Vigil of Sorrows

Chapter 16

"Thoughts of Black Birds"

….

The distance to the walls and crumbled arch of the small village continued to decrease as Sakura and her partner traveled to the destination. Villagers were roaming through the streets in various directions. They didn't appear to be as affected by the disease as the inhabitants of the previous village. Sakura sighed in relief. That was a good sign.

The tree that stood in the center of town seemed to have changed since their last visit as it was now cream-colored. The pinkette cocked her head to the side curiously. 'Did the color change?' She shrugged, deciding it didn't make a difference. The scenery was still as beautiful as ever.

The Shinobi glanced at the tree again. The off-white petals floated off the branches in a slow, serene motion, giving the illusion of silky cream falling from the sky and splashing against the ground. She shifted her gaze to Itachi and smiled. Soon his eyes met hers before he returned the smile.

"Hey, Snail, do you ever put cream in your tea?" Sakura inquired.

His smile widened as he tilted his head. "Aa, sometimes. It depends on the tea."

She laughed softly, "Does Jasmine fall under that category?"

Itachi shook his head, "No. I don't prefer it that way. It takes away from the taste."

"I suppose," she shrugged. "And the tea that you add it to needs the cream to better the flavor."

He nodded, "I agree. I find it works best with the simpler and more basic types of tea."

"Now sugar," Sakura began, waving her index finger 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."

"Well you can disagree all you want," Sakura smugly placed her hands on her hips. "I still don't like it."

The Uchiha shrugged, "you don't have to agree. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion."

"You're right," she replied. "Opinions change with each person and we just have to accept that difference. Right, Sensei?"

"Aa," he nodded. "That's right, Sakura-san."

Itachi then looked to the left and Sakura followed his gaze and saw a weird man approaching. He had his hand raised in front of him and… 'Is that man flicking him off?! How rude?!'

The man lowered his finger before the rest formed a 'zero.' "You're late," the bastard said, coming to a stop. "Do you have what was promised?"

Did Itachi make some sort of deal with this man? Why would he do something like that? This crazy person didn't seem like he could be trusted.

The Uchiha nodded, "I have brought your plant." He then held a hand out to the Shinobi as he looked to her. "Can I have one of the remaining Yucca samples?"

Sakura narrowed her eyes suspiciously before unzipping her bag and removing on of the plants. She then held it out, but didn't give it to her partner. "Why do you need one, Itachi?"

"This man demanded tribute when I first arrived," he stated. "Tribute in the form of a single Yucca plant."

"Tribute? What the hell for?" she demanded, glaring at the questionable man.

"It was simply something he asked for in exchange for my being allowed into this village," Itachi replied.

Sakura continued to clutch the plant as she eyed the man. Why would he need a Yucca plant? That was a very specific thing to ask for and to simply be granted permission to enter a village. Who was he to demand something like that at all? It's not like he was in charge…right?

She straightened before bowing respectively to the man. "I apologize for my rude conduct. I didn't realize." The girl held the plant out to him, "here."

The man didn't move. Only a frown appeared on his face. "Who are you? I don't recall asking for anything from you."

Sakura sighed as she instead gave the plant to Itachi. "He did ask you, Snail."

That man…was a bastard. She was simply trying to be polite and what did he do? He Blatantly disregarded it.

The Uchiha smiled and accepted the sample, "thank you, Sakura-san." He then turned to the man and the bastard instantly grabbed the plant with a certain possessiveness.

"You have done as I had asked, late though it may be," he placed the sample in his pocket. "You are now free to enter and you will not be bothered."

"I appreciate the privilege," Itachi nodded.

The crazed man then suddenly turned around and retreated into what Sakura assumed, and hoped, was his own home. He then turned back to Itachi and held up three fingers with a smirk.

The Snail responded by smiling slightly and returning the gesture before the man moved further inside and was finally out of sight. Itachi then lowered hand and looked to Sakura. "Ready?" he asked, tilting his head.

Sakura frowned. "Yeah. Sure," she replied dryly before walking forward. She heard Itachi's footsteps behind her as she continued towards Gregor's house.

"Is something bothering you, Sakura-san?"

She stopped in front of the door and clenched her fists. That bastard didn't even know her. What right did he have to act that way? What the hell was his problem? She didn't care if he was the village leader or whatever; there was no excuse for his behavior. 'Hell no, there wasn't!'

Sakura inhaled slowly, attempting to control her anger, before releasing it and turning to Itachi with a forced smile. "Of course not. Why do you ask?"

He sighed, "I can tell when you're upset."

The Shinobi scoffed and turned back to the door. "Well, I'm not upset. Come on, we have to talk to Gregor."

"Sit with me, Sakura-san."

Sakura looked back at him and saw him sitting idly on the doorstep. "No. What the hell are you doing? This," she pointed behind her at Gregor's house, "is where we need to go right now. You can rest inside."

The Uchiha met her gaze and simply tilted his head in response. "We have some time."

The pinkette groaned before slowly walking towards her partner and plopping onto the step beside him. She leaned forward and placed her arms across her legs. "What do you want?"

"I would like you to tell me what's bothering you."

Sakura frowned before fixing her gaze on a building on the other side of the street. "I already told you. Nothing is bothering me."

"Aa, you did. However, I don't believe you," he replied simply.

Her eyes narrowed into a glare as she thought about that awful man. "I don't care if you believe me…I don't have to tell you anything."

Wait. Didn't she recently announce that Itachi was her confidant? Then why was she acting like this? Was it because she wasn't sincere when she said that? No, that wasn't it. She had been completely honest when she decided that. Then why?

It was because that bastard pissed her off and…she didn't want to admit it. Most of all to Itachi. Maybe…that wasn't what she should do, though.

"You're right. You don't have to say anything," he responded. "I'm merely asking as your friend, that you confide in me."

Sakura sighed. He was right…of course. "I know and I'm sorry. I was just being stupid." She turned to the Uchiha and smiled slightly. "You are my friend and I did say I would confide in you." She lifted a hand and patted his shoulder, "you were right. I was upset."

Itachi returned the smile, "was it Snake-skin?"

She averted her gaze to the ground, "yeah."

"Were you offended that he refused your offer?"

"If you already know, then why are you even asking?" she asked.

He tilted his head, "I'm confirming."

Sakura smirked and lifted her eyes to his before ruffling his hair. "You can go ahead and consider it confirmed, Snail," she stated. "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."

The ironic thing was that talking to Itachi was what made her feel better.

Itachi smiled in return. "Well then," he nodded. "I suppose the matter is settled then."

She reached an arm across his shoulders and pulled him into a side-hug. "I suppose it is."

The Uchiha returned the gesture by lifting an arm around her before a moment passed and he slowly rising to his feet. He then held his hand out to her. "We should speak with Gregor now."

Sakura nodded before taking his hand with a smile, "excellent idea, Snail-sensei."

He cast her a wink before pulling her up to a standing position. After a moment, he turned and knocked thrice on Gregor's door.

It didn't take long for the door to be opened and the owner of the home greeted them with a wide grin.

"You've returned!" Gregor exclaimed.

"Aa," Itachi replied with a nod.

"Come in," he directed them inside the house.

Sakura raised a questioning brow as the man continuously looked between her and Itachi and sometimes down at their entwined hands. Was something wrong with him? She looked at his appearance briefly and noted that he didn't appear to have contracted the disease. Then what was it?

As they entered the house, the Shinobi glanced down at their hands and frowned slightly. Was there something off with her hand? She didn't see anything different, so that wasn't it. Did her hand look even smaller compared to her friend's? She inwardly sighed and resigned to simply not know as she tilted her head back up to the man.

Gregor closed the door and turned to them, a wide grin still on his face as he continued to focus his attention on the two of them.

The way he was looking at them made her feel slightly uncomfortable and she grudgingly removed her hand from Itachi's grasp.

The man's smile seemed to wane slightly in response before he motioned for them to sit, "how about some tea?"

Itachi nodded before moving to take a seat at the table, "that would be great."

Sakura took the seat beside him and a smirk formed when she glanced at her partner. "Do you happen to have any cake, Gregor?"

The Uchiha tilted his head as he arched a brow at her.

"Sorry, I don't," the man stated as he prepared the tea.

"That's alright. However," she faux-pouted and placed a hand over Itachi's. "Too bad, Snail."

"Are you teasing me, Sakura-san?"

She lifted her other hand and tapped two fingers against his forehead, "of course not, Itachi."

"Hmm," he mused thoughtfully. She noticed his eyes shift to Gregor briefly before returning to her. He then removed his hand from under hers and wrapped it securely around her shoulders.

"Gregor," he began, catching the man's attention. "We've found the cure and have come to help your village. We suspected that it had spread here as well."

Sakura blushed and dropped her gaze. He was doing this on purpose. He must have noticed how uncomfortable she was earlier. 'Hell no,' she thought, looking at him again with a sly smile. If he was trying to get back at her for teasing him, then she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of victory.

"Yes, Gregor," she stated, wrapping an arm around Itachi's waist before resting her head against his shoulder. "Is everyone in the village sick besides you?"

"Yes," he replied as he smiled at them. "Unfortunately, it's quite awful too. Seems the symptoms are a fever, a skin rash, and abdominal pain."

The smile instantly vanished from her face and she furrowed her eyebrows in concentration. "Those are the same symptoms as the other village, 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."

Gregor walked towards the table and set their steaming cups in front of them before proceeding to grab his own. He then took a seat and lifted the tea to his lips as he appeared to ponder 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."

Sakura nodded in agreement, "that's probably the case. The pathogen is in the water and it can spread quickly, but how do we get the cure to all of them?" She lifted a hand to her chin as she considered a possible solution.

"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, "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 way of the medication itself. I'm afraid it will take a great deal more than a mere delivery and inadvertent instruction."

Gregor seemed to deeply consider what he had been told before exhaling. "I will do it," he nodded. "I will accompany the courier to all of the settlements and take the explain everything."

"They might discover you," the Uchiha stated with slightly widened eyes. "How are you going to pull it off? Besides, Sakura-san and I have taken on the responsibility required for this task."

Sakura briefly pondered her partner's first statement before remembering that Gregor was originally from Kanashimi. He must have been hiding here to escape that place. Maybe he didn't want to deal with all the death anymore. It was understandable.

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."

'What? His wife and child died. That's so sad.'

Itachi sighed in apparent resignation before nodding slowly. "If that is what you want, then I will not deny you the assignment."

"Thank you," Gregor smiled happily.

The Uchiha looked down at the Shinobi. "Are you alright with this, Sakura-san?"

"If it's what he wants to do," she looked to Gregor with a warm smile. "Then I won't stand in his way." She then shifted her gaze to meet Itachi's, "I have no objections, Snail."

He nodded as he looked to Gregor, "I supposed it's decided then."

"Good," he replied, taking a sip of his beverage.

Itachi glanced down at his cup before lifting it and taking a drink.

Sakura sighed before removing her arm from his waist and sitting back in her chair. "And yes, Itachi, I was teasing you," she smirked before sipping her own tea.

The Uchiha tilted his head with a smile and paused before withdrawing his arm from around her shoulders.

The pinkette returned the smile and glanced briefly at Gregor before grasping Itachi's hand. "Are we going to start curing people today, Snail?"

"Aa," he nodded. "As well as demonstrating the water purification process. We will leave the rest to Gregor after that and make our way to Kanashimi, hopefully by this evening."

"Alright," she nodded. "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."

She didn't consider it time they lost, however. More like time they had gained. The thought that they were heading to Kanashimi soon meant they were already halfway closer to going home…and everything else that would follow.

Itachi simply nodded again, "I believe it's for the best."

Sakura smiled sadly. 'Maybe…it is for the best.'


'Why isn't the well inside the town?! Sooo inconvenient!' Sakura thought irritably as she stood underneath the tree with cream petals along with the Snail and Gregor. Of course it had to be outside the wall. The other town's well was in the center. This one instead had that tree in the middle. 'Well, it's a pretty tree and I like it…but still! These people, I swear!'

Itachi had explained to her that it would be easier to gather the villagers here to conduct the purification demonstration and she eventually agreed. Now they stood at the base of the tree, the Shinobi's materials and a bucket of water behind her, as the people assembled around them.

Sakura took a deep breath before she started her explanation of the cure's purpose and its effects. She then proceeded to administer it to the cautious people, who didn't fail in showing their obvious reluctance. The bastard, Snake-skin as he was called, portrayed contempt for the antidote before Itachi explained the base component was the Yucca plant.

The girl was certainly grateful that he somehow obliged, although it didn't change her opinion of the man. She still didn't like him at all. After the cure had been given, she requested they also stay for the water purification process. When they returned their attention to her, she began the simple demonstration.

The hour dragged on as she repeated the procedure until the people finally understood and took their own portions of the clean water. Sakura sighed in relief. She only hoped they wouldn't forget the next day. Of course, it didn't seem likely, but these people could be unpredictable sometimes.

Sakura glanced to her left and spotted Itachi conversing with Gregor. She smiled slightly before leaning against the tree and tilting her head to the beautiful sky. This might be their last day in Yokusei together. She had grown so used to seeing those familiar hues above her and…become fond of the company.

She looked at the Uchiha briefly. Every day she woke up seeing him; Him and his beautiful black irises and perfect hair. Soon, they would disappear from her sight…probably forever. She sighed before closing her eyes. What the hell was she thinking about now? Why did she continue to dwell on that? It wasn't going to change anything.

The pinkette stretched her arms over her head before lifting her eyelids and making her way towards her partner. She stopped beside him and Gregor, absently twiddling her fingers through her hair as she waited for them to finish their conversation.

Itachi glanced at her then. He tilted his head and arched a brow before looking to the villagers who were deserting the street and walking in the direction of their homes. "They were somewhat easier than the last group, weren't they?"

"Maybe they were just crazier last time," Sakura shrugged.

"Hmm…" Itachi mused. "I wonder about that."

"Regardless, we have successfully cured them and they know how to cleanse their own water. That's what really matters," she stated.

He nodded, "Aa."

"So," Sakura pursed her lips in thought. "What's the rest of the plan, Snail?"

"How about you have dinner with me at the inn's café?" Gregor offered. "It will be my treat. You can consider it a farewell gift."

"Dinner sounds nice," she replied before looking to her partner. "Itachi, want to have dinner with Gregor?"

The Uchiha nodded in response before turning his attention to the man, "seems we are in agreement. We'll follow you."

"Excellent!" Gregor exclaimed before turning and motioning for both of them to follow, "right this way."

Sakura smiled before reaching down and grabbing Itachi's hand, "come along, Snail."

He returned the smile and simply nodded before following Gregor. Her smile widened as the man led them past several houses and towards a small building before Itachi opened the door and stepped inside. The Shinobi glanced around the cozy room and noticed there were only a few tables present.

Gregor led them to a table beside a window. Itachi sat in one of the chairs and Sakura took the one beside him before taking her hand once more. She again looked around the café before fixing her attention on Gregor. "What do they have here?"

"Well, Miss Sakura," the man replied with a smile. "They have all sorts of things."

"Well," Sakura replied. "What's good that you would recommend?"

"I don't come here that often," he shrugged. "When I do however, I usually stick with the soup."

"Soup, eh? That sounds good," she nodded before turning to Itachi. "What are you getting?"

The Uchiha shrugged, "I'm not sure yet, Sakura-san." He glanced down at his menu and appeared to peruse the choices.

Several moments later, an elderly man approached their table who rubbed his hands together anxiously. "You need sssomething?"

"Yes!" Gregor nodded with forced enthusiasm. "I will have the soup of the day."

"Hahaha!" the man suddenly laughed. "Of course, of course, of course." His smile then instantly vanished and he looked to Sakura. "You?"

She smiled politely, "I will have the same."

The man then focused his gaze on Itachi. "I will just have some spiced rice."

He then turned and ran off towards the kitchen, almost colliding with the door before he pushed it open and disappeared inside.

Sakura shook her head at the man. 'Crazy.' She then looked out the window and to the colorful sky. She noted that there never seemed to be any birds in Yokusei. She could hear Itachi and Gregor's voices, but wasn't concentrating on what they were saying.

The Shinobi thought back to the conversation she had with the Uchiha when she asked his favorite animal. She smirked as she recalled that they both favored a bird species. She attempted to count the number of times she had seen a crow in Konoha before dropping her head in defeat. It was impossible to remember. They were such a common and mysterious animal.

Crows seemed to hide in the shadows and only emerged when the time was right. They were very intelligent birds, after all. They probably had a great amount of patience.

"Hey, Daddy?" a five-year old Sakura asked, as she sat beside her father on the couch. She had a steaming cup of hot chocolate held securely between her hands while he chose a glass of red wine.

"Yes, Sakura?" Kizashi offered his daughter his undivided attention.

"…Why are crows so mean?" she hesitantly asked. Earlier that day, she had been playing under the tree outside their house when a crow suddenly flew down from the upper branches and towards her. She had ducked just before it attacked her.

Kizashi smiled. "Sakura…crows don't attack out of spite," he began gently. "It's an innate defensive ability that everyone, both animals and humans, carry within themselves. For example, if someone attacked me, I would most likely defend myself. It's merely a natural response."

"It didn't have to be so scary. I wasn't intentionally trying to harm it."

"You surprised it, is all," he laughed softly. "In fact, I have another theory behind its actions. Follow me, Sakura." He then proceeded to rise from the sofa and grab his daughter's hand. She placed her mug on the side table before jumping onto the floor beside her father.

Kizashi led the pinkette outside and stopped underneath the tree, examining the higher branches. "I thought so!" he exclaimed, a look of triumph crossing his face as he looked at his daughter.

"What is it, Daddy?" Sakura inquired curiously, rising to the tips of her toes to get a better look.

He laughed again before easily lifting her onto his shoulders. "Look, Sakura. Do you see that?" he asked, pointing to something between the two highest branches.

Sakura leaned forward slightly before an excited smile stretched across her face. "It's a nest! That crow is a mother?"

"Precisely," Kizashi nodded with a proud smile. "Parents also have the natural instinct to protect their children. Granted, this sometimes doesn't show with all parents, but I believe that it resides in everyone, no matter who they are. As humans, I think we are born with the desire to protect."

"Protect?"

"Yes…protect. Why do you think it's so hard for people to lose a loved one? They always wanted to protect them. Some drastically more than others."

"Lose a loved one?" Sakura tilted her head to the side in confusion. "What does that mean, Daddy?"

Kizashi sighed, "I hope you never have to find out."

The black crow then flew into the tree and landed on the branches. It walked towards its nest and looked back at them, almost suspiciously.

Sakura smiled sweetly at the creature. "I'm sorry about earlier, Mr. Bird. I wasn't trying to hurt your children."

Kizashi withheld another laugh as he placed his daughter back on the ground and grabbed her hand before leading her back to the house.

Sakura smiled. She loved her Dad. He was such a good parent to her. When she got home, she was going to run up to him and wrap him in a tight hug. Maybe her Mom would want to join in, as well. Never mind if she wanted to or not, Sakura was going to embrace them both lovingly. She only just realized how much she actually missed them.

Hearing her mother's lectures on society and etiquette and gossiping about villagers. Listening to her father as he taught her another meaningful life lesson. Sitting with both of them at breakfast as her mom complained about the coffee while her dad simply read the newspaper and offered offhanded responses. Laughing with her dad whenever her mom contradicted herself, which she did almost all the time.

Sakura held back a sigh. She really was lucky compared to most people. Her parents were still alive, and not just one, but both. She argued with her mom on so many occasions, but she at least had a mother who she could do that with.

Naruto grew up without knowing his parents. He didn't even know who they were.

Gaara, too, had been scarred by his childhood spent without a mother and a father who didn't give a damn. Not only that, they had both been shunned and hated because they were Jinchuuriki.

Sasuke had lost his entire family and suffered by himself.

Sakura tore her gaze from the window and rested it on her partner.

Itachi had lost them, too.

They were the unlucky ones. They were alone.

'The solitude…you can't even compare it to when your parents get mad at you."

No wonder Sasuke said she didn't understand. There was no way she could ever know what that was like.

"Protect?"

"Yes…protect. Why do you think it's so hard for people to lose a loved one? They always wanted to protect them. Some drastically more than others."

"Lose a loved one?" Sakura tilted her head to the side in confusion. "What does that mean, Daddy?"

Kizashi sighed, "I hope you never have to find out."

Her dad didn't want her to ever experience anything like that. He wanted to protect her, like so many people did for those they loved because, she assumed, it was one of the hardest things a person would ever have to deal with.

Sakura smiled at the Uchiha beside her. Even though that was true, he was still able to smile and laugh and even make jokes that made her feel foolish. How did he do it? She pushed that last thought away. It didn't matter. What mattered was the fact that he could be so positive. It was admirable, really.

The pinkette tightened her hold on his hand as her smile widened. She realized how strong he really was. Not just in skill, but in willpower. She held back a smirk. Maybe…he would fit in with the people in Kanashimi.

Sakura thought about something she hadn't considered since they left Churitsu all those weeks ago. Curing the villagers of the illness…was one of the two tasks assigned to them by the Leader. She had often entertained the thought that they were closer to going home, but never mentally linked it to that. She had legitimately wanted to save the people. Helping people; that was probably the only thing she ever did that wasn't somewhat selfish.

The girl replaced this thought with others of Kanashimi. What would it be like when she returned? What would be the task they were required to complete? Perhaps they could visit the Tachikawas first.

'Yes,' she mentally agreed. Itachi had informants here in Yokusei and that family was the one she had in Kanashimi.

"Itachi?"

The Uchiha smiled in return. "Hmm?" he tilted his head and gently tightened his own hold over her hand.

"I know where we can make our first stop when we go to Kanashimi," she replied enthusiastically.

"Oh?" he asked, arching a brow. "Where is that?"

"When I spent that first week there," she began. "I stayed with a family. The Tachikawas 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 go and see them, if you like."

"The Tachikawas?" Gregor asked curiously and tilted his head as he seemed to recall something. His eyes then widened, "ah, yes. I would often buy vegetables from them at the market. They are good people."

"Yes," Sakura nodded. "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."

"Thank you, Gregor," she grinned. "I am very grateful to them."

"Of course," he replied before lifting a spoon and dipping it into a bowl of soup in front of him.

Sakura blinked and tilted her head before looking down at the bowl in front of her. "When did our food get here?"

"A little while ago, Sakura-san," Itachi stated.

"Oh!" Sakura's eyes widened in realization. "I didn't even notice."

"We still have to work on that," he winked. "Don't we?"

The girl rolled her eyes, grabbing her spoon and placing it in the soup. "I already started working on my manners," she returned the wink. "Sensei."

Itachi simply lifted his fork and took a bite of his rice before his eyes drifted to the window. Sakura followed his gaze and smiled as she remembered the crows. She held the spoon to her lips and sipped the soup as she glanced at the Uchiha. He really did remind her of a crow.


They stood by the broken archway as they face Gregor, who appeared to be on the verge of tears. Sakura had already written detailed instructions for him for both the purification process and the proper administration of the cure. She had also left the rest of the medicine's supply with him as well as the remaining Yucca plants.

The man extended a hand to Itachi who accepted the gesture and shook his hand with a gentle smile.

"It was well met, Itachi," Gregor said before then offering the same hand to Sakura. "You as well, Miss."

Sakura smiled at the man, taking his hand and shaking it. "Same to you, Gregor. You've been a great help."

The man withdrew his hand with a nod and stepped back. "Best of luck to you both and farewell. If you ever find yourselves here again, be sure to stop by."

Itachi's smile widened, "Aa, we definitely will." He then turned and offered the man a small nod, "farewell then."

Sakura held up her hand and waved, "Good bye, Gregor."

She watched as the man then turned slowly and began to make his way to his house. The Shinobi admittedly didn't know the man that well, but she knew she was going to miss him.

Itachi looked to her then, "ready?"

"Yeah," she nodded, turning to face the village's damaged entrance. "Let's go, Snail."

Sakura then stepped forward and started walking across the rubble, careful not to trip over any loose debris. When she was descending on the other side, the pinkette smirked smugly before her foot slipped into a crack and she fell forward, moving her arms protectively in front of her face as she landed on the ground.

There was a slight stinging in her left arm and she felt sore, but it didn't feel like she had broken anything. She heard Itachi rush towards her and kneel down beside her, "are you alright, Sakura-san?"

She nodded as she pushed herself off the ground and into a sitting position. The Uchiha's onyx eyes rested on her arm and his brows slightly creased before he hesitantly extended his arm forward to place it over the source of the stinging. "The cut isn't too deep," he explained as he observed her limb. "But should be cleaned to avoid infection."

Sakura's eyes widened and she abruptly lifted her arm. There was a minor scrape and there wasn't much blood flowing from the wound, but the Snail was right. It needed to be cleaned promptly or risk an infection. She had to deal with various injuries as a medic-nin and a handful that led to infection. Dealing with such a wound was definitely not desirable. "Thanks. That's a good idea."

The Shinobi pulled out her medical equipment from within her bag as well as a package of water and set them on the ground beside her. She then proceeded to procure gauze and a small bottle of ointment from the kit before twisting the cap off the water and pouring a small amount of the liquid over the cut. She dried her arm with the gauze before deftly spreading the balm over the scrape.

Sakura looked back at her satchel and sighed. She had forgotten to get something. "Itachi, can you grab a roll of bandages from my bag?"

Itachi nodded, "Aa." He reached inside the bag and removed the item before handing it to her with a small smile, "there you are."

She accepted it with a grateful smile before unraveling the white cloth and wrapping it around her forearm. She examined her work and smirked triumphantly then placed the materials back in their appropriate places.

Itachi tilted his head slightly before he stood and held his hand out to her. "Ready?"

"Of course, Snail," Sakura responded, patting her bandaged arm in assurance.

The Uchiha nodded, but remained silent. The pinkette gasped quietly when she realized she hadn't taken his hand yet. She hastily reached up and placed her own in his grasp.

He smiled before pulling Sakura to her feet and handing her bag to her. Sakura took it from him and placed it around her shoulder before grinning at her partner. "Shall we go, Sensei?"

"Aa," Itachi responded with a nod before turning. "You should probably clean the wound again when we stop for the night."

Sakura ruffled his hair with a giggle. "I was planning to anyway."

"Well that is no surprise," he poked her forehead and winked. "You are always so very wise, Sakura-san."

She rolled her eyes at him. "If that was true, then you, Itachi, would be a dumbass."

Itachi shook his head. "On the contrary," he began. "You may be wise but I," he smirked playfully. "Am a prodigy."

"Of course," she returned the smirk. "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."

"Alright," Sakura laughed as she swung her arms back and forth. "So, prodigy of your clan, where are we headed?"

Itachi tilted his head and glanced at her. "Well, Littlest Shinobi of Konoha, we are headed to Fu Blood's village to examine the results of your medication one final time."

Sakura mentally agreed, but raised a brow at the nickname. "Littlest Shinobi of Konoha?"

"Aa," he nodded with a smile.

She scoffed, "I don't think it's very fitting, Snail."

"And why is that?"

"It's not true, that's why," the girl replied matter-of-factly.

"Hmm," he mused. "Perhaps not literally but," he tilted his head. "You really are quite small, Sakura-san."

"I suppose that's true," she laughed softly. "However," she playfully punched his shoulder, "you don't have to point it out, Uchiha."

"Oh," Itachi shook his head. "I see you've resorted back to using to using my surname. And," he shrugged, "I suppose I didn't have to but…I wanted to."

"Yes, I am," she smirked. "And weren't you telling me I shouldn't be so impulsive? Does that not also refer to you, Uchiha?"

He again shook his head, "I didn't say it on impulse. In fact, the thought actually comes to mind quite often. Also," the smile fell from his face. "It's Itachi, or Snail. Either will do, really."

"Alright then," Sakura grinned. "For you, and also so you can keep smiling, I will only use those names. It's a promise…Itachi."

In response, the smile returned to his face and he nodded. "I appreciate that…" he then tilted his head and paused before continuing. "…Sakura."

She grinned and grasped his hand again. "Just Sakura? Hmm…" she mused before her smile widened. "I like being called that by you."

His own smile widened and he nodded, "as well you should."


Several hours later, they stopped in a small area that was surrounded by trees and near an ocean bay. The snail was setting out the necessities to make their morning tea and breakfast.

Sakura smiled slightly. 'He really loves his tea.'

He stood then and looked to her with his head tilted. "There's a stream through that section of trees, you should be able to clean your wound properly there."

The Shinobi turned and spotted the area he mentioned. She glanced at her bandaged arm and nodded, "it's about time I changed these anyway."

"Aa," Itachi nodded in agreement.

Sakura pulled the linen wrap from her bag before setting it on the ground. She then looked to her partner with a smile before pulling him into a hug. "I'll be right back. I think you should get some rest, though. You look tired."

Itachi smiled. "I believe I will," he stated, returning her embrace. "And Sakura?" he asked after a brief silence, as he looked down at her. "Be careful."

The girl released a soft sigh, "don't worry." She then rose up on her toes and gave him a light kiss on the cheek before pulling away.

Itachi met her gaze and remained silent as he tilted his head. He then gently brushed the bangs across her forehead and left his hand there a moment before lowering it with a small smile on his face. He nodded in the direction of the stream, "see you soon."

Sakura nodded and pulled away, "hell yeah, Snail." A smirk formed then. "And you'd better be asleep when I get back or I'll just have to force you," she stated, slightly raising her fist.

The Uchiha's smile widened as he shook his head. "That won't be necessary, I assure you."

"Good," she replied and returned the smile before quickly tapping his forehead. "Then there won't be any problems."

"Aa," Itachi nodded before motioning a hand. "Now then, off you go."

"I'm off then. Good bye, Itachi," she responded with a wave. She then turned and cheerily headed towards the stream.

"Bye, Sakura," she heard Itachi say behind her, causing her smile to widen.

The Shinobi walked several minutes before emerging from the line of trees. She spotted the stream directly ahead and made her way over to it. After unraveling the old bandages and setting them in the grass beside their replacement, she dropped onto her knees and leaned forward to place her arm into the water.

The cool water soothed the wound and Sakura sighed in contentment. The landscape was very peaceful. It was quiet, with the exception of the sound of the trees moving in the wind and the running stream. The moon shone brightly against the dark sky and the dark waters seemed to sparkle in the radiant light.

Sakura lifted a hand to her mouth as she released a yawn. She was tired also, but this came first, even before her desire to curl up next to Itachi and welcome sleep. She splashed some water on her face, the coolness helping to keep her awake and aware.

The pinkette sat down in the grass as she waited for her arm to dry. How could she forget the gauze? It was probably because she didn't think about it…or was distracted.

She felt her face heat up slightly as she remembered how she had given Itachi a kiss on the cheek. Why did she do that? Like he always told her, she was simply being impulsive…but why? She shrugged in response. There was no way she could answer that question. It just…felt right.

Sakura was broken from her thoughts by a sudden rustling behind her. Her instincts kicked in and she instantly jumped to her feet and pulled out a kunai, assuming a defensive position. A shadow emerged from the trees and the girl squinted in an attempt to identify the strange person.

The shadow had the build of a man and was tall. That was basically what she could make out in this darkness. The first person that came to mind was Itachi. It would be weird for him to just creep up on her and stand there in the dark, especially when he informed her he was going to rest. Also…it didn't really look like Itachi.

Regardless, Sakura took a step closer and cautiously asked, "Snail?"

She heard a throaty chuckle come from the mysterious man and she tensed up. "I am not a snail, nor have I eaten the creature. However," he took a step forward and the moon shone on a tall, lanky man with long black hair and pale skin. "I have a theory that they go well with child and cabbage in a," he licked his lips, "delectable stew."

The man's voice sent a shiver down her spine and she tensed. "Cabbage…and what?"

He released another chuckle, "my apologies. I failed to introduce myself. My name…is Dimmur." He took another step towards her and she backed away. "And what is yours, my sweet?"

Sakura extended the weapon in front of her and swallowed.

"I asked you…" he continued advancing closer until Sakura was pressed against a tree. "What your name is."

"S-Sakura," she replied fearfully before she felt her courage return slightly. "And…I'm not your sweet."

"Oh?" Dimmur asked with a chuckle before placing his mouth next to her ear. "I suppose you're right. At least, for now. And Sakura…is such a delicious name for a meal."

Sakura raised her kunai and sliced it against the man's cheek and took the opportunity to slip under his arm and away from him.

He didn't react to the wound and simply lifted his thumb and used it to wipe off the blood before licking it. An expression of both satisfaction and disappointment crossed his features as he turned to face her.

"That was…fulfilling, as always, but…" Dimmur's tongue protruded from his mouth as he quickly ran at Sakura and tightly grabbed her arm. He raised it to his lips and ran his tongue against the scrape. "Your taste is much more pleasing."

Sakura gasped in disgust and she shoved the creep away, but his grip on her arm only tightened. "What the hell are you talking about?!"

Dimmur laughed gruffly and a crooked smile formed. "I told you before, didn't I? The smell…is better than the taste. And your scent," he pulled her closer and sniffed her hair, "has stuck with me. I have followed it ever since my senses were first attracted to it. It's…alluring and is what led me to you tonight." He raised her arm and again licked the cut, "your blood's scent that is."

Sakura's eyes widened and she continued to struggle as the man licked the blood off her arm again and again and again. Finally, he wiped the remnants from his lips and smiled, revealing his sharp teeth.

"What…do you want with me, Dimmur?"

"I am going to…make an exception this time. If the smell is this intoxicating…" he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her towards him before placing his nose over her neck and inhaling deeply. "…Then I can't even imagine what the taste will be. This time…the taste will be better than the smell."

"…W-w-what are you going to do?" Sakura asked, the fear washing over her once again.

Dimmur chuckled as he pulled the kunai from her loose grip and twirled it around his forefinger. "I was torn between a casserole and a soup, but," he inhaled again, "a soup is what I decided. I think the ingredients would…bring out your flavor quite nicely. So, to answer your question, I am going to…" he raised the steel weapon and hit the hilt against the base of her neck. "…Eat you, my sweet Sakura."

Sakura felt her consciousness fading.

'I promised...to come back.'

The swaying grass came closer as she fell forward.

'I'm sorry…Itachi.'

Her vision blackened and she knew she would be unconscious soon.

'Will I ever…see you again?'

The last image she saw was Itachi's smiling face and she felt the corners of her mouth rise slightly.

'At least…I got to say good bye.'