A/N: Thank you to all of you who have favorited/followed and reviewed this story. Don't forget about "Illusions of Serenity" and "Emulation of Apathy".
Vigil of Sorrows
Chapter 10
"Setting Goals"
…..
"Alright," Kakashi began. "I want the three of you to sit over there and meditate. Try to clear your minds," he paused and glanced pointedly at Sasuke, "concentrate," he redirected his gaze to Naruto, "and continue doing this until I tell you to stop."
Team Seven was currently gathered in front of a single tree. The warm weather and slight breeze made it an excellent day of training for the three young Shinobi.
Sakura smiled proudly. Kakashi didn't direct any of those instructions at her specifically, which meant he knew she would be able to master this technique easily.
Sasuke only narrowed his eyes at their sensei. Sakura turned and offered him a smile. She knew he could master it, too. He was Uchiha Sasuke, after all.
Naruto, of course, questioned Kakashi's instructions. "Why do we have to do this, dattebayo?"
Kakashi grinned in response. "This technique will help you later when you learn how to chakra during a fight. By learning to concentrate during meditation you will also become more aware of your chakra network."
"So this is going to help us with chakra control?" Sasuke asked.
"To an extent. You didn't think you could win a fight by climbing trees, did you?"
"Hn," Sasuke grunted.
"What if we did?"
Kakashi stared at Naruto in disbelief. "You really did?"
Naruto nodded unreservedly, "yes, dattebayo! I figured it would come in handy during a fight. Plus, won't it give you an advantage to be able to climb a tree and lie in wait for an ambush?"
Sakura angrily punched Naruto to the ground. "Naruto! That's obviously not what Kakashi-sensei meant!"
"Sakura-chan."
She crossed her arms, "I don't want to hear it. You should've known better than to jump to that conclusion."
Naruto frowned and dropped his cerulean gaze to the dirt beside him.
Kakashi smiled at the two of them. "Thank you, Sakura. I can handle it from here."
Sakura smirked, "happy to help."
"And Naruto," Kakashi added, "you're right. Having the ability to climb trees can give you the upper hand in a battle. My point was to not count on that for everything."
Naruto lifted his head up happily, a large grin spread across his face. "Then I was right! Dattebayo! I already knew a Shinobi had to be skilled as well as resourceful."
Sasuke shook his head at the blonde before walking towards him and pulling him to his feet. "They also have to be smart, dobe."
The Jinchuuriki's smile widened. "Then I am the perfect ninja! Nothing stands in my way to becoming Hokage now!"
"You're only twelve, Naruto. You can't possibly be the Hokage. That's too young. The youngest Hokage in our history was the Fourth and he was twenty-five," Sakura stated matter-of-factly.
Naruto offered her a thumbs-up and winked. "I'm going to be better than any of the Hokages, even the Fourth! When I'm inaugurated, I'll be the youngest one in the history of the Leaf, dattebayo!"
"It's good to have a dream, Naruto. I know they're what keep you going and motivate you but couldn't you have gone with something more reasonable?" Sakura questioned.
"If you have a dream that makes you wake up every day with the goal to achieve it," Sasuke began bitterly. "Then why would you change it for something else?"
Sakura's eyes widened in surprise. Why would Sasuke say that to her? She didn't offend him, right? If she had, it was completely unintentional. "I'm sorry, Sasuke-kun. I didn't mean to offend you."
"Hn."
"Hey, teme! Sakura-chan just apologized. Don't you have something to say?" Naruto demanded.
Sasuke turned to him with a smirk. "Is that a challenge, dobe?"
Naruto glared at him. "It wasn't meant as one but if you don't forgive Sakura-chan it will be."
"Why should I forgive her? She was being annoying…as usual," Sasuke replied.
Sakura lowered her teal eyes sadly. Sasuke always said she was just a nuisance to him. If only she hadn't offended him before.
"Sasuke!" Naruto shouted.
Kakashi suddenly patted Naruto and Sasuke on the head with a wide grin. "Well, I'm glad to see you're all motivated for today's lesson. Why don't you get started now?"
Naruto and Sasuke glared at each other a final time before they sat in the grass and closed their eyes, trying to focus on their meditating.
"You too, Sakura."
Sakura tilted her head to him and nodded then proceeded to follow suit.
The pink-haired kunoichi slowly opened her eyes. The morning sunlight greeted her as it streamed in through the leaves of the tree. She smiled. Mornings were always her favorite time of day. It felt like something was missing but she didn't know what. Maybe it wasn't that important.
Sakura yawned before pushing herself off the ground. She swung her arms back and forth at her sides as she looked out at the horizon. Bright hues of purple and blue colored the sky and it was certainly a sight to behold. "It really is beautiful here," Sakura mused aloud. A light breeze blew through her short hair and she brushed the bangs aside.
Realization suddenly dawned on her and she quickly spun around. Itachi was gone. Sakura closed her eyes sadly a moment before they opened angrily and formed a glare. "He left without me. I can't believe I trusted that bastard. He was acting so sweet before but that was obviously a trick. Bastard."
"Good morning, Sakura-san."
'Itachi? That was his voice, I'm sure of it. So he was still here?' Sakura turned to her left and saw the Uchiha sitting beside a small fire. She sighed in relief and offered him a smile, "good morning, Itachi."
Itachi lowered his eyes to the fire, "I have some tea here for you."
"What kind of tea?" Sakura asked as she made her way over to him.
He shrugged, "the kind I purchased in Churitsu. A simple blend, but still good."
Sakura sat beside him before responding, "Alright. I trust your judgment."
After a moment, Itachi tilted his head, "I must say, Sakura-san, I've certainly missed hearing you call me a bastard." He smiled before picking up the kettle and pouring tea into a cup.
Her eyes widened in surprise, "you heard me?"
"Aa," he nodded.
"Then why didn't you say anything before? You just let me think you had left."
"I was waiting to see if you would notice I was still here," Itachi replied.
Sakura glared at him before grabbing her cup from him. "I'm beginning to wonder if you find amusement in my distress."
Itachi smiled. "Why would I just decide to leave you here like that, Sakura-san? I do believe you know me better than that."
She shrugged, "I don't know. I guess I didn't really think about it. It was the first thing that popped into my head."
"Well," he replied. "I'm not going anywhere."
Sakura smiled gratefully at him and nodded. "Thank you, Itachi. I'm sorry if I offended you before," she said, thinking back to the memory that had replayed in her dreams.
Itachi shook his head, "no need for that, Sakura-san. No offense taken."
She laughed, "it's strange how different you and Sasuke-kun are."
The Uchiha tilted his head. "Different? How so?"
"Well, it sometimes seems like you're complete opposites. If I said that to Sasuke-kun he would usually get mad and call me annoying. On the other hand, you're not offended at all," Sakura explained.
"I see," Itachi replied before sighing. "We're different people, Sakura-san. Despite being brothers, he still has own personality. Besides," he looked to her, "when he doesn't understand someone it annoys him, he most likely did not mean to offend you."
"Really?" she asked, her smile returning. "Then I suppose it was pointless to get so upset about it every time."
Itachi's smile widened and he looked to her, "I can picture that."
Sakura nodded, "also, the world would be boring if people didn't have their own personalities."
"Aa, I completely agree with you," Itachi responded.
"Good. I'm glad we're in agreement" Sakura took a sip of her tea and nodded her approval of the taste. "You were right about the tea."
"Glad to hear it," he replied before turning his attention to the stream. "When you've finished we'll begin your training."
Sakura's eyes lit up happily as she quickly downed the rest of her drink, burning her mouth in the process. "Oww. Why is it so hot?" she demanded, glaring angrily at the empty cup.
She heard Itachi sigh, "You shouldn't drink so fast."
The girl frowned slightly. "I was excited and wanted to finish quickly."
"You're not a very patient person," Itachi smiled, "are you?"
Sakura considered his comment a moment before shrugging. "I suppose not but," she cast him a wink, "that's why you're here, isn't it?"
Itachi titled his head before nodding, "I suppose so."
Sakura smiled then glanced around the field. "So…training?"
He again nodded before standing, "yes, I suppose we may as well get started now." The Uchiha offered a hand to her.
The pinkette smiled slyly and reached up to grab his hand. Rather than let him pull her up, she pulled him down and stood up herself, laughing.
"And why, may I ask, did you feel the need to do that?"
"It's fun, Itachi. Even you have to admit it. But since you're obviously upset about it," Sakura smiled down at him and offered her own hand to him.
The Uchiha didn't move. "Hmm," he mused. "Think you can manage?"
Sakura narrowed her eyes before grabbing his hand. She noticed him smirking slightly and simply mirrored it. "Are you ready?"
Itachi nodded, "definitely."
She planted her feet in the ground and started to pull his arm but she felt his hold abruptly remove itself from hers. The Shinobi lost her balance and stumbled backwards before landing gracelessly in the grass.
Itachi stood then and walked toward her. He tilted his head before offering his hand to her once more. "Shall we try this again, Sakura-san?"
Sakura crossed her arms and turned her head away from him. "You did that on purpose."
He nodded, "Aa, so did you."
"Yes but," Sakura tilted her head toward him with a frown, "I was just doing it for fun and you did it to get back at me."
Itachi shrugged, "what I did was also fun and," he smiled, "at least I had a reason."
Sakura rose to her feet. "It wasn't fun for me and what makes you think I didn't have a reason? Hmm?"
"What was your reason?" he asked simply.
She scoffed before stalking past him into an open expanse of field. She liked the Uchiha well enough but he could just get on her nerves sometimes. And she was in such a good mood, too. Maybe she could let it go…just this once. Why should she let his childish behavior ruin the rest of her morning? The Uchiha was lucky. If she was feeling any differently she wouldn't talk to him for the rest of the day, maybe longer.
"Sakura-san," Itachi called.
Sakura faced him with a happy grin, "yes, Itachi?"
He approached her before saying, "it was not my intention to offend you."
She patted his shoulder forgivingly. "That's alright. I've decided to let it go…this time."
Itachi smiled, "I'll be more wary in the future, then."
"Good. Keep that in mind and don't let it happen again," she warned.
"Well," the Uchiha began. "Only so long as you agree to accept offered courtesies more appropriately."
Sakura frowned slightly, "do I have to?"
Itachi's features appeared to soften, become gentler, as his smile widened, "just be prepared to accept the consequences if you don't."
"Okay, Itachi," Sakura smiled, "I promise."
He nodded before glancing about the field and returning his gaze to hers. "Ready?"
Sakura pounded her fist against her palm, "Hell yeah!"
Itachi turned then and walked a few feet away before stopping and turning his face to her once more, "who have you previously trained under?"
The pinkette placed her hands on her hips proudly before replying, "Kakashi-sensei for about a year then Tsunade, one of the three Legendary Sannin and the Fifth Hokage, for about three years." She was anxious to see his reaction to that. 'Didn't see that one coming did you, Itachi?'
"That's really impressive, Sakura-san," he stated sincerely.
"Thank you. It is, isn't it?" she replied smugly.
Itachi nodded. "As I said," he answered before tilting his head. "Now then, all you know are the basics of Taijutsu, right?"
Sakura arched a brow. 'He certainly didn't mean anything by that, right?' "What do you mean all I know?"
Itachi didn't respond for a moment. "You told me yourself that this was the case. Am I wrong?"
"In a way, yes," Sakura began. "Concerning Taijutsu, I only know the basics, but I know more than just that. I am actually quite skilled with chakra control. I was the best on my team."
The Uchiha smiled, "that's wonderful, Sakura-san, really. However, as we are unable to use our chakra here, I'm afraid we cannot rely on its help at all." He paused, "however, this condition actually aids in the training you will be doing. Where Taijutsu is concerned it is always best not to rely on your chakra while training, as doing so will cause you to neglect the natural prowess your body contains. Perfecting these abilities without the aid of chakra will only make you the more capable when you experience its return and find all of your work enhanced."
He smiled, "and, as a medical Shinobi, you already know all of the pressure locations and vulnerable points of the body, increasing your potential at mastering the art."
She wondered if he noticed how many times he complimented her. She smiled, "then I am the perfect pupil, Master Uchiha."
"Yes," he nodded, "perhaps you are." He motioned for her to approach, "let's first see what you are already able to do."
Sakura followed his instruction and stopped in front of him. "What do you want me to do?"
"Well," Itachi began. "Start attacking me with what you know. I need to analyze your capabilities."
"Alright, then," Sakura replied before cracking her knuckles. "Don't cry if I hurt you."
Itachi sighed in response then nodded, "I will try my best."
Sakura grinned and drew back her fist. With as much force as she could, she thrust it forward toward the Uchiha's face. He easily blocked her wrist. "So obvious, Sakura-san."
"Oh, am I?" she asked, directing another punch at his face, hoping to distract him from the leg she lifted to kick his side. However, Itachi seemed to notice her movement as he grabbed her ankle, stopping her kick, and dodged her fist.
"Aa," he nodded with a smile as he released his holds and stepped back. "Rather than focusing on the force behind your movements, look to your balance and aversion techniques."
Itachi tilted his head, "being that your stature is so small, you will undoubtedly find yourself coming across bigger opponents. However, if your form is executed correctly, size will no longer be a factor. What I will be teaching you involves using your enemy's own power against them."
His smile widened, "you will be acting in much the same way I did earlier, when you tried to lift me. All I had to do was let go."
"Are you trying to tell me I could even beat you, without using a lot of effort?" Sakura asked, ideas popping into her head. It was ironic. When they first arrived here, she decided against fighting the Uchiha because she thought he could easily beat her. She was excited to see her progress in that area.
"Perhaps," Itachi nodded simply. "You certainly have potential."
Sakura smiled, pleased with his answer. "I look forward to reaching my full potential then."
Itachi returned her smile, "that aspiration is worthy of fulfillment, especially for a Shinobi. We all have our unique ambitions that we strive to achieve. But," he shook his head. "I digress."
She cocked her head thoughtfully, remembering what their introductions were the day they became Team Seven.
"And my dream is to become greater than the Hokages! I'm going to make all the villagers recognize my existence."
"Also, I have an ambition that I have no intention to leave as just a dream. The revival of my clan, and to…kill a certain man."
Naruto and Sasuke had their own ambitions they wanted to fulfill and they had kept the same one for several years. 'What do I want to do?' She thought for a moment then the obvious answer came to her. "I want to become a great medical Shinobi and protect my friends!" she voiced aloud.
"That, is a far greater ambition."
Sakura glanced at Itachi, realizing she had proclaimed that out loud, but he was smiling at her and she simply returned it. "Greater than what ambition?" For a second, she considered that he had read her mind but she instantly waved it away. That was impossible. No one could do that…right?
Itachi softly sighed after a short moment, "than strengthening yourself for the mere sake of gaining power; reaching your full potential, for your personal satisfaction alone."
"That's a selfish goal. I can't imagine anyone would be happy with that, even if it was for themselves. If you do everything for yourself alone, then won't you just be left with nothing in the end?" Sakura asked.
"Aa," Itachi nodded. "And that feeling of nothingness is undoubtedly the worst a person can feel."
Sakura nodded then took a moment to consider before asking, "Itachi, would you rather do the right thing if it means being looked upon with hate and fear, or the wrong thing if it means being blindly accepted with trust and love."
Honestly, she had no idea how she would answer that question. Her automatic answer would be to do the right thing, but could she spend the rest of her life hated by everyone? On the other hand, doing the wrong thing would give her love and trust she would always welcome, but it would only be an illusion to them. Would she be able to live with that?
She didn't know which was worse: fake love or being forever without it.
"One should always do the right thing," he responded gently. "No matter the cost."
"What if there are more casualties from doing so than doing the wrong thing? For instance, if you're at war and an ultimatum is offered. To either surrender and send out your leader to be executed, or to continue fighting until every person is killed."
"I certainly hope you will not be faced with that sort of decision," Itachi stated sincerely. "Your generation is fortunate to be free of war. However, considering your scenario," he smiled and tilted his head. "You imply that the wrong choice would be the execution of said leader. However, would it not prove to be the right one, in the end? The burden would fall to that individual, and their single sacrifice would result in the continued lives of many others. It is often the responsibility of a great leader, the Fourth Hokage of Konoha is an example of this. Do you consider his actions wrong?"
Sakura shook her head. "No. They were very noble, in fact. However, even though he protected the village, it left us without our powerful leader."
"Ah," Itachi extended his index finger to explain. "But a leader must also trust in those serving beneath him, that they will continue to thrive after his departure."
"Okay," Sakura nodded in agreement. "That makes sense. What would happen if he couldn't? Because they're either corrupt or too weak to thrive without him."
Itachi sighed as he shifted his onyx gaze about the field. "Even so, if he chose to remain alive, their lives would be potentially at risk. It would indicate that their leader was not such a great one, after all."
"So a good leader is supposed to put the protection of his village and people over anything else, even if it costs him his own life?"
"Aa," he nodded.
'Naruto,' she silently whispered to him with a smile. 'You'll be a great leader someday. I'm sorry I ever doubted you.' He definitely put the lives of others before his own. He cared about people, especially the friendships he made with them. As Itachi just explained, those were the makings of a leader.
Sakura felt Itachi grab her wrist and lift it in front of his face. "Now then, punch me."
She blinked several times. "Why?"
Itachi tilted his head, "I'm going to show you how to use as little strength as possible when facing an offensive attack."
Sakura looked from her fist to him and back to her fist, understanding what he meant. "Oh. How hard should I punch?"
He shrugged before letting go of her wrist, "not hard. This'll just be a demonstration so come at me slowly."
"Alright," the girl nodded before pulling her arm back once more. She slowly jabbed it toward his face.
She watched as Itachi side-stepped and grabbed her arm, pulling it forward as his other arm was lifted to the base of her neck. He held her a moment longer before releasing her, "understanding how to throw someone off balance is helpful as well."
"Like pushing them on the ground?" Sakura half-joked.
Itachi smiled," that's one way of doing it. However," he shook his head. "Not nearly as effective in regard to conserving energy."
"Oh," Sakura frowned. "Well, imagine that. What are more effective ways then?"
Itachi tilted his head slightly. "Do you know where the body's center of balance lies?"
Thinking back on her reading and studying of the human body, she replied, "the sternum."
"Aa," Itachi nodded with a smile. "If you have someone rushing toward you, steady your own balance before delivering a quick thrust on the chest there, that will be more successful than trying to sweep their legs." He paused, "I want you to focus on both balancing and pressure points, utilizing your knowledge and preparing yourself to face a situation in which you can use a person's own momentum against them."
"I don't think I've ever used a sweep before so I wouldn't know the difference. I understand your orders though, Itachi," Sakura replied with a smile.
"Well," he nodded. "Then let's get started, shall we?" He then indicated his own eyes, "Another important thing to remember is to keep your attention focused here. The eyes are the best way of predicting an attacker's movements."
Sakura lifted her teal eyes and met his gaze. After a moment, she smirked, "what if I don't like their eyes?"
The Uchiha was a silent a moment before musing thoughtfully, "Hmm, would you rather risk losing a battle for something like that?"
She giggled in response. "I'm just kidding. I wouldn't lose because I was prejudiced against something like that. Even if I was, it wouldn't affect me if I was fighting you."
"Because of my genjutsu abilities?" Itachi asked.
"That's not what I meant, but I suppose that's true, too," she replied.
Itachi tilted his head curiously. "What then, did you mean, Sakura-san?"
"If I was up against an opponent and I lost because I didn't like their eyes, then it would be different if I fought you because I," she paused before offering him a smile, "like your eyes, Itachi."
He returned her smile, "It's not necessarily to lose your focus in that regard either, Sakura-san. You would lose against me if you found yourself too captured by something like that."
Sakura smirked and flipped the hair out of her face. "You don't have to worry about that, either. I wouldn't let that happen."
"Aa," Itachi nodded, "as I doubt you will ever have to fight me seriously."
"I'm glad. I would never want to."
The Uchiha smiled, "neither would I." He tilted his head, "I would most likely lose."
Sakura stared at him doubtfully a moment before shaking her head. "No, you wouldn't. You would definitely win."
Itachi shook his head. "No," he said, taking a step towards her, "because," he extended two fingers and gently tapped them against her forehead, his eyes lowering to meet hers. "I just don't think I could ever bring myself to harm you."
Sakura's eyes widened momentarily before she processed what he'd said and smiled up at him. "I'm sorry. I didn't understand what you meant but," she mimicked his movement and poked two fingers to his forehead. "I don't think it would feel like a victory if I won that way."
He returned her smile before lowering his hand. "Then I suppose, it would be best if we simply avoided the situation altogether."
"I agree," Sakura nodded, dropping her hand as well only to firmly grasp his. "Promise? I don't think I could hurt you either."
Itachi smiled. "Aa," he nodded. "I promise." He then gently tightened his hold on her hand before he released it and stepped back. "Now then, let's commence your training."
She grinned and cracked her knuckles once more. "I'm ready."
The Uchiha again nodded then moved to stand beside her, "let's first focus on the basics of the technique I'll be teaching you. When fighting, keep your muscles relaxed until the moment of contact. Then, train them to automatically supply just the right amount of force to resist the impact. Your body will know how to provide the correct amount of resistance."
He paused and then indicated her fist, "when punching, rather than exerting the muscle force from your arm alone, let your entire body guide your fist. Done appropriately, you will not even feel the impact on your arms, shoulders or back-you will feel it in the soles of your feet, as the force is transferred back and forth against the ground."
He then indicated her leg, "as far as countering kicks, it is a common misconception amongst Shinobi that kicks are far more formidable than punches, because they are believed to be more powerful. In actuality, among the four categories of attacks-hand strikes, kicks, felling, and grips-kicks are technically the easiest to counter. The most effective way is to gently lean your body the moment the kick is executed against you then quickly moving forward to counter-strike before your opponent can retract their kicking leg. Their equilibrium will already be off, making your task easier."
Itachi met her gaze, "you have to find the perfect balance between calming your body and releasing a sudden explosion of power. It's about flexibility, elegance, internal power, stamina, and mental sharpness. The sudden shift between the two extremes is key; rather than powering up an attack, allow the action to emulate your breathing, the change from contraction to release."
The Uchiha paused before continuing. "In essence, your opponent will supply the power by running into your fist or whichever action you choose to take, while you merely supply a conduit between your fist and the unyielding ground. This fighting method is about utter relaxation followed by complete wakefulness. Exhale and loosen your muscles, then inhale and make them firm. Don't focus on any singular point in your body rather, try and think about as little as possible. Perfect concentration involves emptying your mind."
As Itachi went through his explanation, Sakura remained silent and listened intently, registering all the information. It was a very promising technique and also seemed like the perfect one for her considering her small build. It seemed like the training she had undergone would be quite helpful with this particular fighting style, as well as her knowledge of the human body.
Sakura nodded enthusiastically. "This is going to be fun. Where did you learn this style of fighting?"
Itachi shrugged, "I primarily had to train myself. I never really had a Sensei or anything to teach me."
Her eyes widened with disbelief a moment before she closed them, a playful smile forming, "I almost forgot. You're a prodigy."
"Prodigy or not, it took a lot of time. No one is an exception from having to work hard to gain prominent ability, which I'm sure you will," Itachi replied.
Sakura opened her eyes to his smiling face. She nodded once more, "understood. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication. So," she stretched her arms over her head, "when do we start?"
"We will begin now," Itachi responded with a nod. He then looked out at the field. "Inhale and relax both your mind and body, exhale and allow your internal and natural energy to release through your focal attack points, such as your fist. Practice this simple process first and allow yourself to grow accustomed to doing it subconsciously."
"So…I'm basically breathing to relax myself?" Sakura inquired.
Itachi nodded, "Partly, yes, but when you exhale, force your energy to abruptly awaken."
Sakura nodded before proceeding to drop into a sitting position in the grass. "Can I do this sitting down?"
He sighed as he knelt down beside her. "It's not the most effective way, as you will not be fighting many opponents in this manner. Your muscles are all in a constant state of relaxation while sitting and so it defeats the entire purpose of the exercise."
The pinkette's eyes widened in realization before she pushed herself off the ground, "I get it now! Good job, Sensei."
The Uchiha rose to stand beside her, "this does bring up a good point though. Where you sat, you undoubtedly felt your body assume a state of stillness. When you stood, your body felt tense, correct? It automatically applied the needed strain to lift you."
Sakura cocked her head thoughtfully. "And that's what I'm trying to make myself do? Automatically apply the proper balance of calmness and force through my breathing."
Itachi nodded. "Aa," he responded with a small smile. "That is exactly right, Sakura-san."
"Thank you, Itachi," she grinned. "I think I can do it now."
"No thanks needed." He then turned and focused his attention forward. "Now then, inhale," he demonstrated. He then lifted his hand and thrust it forward, breathing out as he did so, "exhale and envision the attack."
Upon lowering his arm, he looked to Sakura out of the corner of his eye, "your turn."
"Perfect," Sakura replied before turning and relaxing her stance. She closed her eyes and breathed in slowly, releasing it with added exertion. She repeated this several times, her mind clearing as she focused more on her breathing. The Shinobi calmly opened her eyes as she breathed in once more before raising her arm and imagining an invisible opponent. She exhaled as she jabbed her hand onto the target's chest.
Sakura then shifted back into her loose stance before smiling up at Itachi. "Bull's-eye!"
Itachi blinked, seemingly surprised by her actions. He released a heavy breath before directing his eyes to the distant horizon. "Well done, Sakura-san," he stated simply.
"Thank you. I thought I did well myself," Sakura replied before glancing worriedly at Itachi. She reached up and tugged on his sleeve, "Are you alright?"
After a moment, Itachi shifted his eyes to her and responded with a small smile, "Aa."
Sakura furrowed her brows questioningly. "It didn't seem like it."
"Oh?" the Uchiha asked, tilting his head slightly.
"Yes," Sakura replied matter-of-factly.
There was a brief silence before Itachi sighed softly and shook his head, returning his gaze to the girl. "In any case, I'm fine now. I was just…thinking."
He then turned and Sakura looked over his shoulder to see he was looking in the direction of the tree they had camped under. "Let's have some breakfast and then continue our journey. You can train some more along the way."
Sakura nodded, "sounds good to me. You know, I think I found out what type of teacher you are."
Itachi glanced back at her, "have you?"
"Yes," she replied with a grin. "You're the cool and relaxing kind. Also, very patient."
Itachi tilted his head slightly as he returned her smile. "And I'm sure you will be one of my finest students."
"Do you really think so?" Sakura asked, her smile widening with excitement.
"Aa," he replied, "I do."
"Hmm," Sakura responded. She then tapped his shoulder.
"Yes?" the Uchiha asked, looking to her questioningly.
"I think I confirmed it with today's lesson, Itachi."
His expression remained unchanged, "what exactly is it that you confirmed?"
Sakura paused a moment before replying. She always seemed to end up explaining what she meant to him. Did he just not understand or was she, perhaps, not clear enough in her explanations? She decided to think back on it later and simply offered him another smile, "that you're the best kind of teacher."
Itachi's appearance softened in response. He smiled gratefully at her, "I've certainly missed hearing it."
"You have? Very well," Sakura stated, placing her hand resolutely upon his shoulder. "Whenever we train, I shall say it so much that you'll eventually grow tired of hearing it."
Itachi laughed softy, "We'll see."
Sakura smirked. "And," she decided to add then, "I think I'm going to try making you laugh more."
He nodded, "I have no doubt of your success."
"Don't make it too easy, though."
"No worries," Itachi nodded again. "I don't plan to."
"That's good to know," Sakura responded happily before her stomach suddenly growled loudly. "What was that you said about breakfast?"
Itachi tilted his head before turning and taking a step in the direction of the tree, "come along then, Sakura-san."
She nodded and trudged behind him, her arms wrapped tightly around her stomach. "Can you hurry up, snail? I doubt I'm the only one who's hungry here."
After a moment, Itachi quickened his steps, "acknowledged."
"Thank you. That's much better."
"Hmm," Itachi replied softly.
Sakura rolled her eyes. "What are we going to eat anyway?"
"Well," Itachi replied. "We have some crackers and dried fruit." He shrugged, "not much but enough to get by."
The pinkette groaned, "That's what they always say. Then guess what? Someone dies."
Itachi looked at her, his brows creased, "that's a rather dramatic way of putting it, don't you think?"
She shrugged in response, "maybe, but it's still not that much. Just picture this: we eat some for breakfast today. Let's say we only eat breakfast, then with this sickness going around, we can't trust any of the food we find from now on to be edible. That only leaves us with the few packages of crackers and dried fruit that we have. My main point is what do we do when we eat all of it?"
He sighed, "If it comes down to us being at risk of starvation, we will simply return to Churitsu to purchase more."
"Oh," she replied. "That's a very smart idea."
Itachi nodded before smirking gently, "a stroke of genius, I'd say."
"Okay, Itachi. What do you want to be referred to as? A prodigy or a genius? I'm not letting you have both," Sakura stated with a mirroring smirk.
Itachi stopped walking and looked to her. With complete sincerity, he replied, "neither, actually."
Sakura halted in her steps beside him before smiling. "Alright, then. From now on, you're just Itachi to me."
The Uchiha smiled down at her, "I wouldn't prefer anything else."
The girl nodded before venturing toward their camp set-up. "Itachi, come along. Don't waste time standing around. I'm not going to eat without you," she called over her shoulder.
Itachi nodded as he proceeded to walk there as well, "Your consideration is greatly appreciated, Sakura-san."
He stopped and knelt down beside the small fire before lifting the kettle and looking up at her, "care for some more tea?"
Sakura shook her head at him but smiled nonetheless, "I would love some, Itachi."
