Illusions of Serenity
Chapter XVI
"Realization"
…
The familiar sight of the broken archway to the small village came into view as Itachi and his young partner made their way towards it. From a distance, the former could see a few villagers making their way through the small streets, though their purpose was both inexplicable and likely unreasonable. The color of the tree in the center was now neither rose or amber, but a light shade of taupe, almost akin to ivory.
The falling of its petals, which seemed almost perpetual and constant as the count of leaves never seemed to diminish, reminded the Uchiha briefly of the sight of falling snow. His dream from the other night momentarily resurfaced before he cast it aside. There was no sense in entertaining those thoughts as they had merely been conjured from his own consciousness. Yet still…he could not seem to completely ignore the fact that he felt as if his mind were attempting to convey something to him.
Allowing his glance to shift to the girl beside him, he saw she was smiling and allowed himself to slowly return it. Whatever his mind was trying to tell him had something to do with her, of that he was certain. And also…'Nii-san, you don't realize…' It pertained to Sasuke.
As he and the girl crossed the threshold of the village, she finally broke the lengthy silence that had fallen between them.
"Hey, Snail, do you ever put cream in your tea?"
He tilted his head and his smile slightly widened. "Aa, sometimes. It depends on the tea."
"Does jasmine fall under that category?" she softly laughed.
"No," he shook his head. "I don't prefer it that way. It takes away from the taste."
She shrugged, "I suppose. And the tea that you add it to needs the cream to better the flavor."
"I agree," he nodded. "I find it works best with the simpler and more basic types of tea."
He wondered what it was exactly that had inspired the subject before deciding against dwelling on it. Once again, he acknowledged that it was very fitting to the girl, to approach a topic from mere spontaneity of thought.
"Now sugar," she lifted a finger and waved it back and forth. "Is a different matter. I don't really like my tea to be sweetened…or my coffee."
"Well on that," Itachi shook his head. "I have to disagree. Sugar is always a must."
The little Shinobi placed her hands on her hips. "Well, you can disagree all you want. I still don't like it."
"You don't have to agree," Itachi shrugged. "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion."
His gaze drifted to the left and he saw Snake-skin emerging from his home, eyes intent and demeanor purposeful. He knew what it was he wanted from him and was prepared to offer him the 'tribute' he seemed to so desperately need.
"You're right," the girl replied from beside him. "Opinions change with each person and we just have to accept that difference. Right, Sensei?"
Itachi's focus briefly shifted to her as he nodded, "Aa, that's right, Sakura-san."
Looking then to Snake-skin as he approached, he saw that his middle finger was extended until it lowered and he formed his fingers into an obvious 'zero'. Time was up.
"You're late," the man said as he came to a stop. "Do you have what was promised?"
Itachi nodded, "I have brought your plant." He held a hand out to Sakura then as he again brought his attention to her. "Can I have one of the remaining Yucca samples?"
He watched as the girl's eyes narrowed before she proceeded to do as he requested and removed one of the small plants from her bag. However, before handing it to him, she voiced the question he had suspected she would. "Why do you need one, Itachi?"
"This man demanded tribute when I first arrived here," he explained. "Tribute in the form of a single Yucca plant."
"Tribute? What the hell for?" she asked as she directed a glare towards Snake-skin.
"It was simply something he asked for in exchange for my being allowed into this village," Itachi replied in an easy tone. He also had an inexplicable feeling that the man had somehow known of the sickness that would be inflicted over the land.
Upon that thought, he analyzed Snake-skin's appearance and noted the familiar sign of skin irritation as well as his hunched posture, implying an unsettled stomach. Scanning the other few inhabitants throughout the area, he surmised that they were all in a similar state, confirming the conclusion that the pathogen had also reached them.
He wondered if Gregor was enduring it as well, though also reasoned that he knew enough of sanitary concepts to purify his own water.
"I apologize for my rude conduct," the girl began and Itachi looked to see that she was now offering Snake-skin a polite bow. "I didn't realize." She handed the plant to him, "here."
The man looked to her silently before a frown crossed his features as he made no motion to accept her offering, "who are you? I don't recall asking for anything from you."
The little Shinobi sighed before she instead handed the sample to Itachi, "He did ask you, Snail."
The Uchiha smiled as he took it from her, "thank you, Sakura-san." He then turned to Snake-skin, and the man wasted no time in grabbing he plant, his eyes openly gleaming with a sudden possessiveness.
"You have done as I had asked, late though it may be," he pocketed the offering. "You are now free to enter and you will not be bothered."
Itachi nodded, "I appreciate the privilege." He could certainly and especially appreciate the last part of the man's statement.
Snake-skin then abruptly turned and entered his own home, though glanced back at Itachi before closing the door, smirking and lifting three fingers.
The Uchiha slightly smiled and lifted three fingers as well before the man disappeared inside. He lowered his hand then and looked to Sakura before tilting his head, "ready?"
"Yeah. Sure," she frowned before beginning to walk towards the stables.
Itachi furrowed his brows slightly before following, observing her rigid posture and attempting to determine if there was anything that might have upset her. Was it perhaps Snake-skin's blatant disregard for her offering?
As they reached Gregor's door, he decided to try and question her on the matter.
"Is something bothering you, Sakura-san?"
The girl's steps halted and her hands tightened into fists. She did not readily reply and the Uchiha assumed she was contemplating her thoughts on the matter. After several moments he watched as she inhaled before turning to face him, an obviously forced smile on her face. "Of course not," she replied. "Why do you ask?"
He sighed, "I can tell when you're upset."
"Well, I'm not upset," she scoffed before turning to the door. "Come on, we have to talk to Gregor."
Itachi tilted his head before turning and sitting down on the doorstep, "Sit with me, Sakura-san."
"No," he heard her reply. "What the hell are you doing? This," he assumed she was speaking of Gregor's home. "Is where we need to go right now. You can rest inside."
Itachi lifted his eyes to hers and merely tilted his head, "we have some time."
He watched as she turned and walked forward before taking a seat beside him with a resigned groan. She then leaned forward and rested her crossed arms over her legs, "what do you want?"
"I would like you to tell me what's bothering you."
A frown took her features as she fixed her gaze on a building in front of her. "I already told you. Nothing is bothering me."
"Aa, you did," he responded simply. "However, I don't believe you,"
The girl glared then as she seemed to return to her contemplations. "I don't care if you believe me…I don't have to tell you anything."
"You're right," he replied. "You don't have to say anything. I'm merely asking as your friend, that you confide in me."
It was the first time he had ever openly announced her as such and, upon doing so, he found it as both fitting to their companionship and entirely inadequate to how he actually regarded her.
"I know," Sakura sighed. "And I'm sorry. I was just being stupid." She turned to him then and offered a small smile. "You are my friend and I did say I would confide in you." Lifting a hand, she patted his shoulder. "You were right. I was upset."
He returned her smile, "was it Snake-skin?"
"Yeah," her gaze fell to the ground.
"Were you offended that he refused your offer?"
"If you already know, then why are you asking?" she asked.
He tilted his head, "I'm confirming."
He watched a smirk cross her face before she looked to him and lifted a hand to tousle his hair. "You can go ahead and consider it confirmed, Snail. It's ridiculous for me to get upset over something that man did, though. I'm fine now. So, don't worry about it anymore."
Sometimes, he reasoned, it could be beneficial that her emotions could shift so quickly. He suspected the girl rarely held grudges as she could not even seem to stay angry with someone for longer than ten minutes at a time.
He smiled in return before nodding, "well then, I suppose the matter is settled then."
Reaching an arm around him, Sakura pulled him into a sidelong hug. "I suppose it is."
Itachi lifted an arm around her shoulders, returning the gesture and allowing it to linger a moment before slowly standing and extending his hand towards her. "We should speak with Gregor now."
The girl nodded before placing her hand into his with a smile, "excellent idea, Snail-sensei."
He offered Sakura a wink before gently pulling her to her feet. He regarded her silently a moment before turning and lifting his free hand to deliver three knocks on Gregor's door.
It was opened a moment later, and the man revealed himself with a wide grin and an intensely pleased countenance. It was immediately apparent to Itachi that what he had assumed earlier was true. Gregor had not been inflicted with the illness.
"You've returned!" the man exclaimed.
"Aa," the Uchiha responded with a nod as he noted Gregor's eyes briefly drift to their entwined hands, his smile widening in response to the sight.
"Come in," he ushered them, gaze continuously shifting between Itachi and Sakura.
Itachi's eyes narrowed ever so slightly at the man's obvious display of pleasure in reaction to how close they had become. However, he smiled and nodded before entering the house, gently pulling on Sakura's hand.
Gregor closed the door and then turned to face them, grin in place and gaze still focused on the pair before him. The Uchiha felt Sakura remove her hand and he looked to see the obvious discomfort her countenance conveyed.
Returning his attention to the man, he saw that his smile faltered slightly before he motioned for them to sit, "how about some tea?"
Itachi nodded before approaching the table and taking one of the seats, "that would great."
A smirk formed as the girl took the seat beside him, her gaze focused on his. "Do you happen to have any cake, Gregor?"
Tilting his head, Itachi arched a brow at the girl.
"Sorry, I don't," the man stated as he went about his preparations for the tea.
"That's alright. However," a fake pout took Sakura's features as she placed a hand over the Uchiha's. "Too bad, Snail."
"Are you teasing me, Sakura-san?" Itachi asked then.
She lifted her free hand and tapped his forehead, "of course not, Itachi."
"Hmm," he mused as he recalled her earlier discomfort. Itachi glanced to Gregor briefly before returning his attention to Sakura as he removed his hand from under her grasp and wrapped it securely around her shoulders.
"Gregor," he began, successfully and intentionally drawing the man's attention towards him. "We've found the cure and have come to help your village. We suspected that it had spread here as well."
The Uchiha glanced to Sakura and watched as her gaze lowered, a blush crossing her features. However, a malicious-looking smile soon formed and he wondered what it was she was planning to do.
"Yes, Gregor," she stated as she wrapped an arm about his waist before resting her head against his shoulder. "Is everyone in the village sick besides you?"
"Yes," the man nodded as he smiled at them. "Unfortunately. It's quite awful too. Seems the symptoms are a fever, skin rash, and abdominal pain."
The girl's smile disappeared instantly as she seemed to process the information. Her brows creased in concentration, "those are the same symptoms as the other villagers, which means we won't have a problem with the cure. We just need to administer it to everyone….and teach them how to purify the water so this doesn't happen again."
Itachi smiled slightly as the girl's countenance shifted into the one ruled by her profession. It was always entirely notable and unceasingly endearing to him.
Gregor walked towards the table with their cups before setting them down in front of the pair and then grabbing his own. He took a seat and lifted the tea to his lips as he appeared to think over what she said. "I can help you with showing these people how to properly prepare the water, however," he shook his head. "There are other settlements, and all surely under the influence of this illness."
The Uchiha reasoned began to try and determine an efficient way to distribute the cure to all of those affected. However, it was most likely that the task would fall upon he and his partner to do so, thus prolonging their ability to venture to Kanashimi and return to their own land. It had taken the people of Fu Blood's village an entirety of two weeks to finally grasp the prospect of water purification. Would it take as long for everywhere else? How many other towns did Yokusei possess? The prospect was both daunting and…somewhat acceptable to him.
"That's probably the case," the little Shinobi nodded. "The pathogen is in the water and can spread quickly, but how do we get the cure to all of them?" she lifted a hand to her chin as she seemed to consider.
"The courier perhaps," Gregor began thoughtfully. "He should be coming through here this afternoon. We could write down the instructions for the process as well as sending him with a supply of the cure. He makes his rounds to all of the other villages and should be effective in delivering it to them."
Itachi shook his head then. "The inhabitants we have encountered required a complete and detailed demonstration. Even then, it took them a considerable amount of time to grasp the idea. On top of that, they are also wary of the medication itself. I'm afraid it will take a great deal more than a mere delivery and inadvertent instruction."
Gregor then appeared to deeply consider what he had been told before exhaling and nodding, "I will do it. I will accompany the courier to all of the settlements and take the time to explain everything."
The Uchiha's eyes widened slightly, "they might discover you. How are you going to pull off your act? Besides, Sakura-san and I have taken on the responsibility required for this task."
The man smiled, "I have a scenario in mind. A prophet who has gained the insight required. They will think I was divinely inspired with the knowledge and therefore more inclined to readily accept my help." He shook his head, "and I want to do something purposeful. Something that my late wife and child will be proud of. You both need to return to your own land, that is what you should primarily focus on."
Itachi sighed in resignation before slowly nodding. "If that is what you want, then I will not deny you the assignment."
"Thank you," Gregor smiled wholeheartedly.
"Are you alright with this, Sakura-san?" The Uchiha asked as he looked down at her.
"If that's what he wants to do," she replied, looking to the man with a warm smile. "Then I won't stand in his way." Her gaze lifted to Itachi's, "I have no objections, Snail."
Nodding, the Uchiha looked to Gregor. "I suppose it's decided then."
"Good," the man stated as he took a sip of his tea.
Itachi looked to his own cup before lifting it and partaking of the semi-sweet beverage.
Sakura sighed and removed her arm from around his waist before sitting back in her chair. "And yes, Itachi, I was teasing you." She sipped her own tea with a smirk.
Itachi tilted his head as he resisted the urge to shake it in reaction to her statement. He then merely smiled and hesitated a moment before reluctantly withdrawing his arm from around her shoulders.
The girl returned his smile before grasping his hand as she briefly cast a glance in Gregor's direction. "Are we going to start curing people today, Snail?"
"Aa," he nodded. "As well as demonstrating the water purification process. We will then leave the rest to Gregor and make our way to Kanashimi, hopefully by this evening."
She nodded. "Alright. So, we're trying to finish as quickly as possible. We're going to end up spending considerably less time in this village. I guess that will make up for lost time."
The Uchiha simply offered her another nod, "I believe it's for the best."
He had to remind himself that they really did need to return to where they had come from as soon as possible. Despite how he would prefer to remain in Yokusei with Sakura and continue in the same easy routine he had assumed over the past couple weeks.
Taking another sip of tea, he cast the thought from his mind and instead focused on what they were about to do…
Beneath the ivory tree at the center of town, Itachi stood beside both Sakura and Gregor as the former called all of the inhabitants over, her equipment already set up and a bucket of water beside it. The well itself resided just outside the eastern wall, and so she merely relented to conduct the actual demonstration where it would be easier to gather everyone.
After the people were all eventually persuaded to assemble appropriately, the young medic proceeded to explain the cure before beginning to administer it to them. They were predictably wary of the medication before obviously portraying their reluctance upon consent. Snake-skin especially, portrayed his disdain for the antidote before Itachi explained the base component involved in its development.
The rest of the process went as smoothly as possible for the timid folk of the village before Sakura asked them to also remain for the water purification procedure. Upon regaining their focus, the rose-haired girl then conducted her demonstration as dutifully as always, though with slightly less enthusiasm. After briefly speculating over why that might be so, the Uchiha disregarded it and instead directed the entirety of his focus on aiding his partner.
It was an hour or so later when the people finally seemed to grasp the concept and took their own individual portions of clean water. Itachi could not help but look to Gregor and ask the man if he was certain of his decision to travel the countryside and repeat the same lengthy method with everyone else. However, the Kanashimi-runaway could not be swayed and only further asserted his choice in aiding the population.
Itachi offered him a small smile before glancing to his right and seeing Sakura standing beside him, her hand absently running through her own hair. He tilted his head and arched a brow before glancing to the crowd of individuals who were beginning to dissipate and return to their own homes. "They were somewhat easier than the last group, weren't they?"
The girl shrugged. "Maybe they were just crazier last time."
"Hmm…" Itachi mused as he caught sight of Robyn Tinderwood, who was incessantly gazing at him through a set of adoring eyes. "I wonder about that."
"Regardless," she responded. "We have successfully cured them and they know how to cleanse their own water. That's what really matters."
"Aa," he nodded in agreement, eyes continuing to absently scan the surrounding area. It would only be a matter of time, until he and Sakura would be required to leave the remarkable and insane realm of Yokusei for one that promised to be considerably lacking in any form of pleasantry. Still…his gaze fell to his partner. No matter how desolate that place actually is, I don't think I'll be able to complain so long as she is with me.
"So," she began again, lips pursing slightly. "What's the rest of the plan, Snail?"
"How about you have dinner with me at the inn's café?" Gregor asked, suddenly looking over at the pair. "It will be my treat. You can consider it a farewell gift."
Itachi glanced to his partner, awaiting her response before offering his own.
"Dinner sounds nice," she answered, before directing her attention to the Uchiha. "Itachi, want to have dinner with Gregor?"
He merely nodded to her before shifting his focus to the man beside him, "seems we are in agreement. We'll follow you."
"Excellent!" Gregor exclaimed before turning and motioning the pair to follow, "right this way."
"Come along, Snail," the little Shinobi stated as she smiled and grasped Itachi's hand.
The Uchiha returned her smile and merely nodded before following Gregor as he led them past his home and toward a small, but quaint looking building in the southern corner of the village. As he opened the door, the scent of spice was the first thing Itachi noted before he stepped inside and saw the room where only a few tables resided around a center fire, which burned within the pit formed out of the stone floor.
Gregor led them to a table beside a window overlooking the empty street of the town's more secluded area, though the presence of ivy growing over the deserted structures outside granted the sight a rather hospitable quality. The Uchiha sat and waited for Sakura to do the same before reclaiming her hand.
The girl appeared to inspect her surroundings a moment before her attention fixated on Gregor. "What do they have here?"
"Well, Miss Sakura," he replied with a smile. "They have all sorts of things."
"Well," she responded. "What's good that you would recommend?"
The man merely shrugged, "I don't come here that often. When I do however, I usually stick with the soup."
"Soup, eh? That sounds good," she mused before nodding and looking Itachi. "What are you getting?"
The Uchiha mimicked Gregor's action and shrugged, "I'm not sure yet, Sakura-san." His eyes drifted to the small menu in front of him and he tilted his head slightly as he observed it. There was only a small variety of options, though all seemingly reasonable.
It was not until several moments later that someone approached, an elderly man who rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "You need sssomething?"
"Yes!" Gregor nodded in an obvious display of forced enthusiasm. "I will have the soup of the day."
"Hahaha!" the older man abruptly laughed. "Of course, of course, of course." His smile then instantly vanished and he looked to the girl. "You?"
"I will have the same," Sakura offered the individual a polite smile.
Itachi raised a brow slightly at her sudden display of proper behavior before looking to the man as the latter's scrutiny was directed towards him. "I will just have some spiced rice."
The man then turned and ran off in the direction of the kitchen, nearly running into the door before he pushed it open and disappeared inside.
The girl shook her head before her attention drifted to the window. Itachi observed her silently a moment before looking to Gregor, who awarded him with a smile once his attention was claimed.
"You will leave here right away?"
The Uchiha nodded, "Aa."
"Hmm…" Gregor thought the before shaking his head, once gain seeming to decide against saying something. "I wish you both the best. I'll certainly miss you but completely understand your need to return home."
"You've been very helpful and," Itachi lowered his eyes slightly, unused to conveying to people of his disposition towards them. "We will also miss your company."
The man's smile widened briefly, "as you said though, it's for the best."
"I did," the Uchiha nodded.
A momentary silence fell before Gregor seemed to decide on changing the subject. "So…your land. What's it like?"
"Well," Itachi tilted his head thoughtfully. "I suppose it can be most comparable to Churitsu, in that it's primarily…normal, for lack of better word. However, within that, it possesses its own bit of insanity and darkness, a lot of times claiming a nature akin to your two realms. It isn't necessarily ruled by one supreme Leader though, fate being a more unstable and less predictable factor."
"That's interesting," Gregor replied contemplatively.
The Uchiha again nodded in response but did not endeavor to elaborate or continue the current topic.
Another wordless pause ensued before the elderly man returned with their order. He set the food down in front of them and cast his eyes across each of their individual faces before then turning and leaving without so much as a word.
Itachi glanced down at the steaming dish of rice, the scent of spice rising to meet him as he was simultaneously greeted with another fond memory of his past. He tilted his head and smiled ever so slightly before glancing to Sakura as he entertained his conjured thoughts…
The 'prodigy' of the Uchiha clan made his way down the familiar streets of the village he had developed a strong devotion to, directing a wave to the man at the tea shop as well as to the woman at the dango café. He was relieved of his ANBU obligation for the next couple of days, therefore affording him the opportunity to simply enjoy the early hours of a fine morning. The sort of morning only the Hidden Leaf Village could provide, as no other land could quite compare in that area of pleasantness.
Spotting a fellow member of ANBU, he nodded and the silver-haired Jounin returned the gesture with a familiar crease of his one visible eye.
"Itachi," the man greeted as he closed his book and paused in his steps, one hand held characteristically in his pocket. "Is your family doing well?"
The Uchiha again nodded, "Aa, Kakashi-San. They are doing very well. My younger brother is due to start at the academy next month."
"Hmm," Kakashi tilted his head as he appeared to consider. "He seems to be improving at an efficient rate. He must make your father very proud."
Itachi's eyes lowered slightly before he summoned a slight smile, "Aa, I imagine so."
There was a short pause before Kakashi remarked slowly, "Fathers…can often be difficult, can't they?"
Returning his attention to the silver-haired Jounin, Itachi merely nodded as his smile widened slightly.
Turning his head then, the older man looked to the progressing sun before releasing a lengthy exhale. "Well…I suppose I'll be on my way now. Still have several reports to finish before the Hokage summons me."
The Uchiha resisted the urge to chuckle in response to the man's typical display of procrastination, "until later then, Kakashi-San."
The Jounin nodded before turning and reopening his book, continuing at a leisurely pace toward his home. Itachi had to wonder if his exit had more to do with a need to indulge his story further or to actually accomplish the paperwork he stated was in need of prompt attention.
In any case, he determined it was simply the man's prerogative before turning and continuing his stroll through the winding paths of town. Shisui had not been granted a leave of absence but, had rather, been assigned to once again escort the Feudal Lord to his home in the other side of the country. As such, he could not train with him today or spend the afternoon merely enjoying his flamboyant friend's company.
As if on cue, Itachi caught sight of a small tuff of golden hair, which was followed by a blur of white, orange and blue. His eyes widened slightly before the small, grinning child stopped a few feet to his left, eyes shifting back and forth and posture tense. The Uchiha's gaze drifted down to see that he was holding a paint brush and bucket and that his brows were creased in slight anxiety.
'That's Uzumaki Kushina's son,' he mused, recalling that the woman had been a good acquaintance of his own mother's. As for the child, he had heard that he was now the Jinchuuriki vessel and that he suffered the suspicion of a great many villagers, which would often result in abuse on an emotional and psychological level.
It was truly…a regrettable existence for the boy to endure. And also, it appeared the only way he felt he could gain recognition and attention was through spontaneous and troublesome actions. Confirming his speculation, the Uchiha heard the distinct sound of the patrolman's shouts, his words filled with every manner of curse and derogatory statement. Gaze then returning to the Uzumaki boy, the older Uchiha smirked slightly before lifting a finger to his lips as he approached. The blonde appeared to tense momentarily and he looked to the Uchiha with distrust before he relaxed as Itachi offered him his hand and then pulled him into a small alcove, where they could clearly see the patroller run past.
The child exclaimed happily that he had gone unnoticed, his grin wide and boisterous. "That's what he gets!" he proclaimed, sticking out his tongue at the sight of the man's retreating figure.
Itachi guided the child back onto the street before smiling down at him, "try and behave yourself, Naruto-kun."
This statement was only received with a short, heartfelt laugh from the blonde before he took off down the street, bucket of paint in hand. It was a sad thing, that he should find himself at the root of the villager's derision as a result of something he had no control over.
The Shinobi world was often times, quite regrettable.
The scent of familiar spices wafted toward Itachi and, turning, he offered the woman a warm smile. Leaning forward, he kissed her cheek before reaching out to carry some of the items she was currently burdened with.
"Thank you, Itachi," she replied appreciatively.
The older Uchiha's smile widened slightly and he shook his head at his mother. "No need for that."
The woman merely shrugged before looking ahead, "your father and Sasuke are still sleeping so I decided to get my shopping done early today."
"It's the best time of day to get anything done," Itachi agreed with a nod.
His mother chuckled, "you're a sweet boy."
Saying nothing in response to her final statement, he older Uchiha merely allowed for a silence to fall between them as his eyes instead looked to the falling leaves from the overhanging trees above. He was willing to protect this place, and all the people within no matter the cost.
He wanted the tea owner and the café lady to continue their early routine within their shops and he wanted Kakashi to always find the time to put off his responsibilities in favor of his obvious hobby. He always wanted Naruto-kun to have the satisfaction of playing a few harmless pranks on his fellow villagers and…he never wanted to give his mother cause for anxiety or instill within her a reason to doubt her security.
He wanted to protect all of it. Everything that made this place the Konoha he knew. Everything that made it his home.
"Always so thoughtful," Mikoto mused then, prompting another smile from her son.
"There is always so much to consider," Itachi answered truthfully.
"Hmm," the woman brought a hand to her chin as she tilted her head. "Perhaps you're right."
They walked wordlessly for several moments before Itachi broke it as they neared their home. "I saw Kushina-San's son today in the market."
"Did you?" Mikoto looked to him with a slightly widened gaze. "Oh dear…" her gaze shifted to the path before them. "I hope he's doing well."
"As troublesome as always, it seems," the Uchiha replied with shake of his head.
"He's so much like her," she chuckled. "I really miss her."
"His father, also…" Itachi speculated. "Was a very commendable person."
"He was," Mikoto nodded. "And perfectly suited for her. She was always such a wild thing, and none of us could ever foresee her settling down as there didn't seem to be anyone who would be willing to put up with her. Minato was a very patient man."
Itachi smiled but withheld any further comment on the matter. His mother looked to him then and, seeming to decide it best to change the subject as well, winked. "You're always so withdrawn, 'Tachi. I wonder what sort of person will do for you."
The Uchiha chuckled and shook his head then, "That is the furthest thing from my mind, Kaa-san, I assure you."
"Well," Mikoto shrugged, "I suppose that's alright then. However," she looked to him, "when you do find someone, make sure she is someone who can always amuse you." She lifted a single finger then, in much the same manner her eldest son often would. "In the long run, that trait is by far the most important."
Itachi raised a brow then, "does Tou-san amuse you?"
His mother cast him a sly smile then, "all the time."
This prompted another grin from the Uchiha prodigy as he looked to the house that was coming into view and the small child who had just wandered out onto the front porch to greet them.
"I do believe, mother," Itachi stated then after waving to Sasuke. "That someone who amuses will be the only sort that will do for me." He tilted his head then and chuckled once more as he thought of one of the most amusing individuals of his acquaintance. "Perhaps I'll find someone like Auntie."
The woman allowed for a soft laugh at that as she also waved to her youngest son, "Well, in any case, you'll be excited to know that I will be cooking one of your favorite dishes tonight." She cast him a quick glance, "spiced rice."
Returning her laugh, the Uchiha wrapped an arm around her shoulders and hugged her gently, "I can't wait."
…
He was roused from his speculations as the girl's focus turned to him and she looked to him with a widening smiling as her hold over his hand tightened. He wondered what thoughts had prompted her reaction before determining that it really did not matter.
I still have a lot to consider, he contemplated as he continued to look into the vibrant gaze of his partner. The gaze that represented all of the simplicity and naivety he had always wanted to protect most.
"Itachi?" the girl asked then.
He returned her smile and tilted his head as he also allowed his own hold over her hand to gently tighten. "Hmm?"
"I know where we can make our first stop when we go to Kanashimi," she replied in an eager tone of voice.
"Oh?" he asked, arching a brow. "Where is that?"
"When I spent the first week there," she began. "I stayed with a family. The Tachikawa's were the ones who told me everything about that place. I'm sure they could give us a clue where we should begin with the next task."
Itachi nodded, "I don't have any objections. We can see go and see them, if you like."
"The Tachikawa's?" Gregor asked then, tilting his head as if trying to recall where he had heard the name before. His eyes then widened in recognition, "ah, yes. I would often buy vegetables from them at the market. They are good people."
She nodded. "Yes. They are. They even saved me when I was attacked by one of the Jisatsu."
Gregor nodded, as a smile formed. "Well, that was certainly a good thing." He winked, "wouldn't have wanted anything to happen to you after all, Miss Sakura."
Itachi took the opportunity to take a bite of his rice. He found that the taste was quite satisfactory though notably paling in comparison to the way his mother had once prepared it. Her cooking had always been the best though…
"Thank you, Gregor" Sakura replied with a grin. "I am very grateful to them."
"Of course," the man replied before lifting his spoon and dipping it into his soup.
There was a brief silence before Sakura broke it with an astonished tone, "when did our food get here?"
The Uchiha looked up at her then to see that her head was tilted and her gaze focused intently on the bowl in front of her. He shook his head before smiling slightly, "a little while ago, Sakura-san."
"Oh!" she exclaimed with widened eyes. "I didn't even notice."
His smile slightly widened. Her failure to observe her surrounding was certainly becoming a regular trait of hers and he found the occurrence to be ever-amusing. He winked, "we still have to work on that, don't we?"
After rolling her eyes, the girl grasped her spoon before placing it determinedly into her bowl. "I already started working on my manners," she returned the wink. "Sensei."
Itachi had not been aware she had made such a decision, though decided against commenting on the manner. He instead lifted his fork and took another bite of rice, gaze wandering to the window once more and to the empty streets that so drastically seemed to contrast the liveliness Konoha's always possessed.
Standing at the broken threshold of the village's entrance, Itachi stood beside his partner as they faced Gregor, the man looking as if he were on the verge of shedding tears in prospect of their absence. Sakura had written out detailed instructions for him on both the proper administration of the cure and on the process required for purifying water. She also left her supply of the medication with him as well as the left over Yucca plants.
Extending a hand, the man looked to Itachi with as straight a face as he could manage. The Uchiha smiled gently before accepting the gesture and shaking his hand.
"It was well met, Itachi," Gregor stated only before then offering the same hand to Sakura. "You as well, Miss."
The girl smiled and accepted his hand as well, "same to you, Gregor. You've been a great help."
Nodding, the man withdrew his hand and stepped back. "Best of luck to you both and farewell. If you ever find yourselves here again, be sure to stop by."
"Aa," Itachi's smile widened, "we definitely will." He then turned and cast the man a small nod, "farewell then."
"Good bye, Gregor," the girl waved.
Upon her statement, the man slowly turned and began to make his way back to his home, head lowered slightly and steps somewhat heavy. Itachi observed him a moment, marveling at how closely the man had come to regard them in such a short period of time. Still…he was definitely going to miss the emotional individual. However, he refused to dwell on the fact that it was most likely the last time he would be seeing him and instead looked to Sakura, "ready?"
His farewell to her, he already knew, would be several times worse.
"Yeah," she replied with a nod as she turned. "Let's go Snail."
The Uchiha then maneuvered around the rubble of the broken archway before turning back to see that the girl behind him was crossing directly through the debris, steps purposeful and determined. However, following a self-satisfied smirk, her foot caught on one of the cracks between two boards and she fell forward, her arms held protectively over her face as she collapsed onto the ground.
Itachi's eyes widened and he quickly made his way over before kneeling down beside the girl, "are you alright, Sakura-san?"
She nodded before pushing herself off the ground and into a sitting position. The Uchiha looked to her arm and his brows creased slightly as he reached his hand forward to tentatively place it over her injured limb. He observed the damage, "the cut isn't too deep, but should be cleaned to avoid infection."
He watched as her eyes widened before she lifted her arm to observe the damage. "Thanks," she said after a moment. "That's a good idea."
Turning then, the girl pulled her medical kit from her bag as well as the container of water. After setting them on the ground, she took out some bandaging and ointment before placing the water over her wound and applying the balm after drying the cut with her gauze.
"Itachi," Sakura said after looking to her bag with a sigh. "Can you grab a roll of bandages from my bag?"
"Aa," the Uchiha responded with a nod before reaching over and removing the requested item. He handed it to her with a small smile, "there you are."
She returned the smile before proceeding to wrap the bandage around her forearm. A satisfied smirk crossed her face then as she returned the supplies to her bag.
Itachi tilted his head slightly before standing and offering his hand, "ready?"
The girl patted her arm, "of course, Snail."
Merely nodding, the Uchiha simply waited patiently for her to accept his offer. Sakura then seemed to suddenly realize she had not yet fulfilled the pending gesture as she softly exhaled before quickly reaching up to grasp his hand.
Itachi smiled in amusement before pulling the girl to her feet. He then reached down to grab her bag before handing it to her. The little Shinobi slung it over her shoulder as she grinned, "Shall we go, Sensei?"
"Aa," he nodded before turning. "You should probably clean the wound again when we stop for the night."
"I was planning to anyway," she giggled and tousled his hair.
"Well that," he tapped her forehead with a wink, "is no surprise. You are always so very wise, Sakura-san."
Upon rolling her eyes, she responded. "If that was true, then you, Itachi, would be a dumbass."
"On the contrary," he shook his head. "You may be wise but I," he cast her a playful smirk. "Am a prodigy."
She returned his smirk. "Of course. And here I thought you wanted to simply be called Itachi."
"Aa, I do," he nodded. "However, despite what I may want to be called, that doesn't change my characteristics."
She laughed, "Alright." Her arms swung back and forth. "So, prodigy of your clan, where are we headed?"
"Well," Itachi tilted his head as he looked to her. "Littlest Shinobi of Konoha, we are headed to Fu Blood's village to examine the results of your medication one final time."
Her brow raised, "Littlest Shinobi of Konoha."
"Aa," he nodded, smiling down at her.
"I don't think it's very fitting, Snail," she scoffed.
"And why is that?"
"It's not true," she stated. "That's why."
"Hmm," he mused. "Perhaps not literally but," he tilted his head. "You really are quite small, Sakura-san."
She laughed softly. "I suppose that's true. However," she punched him in the shoulder. "You don't have to point it out, Uchiha."
"Oh," he shook his head. "I see you've resorted back to using my surname. And," he shrugged, "I suppose I didn't have to but…I wanted to."
A smirk crossed her face. "Yes, I am. And weren't you telling me I shouldn't be so impulsive? Does that not also refer to you, Uchiha?"
"I didn't say it on impulse," he shook his head. "In fact, the thought actually comes to mind quite often. Also," he purposefully allowed his smile to fall. "It's Itachi, or Snail. Either will do, really."
She grinned, "Alright then. For you, and also so you can keep smiling, I will only use those names. It's a promise…Itachi."
His smile returned and he nodded, "I appreciate that…" he tilted his head then and, making a decision to cast prior formalities aside, continued. "…Sakura."
The girl reclaimed his hand with another grin. "Just Sakura? Hmm…" she paused before her grin widened. "I like being called that by you."
"As well you should," he nodded as his own smile widened.
They stopped in a small area of forestry, near an inlet created by the ocean. Itachi began his preparations for setting up camp, namely arranging his tea equipment where he would start a fire in the morning as well as placing their food beside it. It had been several hours since they had set off from Gregor's village and he could feel the lethargy settling over him as the prospect of sleep.
Standing and looking to Sakura, he tilted his head. "There's a stream through that section of trees, you should be able to clean your wound properly there."
He admittedly felt a brief semblance of anxiety at the prospect of her going down to the river alone however, he reasoned that if anything was due to befall them in Yokusei, it would have happened already. Besides, he had to once again remind himself that the girl could handle herself fairly well and would undoubtedly be perfectly capable of defending herself against any citizen from this realm.
Something however, inexplicably pulled on his subconscious and though he attempted to grasp and unravel its nature, it entirely escaped him. 'No matter,' he thought then as he cast the thought aside.
Turning, the girl looked to the indicated area before directing her attention to the bandage on her arm and nodding. "It's about time I changed these anyway."
"Aa," Itachi agreed with an answering nod.
He watched as she again removed the necessary equipment from her bag before setting the latter on the grass. Looking to him then, Sakura smiled before pulling him into a hug.
"I'll be right back," she stated. "I think you should get some rest, though. You look tired."
"I believe I will," he smiled and returned her embrace. He paused then as that same, strange wave of anxiety returned. "And Sakura?" he looked down at her, "be careful."
"Don't worry," she assured with a soft sigh before standing on her toes and placing a small kiss on his cheek.
Itachi's eyes widened slightly but he curiously felt no other reaction of astonishment otherwise. Meeting her gaze as she pulled away, he tilted his head and regarded her silently as his mother's voice returned to his thoughts.
'When you do find someone, make sure she is someone who can always amuse you.'
'It's such a shame,' he thought then in answer to his mother's advice before reaching forward and gently sweeping Sakura's bangs across her forehead. 'Because I really do believe that I've…found that person, after all.'
He summoned a smile then before lowering his hand and nodding in the direction of the stream, "see you soon."
"Hell yeah, Snail" the little Shinobi answered as she stepped away before a smirk crossed her face. "And you'd better be asleep when I get back or I'll just have to force you," she raised a threatening fist.
He shook his head as his smile widened. "That's won't be necessary, I assure you."
"Good," she replied as her smirk shifted into a mirroring smile before she tapped his forehead. "Then there won't be any problems."
Itachi nodded, "Aa. Now then," he motioned a hand, "off you go."
"I'm off then. Goodbye, Itachi," she waved before turning and starting towards the stream, exuberance practically radiating from her demeanor.
"Bye, Sakura," he replied softly as his thoughts turned to the farewell that they would need to exchange upon their return. 'It's going to be so very difficult to let her go.'
He watched as she disappeared through the trees before sighing softly and turning to face the make-shift camp. Venturing towards his bag, he lowered himself to the ground and removed his cloak before lying down beneath it and allowing his head to rest upon the leather satchel.
His thoughts continued as he closed his eyes, the image of her retreating figure remaining. Unprompted yet somehow not entirely unwelcome, the question was raised of what exactly he was going to do. Momentarily disregarding his prior decision, he wondered…was there a different way? A way that would allow him to remain in that girl's life.
It was a foolish thought, yet one he allowed himself to entertain nonetheless. Was it…possible?
The image of his younger brother replaced Sakura's then and he instantly attempted to lock those contemplations away. No, he could not lose focus. He could not lose sight of what he still owed Sasuke. The path he had chosen was the only way,
'Still…' he lifted a hand to his cheek, where she had kissed him, and felt a small smile return. 'I don't believe I'm incorrect in acknowledging that I am beginning to…fall in love with that girl.'
And wasn't that worth, at the very least, his mere consideration and openness to an alternative future?
He would certainly have to think on that particular subject more during the days to come. The prospect filled him with a dormant yet altogether potent…hope.
Was it wrong to feel that way?
He hardly knew. However, now was not the time to dwell on that. Now was the time for sleep.
And so, thus deciding, the Uchiha lowered his hand and eased his mind as he slowly felt its escape from the realm of awareness…
He returned to that field beneath the rain of cherry blossoms, the wind carrying the delicate blossoms in every direction. Upon glancing across the familiar setting of his dreamscape, Itachi caught sight of the personification of his younger brother. With leisurely steps, he approached the boy and knelt beside him, observing that he was absently staring down at one of the rose-hued flowers.
"Sasuke?" he ventured softly.
The child looked to him instantly, eyes widened before recognition set in and he offered him a wide smile. The older Uchiha furrowed his brows slightly as he observed that was something was notably different about Sasuke's demeanor. Rather than an aura of sadness and neglect, he portrayed a composure of complete ease and eagerness.
"Nii-san," the boy began as his smile grew before he again placed the flower in his open palm. "You…are starting to realize."
Itachi tilted his head, again perplexed by the child's curious words. "What is it I'm realizing?"
"What I really want," he explained, though without serving to clarify in the slightest.
However, upon saying, the representation of Sasuke allowed his eyes to drift somewhere behind Itachi as his mouth parted. He rose quickly and then turned to run in the opposite direction.
The older Uchiha immediately stood and outstretched a hand, about to call out to the boy before another voice addressed him from behind.
Turning to acknowledge the speaker, Itachi observed the distressed set of her features.
"Sakura…" he ventured. "What is it?"
"I'm…" she wrapped her arms about herself. "Scared, Snail. I don't know what do." She closed her eyes, "will you come for me?"
"Come for you?" he questioned, tilting his head as he continued to analyze her. "What are you frightened of?"
"The mountains," she continued. "He's taking me to the mountains."
The Uchiha noted that the scene was shifting and that the girl before him was becoming translucent in much the same way she had vanished before. He glanced down and saw that his brother had returned to her side, gaze set on him, though the vitality was replaced with a sudden look of concern.
"Nii-san," he said again before he and the girl disappeared entirely.
"…you need to wake up now."
...
His dream eroded into silent, black nothingness before one, final conscious thought entered his head. A sudden recognition as to the nature of his anxiety and inexplicable tug at his dormant memories.
That hooded stranger who had grasped Sakura, the figure that had swept past Fu Blood's window the very first day in his home, and the shadow Itachi had seen within his peripheral upon leaving that village…
They were…connected somehow and…that realization only inspired his worry to increase.
'…Sakura…should not be alone right now…' he thought absently before he completely returned to the hold of his slumber.
