Five years later

Sakura had been waiting for this day since she started the academy. Today was the day, she would be placed on a genin team. Like every other girl in the class she hoped she would be on Sasuke's team.

"If I get on Sasuke's team Ino will be so jealous! Then maybe he would notice me."

"Team seven will consist of Naruto Uzmaki, Sakura Haruno, and Sasuke Uchiha" announced Iruka.

"Ha! Take that Ino! It only makes sense that the top two in the class will be on the same team!"

"Awww man! I have to be on a team with Sasuke…. This sucks!" Muttered Naruto.

Later that day

Itachi had just returned home from his mission, he was gone longer than expected due to complications. It was supposed to be a simple assassination mission, his team had ran into the one person Itachi loathed most in this world, Orochimaru. Ever since that day five years ago, he vowed to protect her. He needed to protect her, she was his light, his hope, and his purpose.

He stumbled into his family's house, careful not to get blood anywhere from his dripping shoulder. His cousin had been worse than he, but Itachi opted to stay out of the hospital. His mother became frantic at the sight of her oldest son coming home injured. Lady Uchiha was stunned, Itachi rarely came home injured.

"Itachi what happened?" His mother gasped.

"It's nothing, just a small cut," Itachi said calmly trying to get away from his mother. He needed to tend to his injury and ensure that Sakura was alright. Orochimaru had been very clear during their encounter.

Flashback

"That girl she is precious to you?" Orochimaru smirked.

"Leave her out of this, she has nothing to do with this," Itachi's eyes narrowed.

"Oh but Ita-kun, she has everything to do with this. She will be your downfall."

Itachi knew Orochimaru would try to use Sakura as bait. But he couldn't fallow her around all the time, could he? The Uchiha heir knew it was extreme but he couldn't risk her being hurt. She had given him purpose in life, someone to cherish. Yes, he would ensure her happiness.

The only question was, when would Orochimaru strike? Itachi needed to stop; this was going to drive him crazy; he just needed to check in on her.

He gazed up at the pink haired maiden's window. He bounded up to her balcony, effortlessly. Sakura always made sure all the windows were securely shut before she went to sleep. It he could not see inside her bed room for the curtains were closed. Itachi activated his sharingan. He looked through the walls, only to find her bedroom empty. Itachi then looked father into the apartment to find she was in her living room.

Itachi knew he should have left right then, but he could not bring himself to do it. Itachi had to break into the apartment, if he was going to see her. He softly put his kunai on the side of the window frame and repositioned the lock open. He gracefully slid the window aside and entered the apartment all in one motion. Itachi found he was in Sakura's room. The soundings were still the same, everything neat and tidy, just as he remembered. Itachi often found himself outside the cherry blossom's window after long missions. Ever since he saw her he would always check on her after his extended missions.

He continued through her bedroom into the shadowy hallway, which led to the living area. The sofa was facing the entryway, only to assume she could see who arrived outside her door. He could not see her but Itachi could hear the soft sounds of her breathing. Peering around the sofa, he found her; Sakura's hair thrown around her like a halo, one arm hanging off the end, which had dropped a book to the ground. She must have fallen asleep while reading.

Itachi paused she looked beautiful, sweet, and innocent. Looking at her like this made him want to know why she had even chosen to be a ninja. She didn't have the appearance of a ninja that was for sure.

Sakura stirred bring him out of his thoughts, moving to get more comfortable. Against his better judgment, he hoisted her into his arms, moving toward her bedroom. Itachi moved the sheets aside and rested her on the bed. She mumbled something, but Itachi couldn't make it out as he pulled the sheet over her to protect her from the night's cold.

Itachi decided he needed to leave, if he stayed he would never get any sleep watching over her. He went out the window, locking it before he leaped back down to the ground. Strolling back home was the best option. He didn't need to strain himself more by running on rooftops just to get back home. He began walking and was soon met by his cousin.

"Your mother sent me out looking for you"

"Hn."

"You went to see her, didn't you?" Shisui inquired.

"Yes." Itachi replied.

The two cousins had the same small conversations they always have after returning from long missions.

Sorry it took so long to update, there has been snow where I live and I hit a writer's block. Please let me know what you think of this chapter. I know it seems a bit slow but I hope things will pick up soon. P.S. it this length better than the first two, or maybe a little longer.