he shook his head. That was simply not the case. He had never been one to delude himself. He was now fully aware that he was beginning to regard Sakura in such a way that transcended the casual line of friendship.
It didn't change anything, however. Everything would progress as he had always intended and, upon their completion of the tasks and return to their own realm, he would part from her and meet with Sasuke.
Damn it, he thought with a rare semblance of distress as the lingering urge to question that ultimate choice assumed greater potency. He closed his eyes and breathed in slowly, envisioning his younger sibling before casting all thoughts aside and walking over to his bed. It would not do to dwell, it never did.
He allowed her to get too close, though still could not find it within him to regret that decision. He only hoped she would not be hurt in the end.
I suppose you'll have to forgive me, too…Sakura-san.
